Portuguese Camino Day 4 (Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Ancora, 19 km)

We were tempted to walk along the beach (the Senda Litoral) but our friend Mr Brierley suggested that it would be exposed to both sun and wind, so we preferred the inland path, even though he was quite right about the hard paths underfoot!

We’re now sitting in Hotel Meira, having finished the walk in good time and arrived at what is still a rather unspoiled surfing beach. The local architecture is a bit Soviet, but much of the old town is still here behind the concrete apartments. Someone made the comment that they were glad to see it now, because in ten years Praia de Ancora would be completely change into something more upmarket.

The journey was very hot and the humidity low, so we were a little worried about hydration, but the slightly shorter day was a blessing.

The walk was not as rural as yesterday but there was still room for the quirky.

But the real attraction was finishing the walk along the beach as we walked to Hotel Meira. We were to discover that it was packed to the gunwhales with pilgrims. We walked down to the local bar (Ocean) and were looking for a table when we spotted Jane and Thu Hang. We were drinking and they were eating dinner. It didn’t matter.

We are also regularly meeting a Canadian couple, Rod and Cynthia. Rod has done three Caminos and has clearly talked the very elegant Cynthia into sharing this trip. Rod is always on the lookout for the chance to help or be friendly, while Cynthia looks on with a bit of a twinkle in the eye.

We have a rest day tomorrow, which will be nice, although the sunset speaks of a smoky day. I think most of the town is ready for the winter break. Our dinner was delightful but the service was a little on the weary side!