It was a good omen when my hostess pointed out today’s path – go to the end of the street, turn right, after the farmhouse turn left onto the main road all the way to Golega. I could find my way even without any yellow arrows!
And then the first thing I saw on the path was a field of sunflowers! What more could one want!
After two hours walking I found a cafe in Golega’s main square and ordered a cup of coffee and home made pastry. It was so good I ordered again – and six hours later when I hadn’t passed another cafe, I was really glad I had!
Photos of the church on the left side of the square.
Now to continue the Camino to Atalaia.
On the way I passed Quinta Cardiga – which started out as a castle used by the Templars defending the area,then became a royal palace, then a hospital for pilgrims and now is deserted.
The place where I was to stay in Atalaia, turned out to be a seventeenth century manor house! Today in total I walked just twelve miles – but it seems that whatever the distance and whatever time I start, I will arrive some time after 3 0’clock.
I asked the landlady why there were not more pilgrims right now – and she said many had stayed in the Spring but that the summer was just too hot. Hmm – I had noticed it was rather warm! She also said that she welcomes all her guests but that pilgrims have a special welcome – looking after the pilgrims is her way of doing the Camino.
Fatijah's Camino Portugués 2016 