Vila Praia de Ancora – A Guarda (Spain)
Today is the last day of my Camino journey in Portugal. After breakfast at the hotel, I walked to the Ancora beach for one last look. The surfers were already in the water. As I started out of town, I connected with Rosie and Terry again and we took our morning photos! It was interesting to see the benches and swings along the water.
Once again, the coast is quite rugged. Tidal pools that served as salt harvesting sites. A seaside chapel. Rows of rocks and stones along the land that could have defined property and villages from many centuries ago.
We came across a small memorial within a large rock. I had been looking for a site to place my own memorial to my grand-niece Taylor. I have been thinking of her throughout this journey and felt this is the spot where I can leave my memorial ribbon. I hope you enjoy the views, Taylor. We miss you so much.
It was also a time for me to reflect on other losses over the years – my sisters Barb and Donna and their spouses Fred and Bill, my friends Beth and Lynne – all who left us much too soon. I feel so fortunate to have my health and to be able to take time to enjoy what brings joy in my life – family, friends, travel.
The path continues along the coast and the triangle mountain on the horizon gets a little bigger. This is Mount Santa Tegra in Spain. The destination for the day is on the other side. The next short stage is on a shady path leading to the Minho River flowing into the Atlantic at the town of Caminha.
Mount Santa Tegra
Lagateria Fortress 
At Caminha most people will cross the Minho River over to Spain. There is an overland path crossing a bridge to the east, but that would add about 25 kms to the day. The boat sounds like a much better option. In the past, a ferry crossed the river, but that was discontinued in about 2019. I have heard that the river needs to be dredged in order for the ferry to operate again. At the ferry terminal we purchase a 6 Euro ticket and take a coffee break. Rosie and Terry are there, along with with two Australian men from the Sydney area. The 5 of us board a little boat for the 5 minute ride to the other side.
With two ways to walk to A Guarda, the 5 of us choose to walk up and over the mountain rather than along the coast…although we did loose our way temporarily. On our detour, we found a greeter (a dog on top of the fence). He was friendly. We back tracked and found the marker to direct us to A Guarda.
After about a 3.5 km climb, we descended into A Guarda. I found my hotel and was able to check in early (it was about noon). With my daily laundry done, I headed out to explore the town and have some lunch on the harbour. The plaza close to my hotel featured benches and trees decorated with crocheted squares, apparently made by the older women of the town.
After a lunch on a patio beside the harbour, I continued to explore the town. It was Sunday, so the museums and shops were not open today.
I walked up at down these stairs a few times! 
Former Monestery – now a hotel 
With the daily walk being fairly short today, I decided to walk along the coastal path for some different views of the town. I heard that there were Celtic and Roman ruins at the top of the mountain, but also heard that the trail was quite steep. I wasn’t willing to tackle that on my own.
Back to the hotel for a little rest. In Portugal, restaurants sometimes closed about 3 pm then re-opened for dinner at 7:30 or 8:00. In Spain this became more of the norm. Around 7 I walked down to Port Street on the Harbour where most of the restaurants were located. I could see groups of people on the street and I felt a little intimidated to find a place for dinner. I was walking back up towards my hotel when I ran into Rosie and Terry who were just heading out for dinner. They invited me to join them. I remembered seeing a tapas restaurant just a little beyond the “restaurant row” and up a little hill. That’s where we had a delicious dinner with a nice Spanish wine, overlooking the Atlantic. It is the first time I tasted octopus and grilled padron peppers…so good. Sorry…didn’t take a photo!
Expected distance today 13 km. Actual distance walked 27.8 km – 36,459 steps.
