So, a bus back to Santarem and it was off walking again as we headed back to familiar camino territory. Through copious vineyards with ‘just planted vines’ to still young ones, planted so methodically, divided by yellow daisies. Every one hundred metres or so we would see a small brick hut in the middle of the vines that could be a workers rest place or storage for grape things.

Many puddles were the evidence of weeks of rain but there was always a dry track to take. It was my first time out in the open, far from sensitive ears except for Corrie’s, so she ramped up speed to get away from me, not that that was so hard to do. So it was time for my voice exercises, my first since I left home. 

Out of the vines and on to a small road. My legs once again were making anything over six kilometres a struggle so a couple of long breaks got me going again. We’re now in a seemingly affluent area where large mansions were the main sign along with barking dogs. A lunch break just outside Vale de Figueira was welcome but had us miss our train by a minute. 

So an hour’s wait seemed like a good time for PD exercises. No-one on the station, so an appropriate time for some ‘sit and stands’, a few ‘curtsy flicks’, some ‘tah dahs, with more to come as we become more isolated. I always feel better after these exercises so will incorporate them into my every day. My blog gives me a chance to think about the day to help keep my brain active and exercised.

We were met at our Golega Guest House by our new hosts. Paulo and Philipe entertained us for over an hour, treating us like family, as we chatted about their new renovations (our home), passions and this amazing horse town. Then they took us to a local bar, shouting us drinks and nibbles while continuing our chat.

While all this was happening, Paulo was arranging for us to be picked up tomorrow by the owner of a natural reserve park where it is time to mark the ciguenas (storks) for research. Not sure what exactly will happen but I am really excited because I am fascinated by these high living birds and can’t wait to soon be in close company with some.