Am I blacklisted for the books?

I will stay at the campsite until noon. My laundry is done, my electronic gadgets charged, and the shower was a delight. I hoped to see someone at the reception, but there is no one around. I send an email, but it bounces back. Onward then. I don’t want to be blacklisted for the books, but I’ve done my best and the repairman is nowhere to be seen either.

Houses and forest

For the first time in days, I see some houses again. Most are tightly closed and it seems not many people live here anymore. And then suddenly… the surroundings change completely… forest! Deciduous trees, coniferous trees, all mixed together. Autumn is already timidly appearing here, how beautiful!

After climbing, descending, descending, descending

Yesterday, I walked to the highest point of the trail, 1,600 meters; today is almost all downhill, more than 1,000 (!) meters. Better for my heart, but worse for my knees. I’m taking it easy. My experience is that I often get swollen knees from long descents, and I try to avoid that, which I’m succeeding in so far.

Manteigas and the surrounding area: a must-visit!

But man, what I enjoy this nature, and later also the large village of Manteigas. It’s truly a must-visit place to spend your time. Check out @visitmanteigas as well. The views are truly magnificent, so expect no flat sections. For our flatland legs, it’s definitely a challenge.

Kilos of vegetables and fruit

In Manteigas, I do my groceries extensively. Finally, a supermarket with a wide range, even spirits for my burner. My last real supermarket was in Trancoso (day 11), and after that, there was only a small neighborhood shop without card payment and a very limited selection (no vegetables). Of course, I have eaten sufficient food, and I won’t immediately die of scurvy, but I am now buying kilos of vegetables and fruit. I just need to go downhill, after all.

Campsite hermetically closed

A campsite by the Zazere River seems like a nice place to spend the night, but upon arrival, it turns out to be hermetically closed. After checking for sprinklers on the small lawn in front, I decide to set up my tent there. I have running water in the river, and I quickly fall asleep to the sound of the trickling water.

Overnight stay: at camping Relva de Reboleira