July 17, Zambujal, 392 km

Got through another heat wave the last couple of days by getting up early and walking shorter distances (12-14 kilometers; 8 +miles). I would get to my destination around noon. Today the temperature dropped back to a comfortable level, 60° at 7, and never above 80°. It was a 22 km day (not quite 14 miles) and quite pleasant. Mostly dirt roads and paths. Stopped for a big lunch, bean soup, fish with seasoned rice, a beer, and a slice of fresh fruit, for 11€. Then had another 4 km walk and arrived at my destination at 4. Tomorrow is 24 km (15 miles) to Coimbra. It is supposed to be a really cool city. Will spend a zero day there.

A few days ago I experienced some Camino magic. I was walking through a eucalyptus forest, and it was hot. The dirt road indicated I could go up a steep slope to the left, or turn right. Underneath the signs a big rock had been painted bright orange, and said Casa Paradise 2 km and pointed left. Casa Paradise turned out to be a small house with two rooms for pilgrims. The owner was dutch, and was quite a character. He fed me dinner, took me to a local swimming hole that had crystal clear ice cold water, and provided breakfast the next day. Exactly what I needed when I needed it.

The view from my room in Zambujal.