Author Archives: Abi May

This is a Google map I had printed before we left on our trip. It was the plan of the route as far as Vigo, at which time John was meant to fly home, and Margaret and I would have continued walking. The highlit places along the route are where we had accommodation. Each dayContinue reading “Camino ‘magic’?”

All things being well, today is the day we were scheduled to walk into Santiago – a relatively short walk after a night spent in Milladoiro. But it was not to be. Life is full of surprises, some good and some less welcome. The coronavirus pandemic definitely falls into the category of unwelcome! But toContinue reading “Today we would have arrived”

Our accomodation is some 30 kilometres up the road from where we finished our walk yesterday. That was Moldes, a nondescript village that is on the route of the detour we had to take because of the missing bridge. It is a rather unglamorous ending but ending it is. This morning we changed our flights.Continue reading “Moldes – the end of this Camino”

18 km with ponchos flapping. John drove us to where we stopped yesterday and we started walking, progressing rapidly through the outskirts of Esposende. Then, for the first time, it rained. Lightly at first but then a heavy downpour. Margaret’s rain poncho was great, mine was not, though I also had a jacket on. WeContinue reading “Day 5. Rain finally”

Another 15 km today, so that brings us to 63 km in 4 days. Not bad going. We didn’t start walking until 1 pm. I couldn’t sleep the night before…and spent a lot of time reading about the impact of coronavirus restrictions. By the time the day began for the three of us, we discussedContinue reading “Day 4. Esposende and changing plans”

16 km today. Interesting route through Vila de Conde and Povoa do Varzim, then down the coast. Wind much less and an easier walk. Stopped in an ornate church. We have ended the walk in a bar on the coast. Tomorrow we will pick up our tracks and continue to Esposende, hopefully. Health wise weContinue reading “Day 3. Past Povoa do Varzim”

After a fantastic breakfast at O Valentim Hotel, we packed up and headed up the coast. The scenery is gorgeous. Sun, sand and waves crashing on the rocks. The first section took us over a bridge and through a built up area, but then we reached the board walks and walked for miles. At firstContinue reading “Day 2. To Vila Cha”

About 14 km today, a good start. Step 1. Breakfast. 2. Bus to Porto. 3. The Cathedral Here we bought our Credenciales or Pilgrim passports. We will get them stamped once a day until the last 100 km when it will be twice. After that we sat in the Cathedral for a few minutes ofContinue reading “Day 1. Porto Cathedral to Matosinhos”

Taxi picked us up 7:30 am. Arrived at Manchester Airport with plenty of time. Flew to Madrid. Confusing airport! Flew to Porto. Picked up hire car, went to hotel. Now it gets a bit more interesting. Our hotel is on a street famous for its fish and seafood restaurants. Nothing fancy but good food. TheContinue reading “Arriving”