The Enchanted Ground

São João de Madeira to Sermonde 14.64 miles

Somehow it has come to pass that a 14 mile day is not a long one. So we must be getting fitter, despite the blisters. Yesterday's walk was probably the longest we shall have to do and for the next few days, as we approach Porto, the feet will be getting a bit of a rest.

I've posted this photo as my blip for several reasons apart from just liking it :-) First of all it shows the cobbled streets which are so much a feature of Portugal. In Lisbon the pavements are all black and white limestone cobbles in pretty patterns. Up here, a lot of the roads are made of these rough square cobbles which are hard to walk on. Today's route was all on roads. Cars driven on cobbles are very noisy. Drivers here go very fast and very close to walkers. Not nice.

Second..the Silk Hotel is an actual real hotel near here. I'm in awe of the Portuguese hospitality industry. Hotels are generally inexpensive but the standard of provision, cleanliness and welcome is just amazing. Tonight we are staying in a self catering apartment which is like a Wendy house (see extra) After a warm welcome (with a glass of local port) and a hot shower, we nipped out to supermarket and bought some food for tea - Sarah cooked up some corn pasta with peppers and olives with a rocket salad (second extra).

We can have a lie in tomorrow as our walk to Porto is a short one. Breakfast at 8 :-)

Goodnight everybody!