Today started with a wonderful breakfast at our Bed & Breakfast: On The Way in Mindelo. We even got to try our pasteis de natas the Porto way with cinnamon sprinkled on top. Mouthwatering.
Our host, Ana, was an absolute gem and provided a delicious breakfast, and gave us a full overview of what to expect (including recommendations) on our walk today.
We set off around 10am with full stomachs and happy hearts. The first boardwalk was closed for construction, so following Ana’s advice, we walked down by the waves for a mile or so. It was especially beautiful with the heavy fog, and a much way to start today’s walk than diverting through town.
Before long we were back up the dunes to follow the boardwalks towards the Ave River where we would cross the bridge into Vila do Conde. There was a short stint through Azurara where we were waved down by a local priest to get our Pilgrim Passports stamped. And to think, we had been worried about how to locate places to get our daily stamps! We didn’t even have to look, he found us!
Once across the bridge we stopped at a bench overlooking the Ave River to take our 3 mile break and watch some locals race stand-up paddle boards up and down the river. They were very speedy, much faster than us to be sure.
Again, we followed Ana’s advice and took the coastline instead of the official Camino route through town. She was on the money. It was a delightful stroll on cobbled sidewalks with the ocean to our left and a cool mist to go with the foggy skies. I will say one thing, there were far less bathrooms on this stretch than yesterday and the day before. But we still found one when we needed them.
Most of the rest of the day was walking the cobbled sidewalks through Povoa de Varzim where we stopped for lunch at Leana Kebab. I had Folhado de Kebab which was basically kebab meat and cheese in puff pastry with fries, rice, and salad on the side — and a virgin mojito because I just walked 7 miles and deserved a treat 🙂 Dad got a strawberry mocktail and kebab lasagna. Both meals were delicious and exactly what we needed to refuel for the last 3 miles!
Not long after leaving lunch, the Camino turned back to boardwalk. It was the perfect way to end our foggy day! We were even able to take the boardwalk right to our hotel, and thank goodness for that. Because it’s time to put up my weary feet, tend to some blisters, and relax. See you tomorrow!
STATS – Total Today (Total Camino):
Steps taken by me: 26,826 (77,022)
My mileage: 10.57 (30.06)
Dad’s steps: 24,628 (69,894)
Dad’s mileage: 10.53 (29.86)
Number of blisters: 1 (3)
Pasteis de natas consumed by both of us: 2 (12)
Wandering with Marvin 
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