July 26, Porto 271 km

I’m going on the coastal route from here, because it’s likely to be cooler, and flatter. It adds about 30 km to the trip, but avoiding heat is a higher priority. Got into Porto yesterday. 0 day today. This is in my opinion a world class city. Major river empties into the ocean, steep hills, beautiful bridges, including one built by Eiffel. Took a boat tour today on a small boat (8 passengers). There was a French family with 2 children, and two swiss women, and me. The guide was very nice. A delicious lunch, and now some relaxation before laundry, and a bit of exploring. In the middle of another heat wave.

I have been having more Camino experiences. For several days I crossed paths with 3 recent California college grads, a couple from France (Florence and Phillip), and an Isreali who joined the Americans. I had a fabulous dinner in a restaurant where the owner sat down and told me about their philosophy, and convinced me to order what he told me to. The main course was a type of bread, topped with a small steak, an egg, and a sauce that was absolutely delicious. The appetizer was 4 kinds of mushrooms with rice and another sauce.

I walked for 6 days in a row averaging about 22 km a day, a little less than 15 miles. I have my Camino legs. Feet are doing pretty well. I had one blister on my 3rd toe, but put compeed on it and it’s good. Started using hiker’s wool again. It’s almost magical in the way it reduces foot pain.

Haven’t posted for a while so here’s some pictures along the way.