Camino Portuguese: Day 3

10/11/12  Fao to Viana do Castelo, 27.5km

Morning view, heading out of Fao.

This stream crossing was so tranquil and quiet, I could have sat here all day just enjoying myself.

   Today's walk started out following along the coast then moved inland as I walked the "Costa" route.  I found an albergue in Marinhas that wasn't listed anywhere.  It looked really nice.  It was closed, though.  The "Orla Litoral" route looked sketchy so I decided to play it safe and stick to the other route.  There was a great stretch through the woods and a river crossing with a stone bridge.  I could have stayed there for hours.  The rest of the day was a slog through neighborhoods, eventually leading up to the Eiffel bridge.  Yep.  Designed by the same guy as the Eiffel Tower.  

I'll freely admit.  I spent a LOT of time here.  These goats were very curious and so cute, I couldn't help myself!

   As I was coming off the bridge, a guy on a bicycle offered to take me to the local church where the priests hosted pilgrims.  I had my mind set on cleaning my clothes in a washer and dryer at the youth hostel so I declined his offer.  I found the hostel, and on check-in asked about the washer and dryer.  Sadly, they were out of order.  I was pretty tired, so I took a shower, skipped dinner and spent some time chatting with the front desk person at the hostel.  She was very kind and I really enjoyed the conversation. Still no pilgrims and as near as I can tell, there weren't a lot of people in the hostel either.  I had another 4 bunk room to myself.