Left Ponte de Lima a little late this morning, but we’re not concerned because it was “only” supposed to be “10 miles”. Our destination was the small town of Rubiães. We had not been able to find anything in that town, so booked a room in a large old house about 2 1/2 miles from that destination. The hike started out departing the city of Ponte de Lima walking across a
1200 year old bridge. The structures on the other side of the river looked so old and immediately brought back memories of our French Camino.
This was by far the most authentic Camino de Santiago feel we have had in 6 days. The first five miles were essentially flat, with a few rolling hills. After trekking through gorgeous paths alongside several powerful waterfalls, we felt it was by far our best day on the Camino.
Then came the ascent, which not only climbed almost 1,800 feet in elevation, it was often up technically difficult rocky surfaces.. We then descended about 1,400 feet and looked for our housing reservations in a very remote area. Our inability to effectively speak Portuguese delayed our arrival.
Tomorrow will be the last day we will spend in Portugal. Looking forward to the Spanish language!
BUEN CAMINO
