Day 5 - Viana Do Castelo to Vila Praia de Áncora

Today was quite a day! 13.4 miles. It was raining about half of the time. Around lunch time we went off the Camino, looking for a place to eat that was recommended to us on a FB forum. Well, we ended up walking over 2 miles on the side of a highway, to find out it was closed! We finally found a way to get back on track, and then found another popular restaurant that we heard some local telling another group of pilgrims about earlier (they gave up looking for it), where we shared a steak lunch/dinner (“linner”).

After eating back on the Camino we went. When we started earlier today, we had two options: go by the sea, or take the inland route. Well, we were told that the inland route was very difficult, up & down hills, rocks, mud, etc. We took the hotel reception person’s suggestion and went by the sea. Whew, we thought. It was the best decision!

Befire lunch we met some young 20-something guys on the trail, who had taken the inland route in the morning, and they said it was brutal, awful, terrible! Glad we skipped it!

Well, guess what, the trail after lunch, which was supposed to be easier than the part we skipped, turned out to be very challenging for us. I posted photos (and a video here on my feed earlier). Rocks, hills, mud (but no rain!) As we walked we were sharing positive statements like:
- at least it’s not raining
- the scenery is gorgeous
- it’s so peaceful
- we are with each other

After it was all said and done, we were very proud of ourselves for doing it! We started at 9:40 am and finished at 7:30 pm! We were very tired! Also, we no longer trust the daily distances we read for each of our stages! So far, it’s been more!!