Wednesday, June 3, 2026

I guess it had something to do with enjoying our most amazing lodging last night – at any rate, after a generous breakfast buffet, our bus took us back to and dropped us off in Spain, where we lost that hour again!!  The weather has continued to be amazing and we set off to walk our nine miles from Castiellejo de Dos Casas. 

We started in this charming little village at their church and proceeded to make our way up a steady and gradual incline, past donkeys, a pig, a couple of horses near the road – and  later, some herds of cows who could be seen in the distance.  At the end of Aldea del Obispo- we crossed back over into Portugal and experienced a time change again!

Once out of town, beyond Vale da Mula, our path was pretty flat through fields of tiny wild flowers and oak trees.  We concluded at Fortaleza de Almeida (in Almeida) where our group lunched at Granitus sharing escargo, cod fish and potato balls, thin pork chops and linguini style pasta with cod.

Our bus ride was an hour to another Amazing venue – with a pool!  And right out of ancient history when the Royals traveled and vacationed here in the 16th century!  The lobby and common areas, as well as our individual rooms at Solar Sampaio e Melo were decorated with period piece furniture and art, yet were modern and practical.  This lodging was within still intact medieval walls that in times past encompassed an entire town and community!

Some enjoyed the pool, others strolled (though with Spain’s “siesta” time few shops were open) until scheduled mass and dinner beckoned.

More cod for dinner – in balls, in a casserole and even dessert featured a “sardine” which was not fishy in the least – rather a sweet almond paste concoction.  Other dinner offerings were cheeses, a green salad, white rice, pork, “punched” potatoes and kale soup.  A rice pudding and custard also rounded out the dessert table.  

Another day and some fatigued pilgrims off to bed to rest for another day of walking tommorow!!! (10.4 miles)