Day 2 Camino: Vila do Conde to Esposende

I thought I would wake up sore and tired…but that was not the case. I was excited to start the day. I packed up my bag and went downstairs for breakfast. Lots of selection including yoghurt, fruit, eggs, yummy bread, cheese and meat. I made a little sandwich to take on the trail. I am ready to walk!

I was a little nervous leaving as I wasn’t sure which direction to start out. I saw another pilgrim walking and followed along. Soon, I found the yellow arrows. Good thing, ’cause I would have headed in the wrong direction! I also have an app called Buen Camino which shows where you are on the trail. It has saved me from getting lost a few times during the week. When I passed a couple of women on the streets, they were also worried they were going the wrong way. But with the app, I encouraged them to follow me…if we got lost, we would at least be together!

As I walked through the town, near the high school, I came across this sculpture in a roundabout!

It didn’t take long to get to the next town of Poava de Varzim. The streets were quiet, so it was easy to navigate.

This is a newer community right on the beach. Stopped for a café con leite along the promenade and continued on the path. There were many restaurants and bars along the beach (not open so early in the morning), and towers of apartments across the street.

Next area is A Ver-o-Mar. The scenery continues to be amazing.

More beach views before coming to the next town of Agucadoura where I found an old windmill in a backyard and beautiful tile work on a house. The path continues on to Praia de Estela and another decommissioned windmill along the beach. In a little while, more sand dunes. Not many pilgrims on the path today. It is mostly a solitary walk and I don’t mind. Time to enjoy the views and be grateful for my life.

After more coastal walking the path changes to an inland path. It is a nice change. A combination of dirt roads and boardwalks alongside a golf course and small farms.

The next town is Apulia and I pass by the church, some left-over Christmas decorations, an orange tree, grapevines and walk a shady trail towards the town of Fao.

The town of Fao is just before the destination of today, Esposende, which is across the Cadavo River via the Bridge of D. Luis Filipe, built in 1892. Before reaching the bridge, there are views of Senhor Bom Jesus of Fao Monastery and a local street. Again, I am surprised at how quickly the day went by.

Esposende is a beautiful beach town, on an estuary where the waters are filled with para-sailors during the day. The hotel was at the farthest end and I thought I had missed it, but two older Portugese men directed me to the hotel, using sign language. All the locals I have met are so friendly. The hotel is beautiful (Hotel Sauve Mar) with a lovely pool (which I didn’t use). My little room actually had a little balcony so I was able to wash some clothes and put them outside to dry. Although I had a long day of walking, I knew I had to get some more Vaseline for my feet to prevent blisters. So I walked back to the main part of town and found a pharmacy, then a produce store to buy some fruit for the next day’s walk.

I walked along the promenade on the way back to the hotel and stopped for a late lunch (early dinner) at a restaurant along the estuary where I watched the para-sailors. Back to the hotel for a little rest. I wanted to see a few other sites in the evening and perhaps catch the sunset. On my way out, I heard someone call my name. It was Rosie (who I met in Porto). She and Terry were staying at the same hotel and were going for dinner as it was her birthday. We agreed to meet at breakfast.

I wandered along the estuary and down to the beach. It was a beautiful evening. Managed to get a few good shots, then headed back to the hotel for a good rest. It will be another long walking day tomorrow.

Anticipated distance Vila do Conde to Esposende: 23.5 kms.

Actual walk including walking back to town centre and exploring the town: 32.6 kms Total steps 44,808