Saturday 24 January 2015

around Almograve . . .

. . . the Pousdada de Juventude is  interesting . . . never been in a prison, but this has an institutional ambience, albeit friendly . . . being the only guest left for breakfast adds to the surreal feel . . . free wifi. . . which, like all the Pousadas never seems to work properly . . . cold at night too, being designed for summer when the beach people arrive . . . and being institutional, have no qualms about leaving the heater on all night, though it struggles to compete with incoming fresh air . . .

. . . reflecting, on my roadside walk back to Cavaleiro, and strong internet with good ambience at the Rocamar . . . is the cheap deal, almost within budget, influencing decisions? Or the weather, still winter and heading north? Since all options are open, let's see what appears and since the dog sitting in Graca is now set for March (though still an open invitation to stay), maybe south down the inland Rota Vicentina and east along the Via Algarviana to Alcoutim . . .

. . . seems some promotion in the UK of these wonderful winter walks worthwhile, quiet trails, space in the hostels, good walking weather (the Portuguese folks I discuss it with mention the rain, though may not have spent much time in Britain . . . a few showers, the odd longer spell . . . but as the saying goes: no bad weather, only the wrong clothes) . . .

. . . back in Almograve, an hour watching the sun set, then supper and two French pilgrims, Monique and Gerard, from Bordeaux, walking to Santiago de Compostela . . . they think I understand French, since I speak a bit and nod and smile when they reply . . . as far as I can tell they retired from the health service and are staying healthy with lots of walking . . .

No comments:

Post a Comment