We set off early from Golega with packed breakfast and braced ourselves for 30.7 km! We really are much happier the cooler it is – within about 100 metres I was putting on the long sleeved runner and we were off. The day’s walking took us through the most amazing site so far…a totally abandoned castle/town. The Knights Templar originally started a building here in the 12th Century. The ‘Reformed Order of Christ’ took ownership in the 14th Century and then in the 16th Century additional buildings were added including a royal chapel and cloister – this bit was locked away. It really is very strange to see something of this magnitude in such good condition, abandoned.
We headed up from the castle through the cornfields, vineyards and the very many equestrian centers. These properties are really phenomenal to see. So much wealth and SO many gates and fences. We headed off the asphalt roads and then headed UP again following bush trails. This time we had several hours walking through eucalyptus forrests – we actually felt like we were back in Mundaring.
We made it through and basically spent the next several hours walking and hoping to find a cafe …desperate for the first coffee of the day and it was only there that we bumped into two others on the road to Santiago – we seem to have overtaken the others that we have met so far- clearly we aren’t doing as badly as we had first thought. We are averaging about 4.5 km an hour and considering the inclines, that isn’t too bad. The scenery is as we had hoped and imagined and now its hopefully about getting back into our stride and enjoying the scenery.
Tonight we are in Tomar, which is watched over by the Knights Templar Castle (I was tempted to visit – but it’s UP and after 30km ‘up’ is no longer an option). The view of the Castle is outside my window and that will have to do it! Tomorrow we have 32.5 km to look forward to – cool weather and an early start.
Stunning scenery… maybe we could buy a villa in Portugal? A bit of restoration work? Pretty challenging days without a coffee to kick start… I’m impressed! Enjoy the cool weather…much kinder and you seem to have regained your pace… brilliant! Here it’s all go for the concert… we are all very excited. Xx
Just like you my morning routine centres around your walking and journey. Some go to the obituaries first thing; others check out their horoscope. My morning is not the same without my dose of your blog and seeing what you guys have been up to.
Pokuplje finally came together last night with the group all there for the first time. And Splitsko’s looking OK. Our interstate guests arrive tomorrow. So here we go, ready or not!!
Whether you two or Lado, it’s one step at a time!
Just like you my morning routine centres around your walking and journey. Some go to the obituaries first thing; others check out their horoscope. My morning is not the same without my dose of your blog and seeing what you guys have been up to.
Pokuplje finally came together last night with the group all there for the first time. And Splitsko’s looking OK. Our interstate guests arrive tomorrow. So here we go, ready or not!!
Whether you two or Lado, it’s one step at a time!
Hey dobro jutro Chris – glad to see that you are still reading the blog and not our names in the obits – after those first couple of days, it was a chance. I’m glad everything has come together for the weekend – feels very strange not being part of it – but in spirit with you all. I’ve sent you something via messages on your phone – hope it works!!!
When hitch-hiking through Europe in the 60’s (and yes I do remember the 60’s and I was there) I crossed into Portugal east of Coimbra and was astounded to be confronted with vast tracts of eucalypts. I was told that they were planted to counteract soil erosion and help drain marshlands, however I did learn later that like many imported flora and fauna they created more problems than they solved. I continued my Portuguese journey down the coastal route so I missed out on the intriguing and fascinating city of Tomar with its history of being the religious centre for the secretive and powerful Knights Templar. Lots of photos please.