Lavish breakfast buffet

At half past eleven, I leave my hostel after a lovely and lavish breakfast buffet. My sleeping bag and clothes are hand-washed and just dry in time, although the hairdryer was needed for that. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hang my things outside to dry, and in the damp bathroom, it wasn’t very successful.

A cart full

After grocery shopping, I am back on the road with a full cart. For now, there won’t be a supermarket, so I have food for several days with me. I walk down all day. It’s wonderful, of course, all that descending with extra weight. Except when it’s steep, which fortunately doesn’t happen often. I’m just afraid that I will have to go up for a long time again later. Better not think about that yet.

Three white chairs in the shade

In the tiny village of Miguel Choco, where there’s a water point in an equally tiny square, three white chairs stand in the shade. It’s quite warm and there’s not a cloud in the sky, so I gladly take advantage of that. It’s nice to sit there for a while. Even having to move aside briefly because a tractor passes by. It’s tight work. All the people are very friendly and greet me with a cheerful ‘boa tarde’. I feel so welcome in this country!

Again in hunting territory

The path continues downwards, through the gorge along the Ribeira da Muxagata, a stream that provides the area with water. The vegetation is green and lush. I see signs everywhere indicating that this is hunting territory. I’m not pleased about that. It’s Saturday, and it’s quite possible that hunting will take place tomorrow morning. I am very happy when I see an orange abandoned house. Part of the roof is destroyed, but the other side is still intact. The floor is dusty but clean. This will be my hotel tonight.

A kitchen counter and a standing desk

The only thing left in the house is a rusty freezer. It must have been too cumbersome and heavy to carry down the mountain. But I’m happy with it, as it serves as a countertop where I can cook my meals and put my things down, and also as a standing desk to write my piece. What a luxury for this wanderer!

Overnight stay: Aldeia Nova