Barcelos to Ponte de Lima: learn from my stupidity

Dear all,
Just to prove how stupid a grown man can be....

A few days ago, I walked the gentle 16km from Rates to Barcelos, arriving before noon. I decided to continue along the path in the direction of Ponte de Lima. I would - I felt sure - pick up accommodation along the way. There are a number of quintas and "bars with accommodation" mentioned in various places.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

I finally arrived in Ponte de Lima at 8.30. Luckily, I got into the first hotel in the town. 50km (Rates '-Ponte de Lima) in one day is just plain stupid. I should be old enough and experienced enough not to leave myself with such a long plod. My advice therefore is obvious --arrange for accommodation or transport before you set off from Barcelos.

It is one thing to journey in faith, quite another to commit oneself to stupid physical demands.
older, if not wiser,
Gyro

JohnnieWalker said:

I hope the rest of you pilgrimage goes well.

What's the weather like?

John

Click to expand...

Dear John,
Many thanks for posting this information. I am sure it will be useful for other pilgrims.
I have been thoroughly enjoying the pilgrimage. The weather has been quite wet, with rain showers most days. The Spanish press --surprise, surprise-- are making a story out of this, stating that there is a condition of "yellow alert" in 14 provinces.

And on we go
Gyro