Disgusting diesel

Although my friends weren’t keeping me awake with the sprinklers, the nearby road certainly did. It turns out to be quite a busy road, and even at night there is traffic. I particularly suffered from old diesels, not so much from the noise but more from the exhaust fumes. I understand that this needs to be regulated. Really disgusting.

Bitingly cold wind

It has gotten quite cold. The wind is biting cold, and for the first time, I am wearing my windbreaker. The landscape suddenly changes. No trees in sight anymore. However, there are beautiful rock formations and the characteristic bushes in various shades of green. But just like the trees disappeared suddenly, they appear again. Now scattered here and there.

My back went out…

Although I had a good breakfast, I don’t feel fit and somewhat weak. And I have pain in my back. Probably because my tent spot wasn’t completely flat. I make a strange movement and it my back went out … F***, what now? I walk hunched over like an old man and can barely move forward. I make some twisting movements with my hips, but it doesn’t make much difference. Eventually, I lay my poncho on the dusty ground and do exercises while lying on my back. After that, it gets a bit better, but it doesn’t feel nice. A nagging pain and I still don’t walk completely straight.

Warm meal in a bus shelter

I quickly get hungry again, and when I see a bus shelter where I can sit out of the wind, I don’t think twice. The warm food and the peace work wonders for my body and mind. My back pain eases, my stomach is filled, and I continue with renewed determination, although it takes quite some effort. This day just isn’t going well.

Camping by the chapel

Just before dark, I arrive at my eighth historic village, Sortelha, situated 300 meters higher than Belmonte. I will explore it tomorrow morning. Now, I quickly need to get to my camping spot before it gets dark, again at a camper area by a small chapel. Fortunately, this time it’s on a very quiet road. The wind is strong, and it’s a challenge to set up my tent. It has also become quite cold. I’ll quickly get into my sleeping bag. Sitting outside is no longer an option, unfortunately. Fall has definitely arrived.

Overnight stay: Sortelha