Day 5 – Golega to Tomar – 12-May-2018
The morning started out as crisp and cool, as we left in the dark. The way out of Golega was fairly straightforward and we’d left the city within 20 or so minutes.
Our modus operandi has been to start out early, get a couple of hours of walking under our belt, before having breakfast. The issue we’ve been finding is that we are unable to find anything open. This morning we got to about 9:30 and still nothing on offer, so we stopped at a abandoned and dilapidated town (Quinta Da Cardiga), which would have been a bustling town in its prime, but now lies in ruin and waste. We shared a couple of oranges and some crackers, but these did not hit the spot. We had a quick look around and found some amazing, ornate and elaborate buildings which would have been absolute treasures in their hey day.
We passed a number of villages and towns which were gradually awakening from their slumber, but still no cafe, although we were extremely lucky to come across a travelling baker, who was able to provide with some bread, pastries and sweets, which we quickly scoffed down. And as typically happens, five minutes after we had all the goodies, we came across an open cafe.
Passing through more villages and towns, we eventually came across some real bushwalking conditions – some good climbs, some good descents and kilometers of good bush earth and stone tracks – a fabulous change from the super busy highways of the last few days, dodging cars, trucks, buses and motor bikes coming up against you. It felt good to walk through such pleasant countryside of large Eucalyptus stands.
Today we were walking with James, our new Irish Friend, and Michelle, a new friend from the US.
I always enjoy walking with people, as by conversing and discussing, the kilometers while away a lot more quickly, and today was no exception. However this day was also a long one, as we had 32 kms to complete, and the further we went, the further the town of Tomar seemed to be from us.
We eventually reached our Albergue at around 3:30pm, well and truly spent and out of petrol, but glad to have reached our destination once again.
A quick shower, a short rest to recharge the batteries and then out for a look around at this historic town, followed by a quick bite for dinner and off to the land of Zeus for the night.
Tomorrow is a rest day which we will use to go to Fatima and have a look around there.
May 12, 2018 @ 8:41 pm
Great photos! Lovely to see some beautiful greenery of nature…
Keep up the good work.. Enjoy the rest day!!
Love Frances
May 12, 2018 @ 9:06 pm
My friend Sandra (who loves her camera) would have thoroughly enjoyed the ruins of that old town. Abandoned because of ??? Progress?? Fabulous photos boys. Hope your feet are good. Blog indicates so
May 13, 2018 @ 12:10 am
Buen Camino!! Lovely job documenting the journey. Happy to follow along in spirit.
July 16, 2018 @ 8:12 am
Hi Sabrina & Quinn
Hope all is well with you 2, and I trust your trip through some of the states went well also Sabrina.
I have now returned home, after a bit over 9 weeks on the road. Glad to be home, but lots to do around the place, although that was to be expected.
Thank you for your interest in our journey.
Stay safe, keep well and stay in touch.
Cheers
Lawrence
May 13, 2018 @ 12:28 am
Jose, looks like you are having a great time on your walk, beautiful pictures.
Good luck, we will keep reading your postings. Regards to you and Lawrence, Chau
May 13, 2018 @ 6:20 pm
Thanks for the mention Jose. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and it has been a lovely experience meeting you and the others 🙂
May 15, 2018 @ 6:59 pm
Thank you for the wonderful miles we shared! Your photos and commentary relive each exquisite and special day along the Camino! Blessings to you all in the coming days!