The guidebook said this stage isn’t very nice. I’m surprised, I really liked it.

There was a ton of walking in little towns and neighborhoods. That’s some of my favorite walking. (You walk in forests and you could be just about anywhere. You walk through a 500 year old village you know you’re not in the United States.)

Águeda

This town’s economy is mostly industrial along with some winemaking. They have been working on expanding tourism including adding decorations all over town to brighten things up. It definitely works. The walk down the narrow streets with umbrellas overhead is magical.

There appear to be lots of good restaurants too. I had a great lunch of seasoned chicken and piglet bread (bread baked with pork and spices in it). I also had some tasty Tapas for dinner.

Newborn Camino

And here is the couple I mentioned earlier that is walking the Camino with their newborn. They’re using the Dad’s paternity leave (plus some PTO) to do this walk. Every time I talk to them they are in a good mood including the baby, although Mom is having some leg issues. They were at my albergue last night, and I heard the baby cry a little but not much. Amazing.

Tomorrow

I have short day of only about 7 miles then Saturday will be a long one.