I am making an important decision

What a wonderful night in my little tent on the schoolyard. It is completely silent, only occasionally the barking of a dog, but even the crickets are quiet. In the sunshine on the bench in front of the abandoned school, I brew coffee and write my piece. I make a decision. I will take this trail at my own pace, with time to quietly explore all the villages. How many times in the past did I rush through just to rack up kilometers? This time I will do it differently because I have already seen: there are plenty of opportunities to spend the night even between the villages.

Olive trees and vineyards

The day is warm, but the route is helpful. There are many trees and even forests, so there is shade. The elevation changes are mild so far, and I enjoy the views. After a lunch on a stone under a tree in a cow meadow, the surroundings change. I mostly walk among the olive trees and vineyards.

Pure grape sugar

When I suddenly feel a bit weak, even a little wobbly, I see dried grapes hanging on the vines. They’ve dried up like raisins. Once juicy grapes have become nothing more than a wrinkled fruit. I pick a handful. This is pure grape sugar! I feel the energy rushing back into my body. The trail provides…

Third village

The extra sugar comes in handy, because as expected, the next village, Castelo Rodrigo, is also on top of a mountain. A climb of 100 meters in under 1.5 kilometers follows. Fortunately, it has become somewhat cloudy, which helps. Tired but satisfied, I arrive in this third historic village of the trail. What a beauty again!

I feel as if I am in the Middle Ages

After seeing where I can set up my tent, which is also near a great camping spot on a patch of grass, I walk into the village. I feel like I’m in the Middle Ages. There are remnants and houses from the 13th to 16th century. Portugal has such a rich history. At the highest point of the village, overlooking the entire area, are the ruins of the castle that surely belonged to Rodrigo.

Then I quickly pitch my tent, rain is on the way. Just in time and dry, I dive into my tent for sweet dreams.

Overnight stay: Castle Rodrigo