A couple of the guys in the bunk room at the alburgue in Vila do Conde got up at 5:30 AM and woke me up. I decided that as long as I am up I might as well get going. I was out of the alburgue by 6:30 and walked out to the coast. It was very overcast and windy and wet for most of the day.
As I was walking the Way outside Vila do Conde I came upon this golf course.
After lunch the pro tried to set me up with three of the members for 18 holes and a high stakes pig and wolf game. I was tempted but I told him that this pilgrim was on a religious journey to Santiago and that I should probably avoid golf and gambling while I am on my pilgrimage. He understood but invited me back after I have finished my journey. As I was leaving he tried to load me down with a dozen Titleists with the club’s logo and assorted hats and shirts. I told him that I am traveling light and that golf attire is probably not acceptable attire for a pilgrimage.
The fish was not good. As a matter of fact the whole meal was not good. I ate it because I was hungry but it was not a treat for my tastebuds.
After lunch I found this church and went inside to say a prayer for everyone on my prayer list.
I couldn’t find a place to stay in my intended end point, Esposende, so I wound up walking another 5 kilometers in a torrential downpour to get to Marinhas and the municipal alburgue. Thank God they are open and thank God I got a bottom bunk. This is not a complaint it is just an observation, the water in the shower was freezing cold. And I was really looking forward to a nice, long, hot shower. These things happen at an 8 dollar a night municipal alburgue.
Due in part to all the walking in wet socks and shoes and the distance I walked, too far, I developed a big blister on the pinky toe on my right foot. The hospitalera at the alburgue told me that there was a clinic a couple of blocks away that takes care of Pilgrim injuries, gratis. I walked down to the clinic and they let me see a nurse right away.
Good night from Marinhas, Portugal.
Steps walked – 39,000
Kilometers walked – 36 – way too many kilometers!
Flights of stairs climbed – 6
The forecast is for rain all day tomorrow. I might take a bus or a taxi to my next stop, Viana do Costello. It appears to be only 20 kilometers away. I have reserved a bed in an alburgue that opens at 2:00. It might be nice to take a break and avoid another day of walking in the rain. We’ll see.
AbeAndMarkontheCamino 