Distance: ~ 11 km
SENDERO ADDRESS: Southward
Conditions: Sandy, rain, wind, sun … and everything else
3 good things that happened today
- He took a nice ferry on the other side of the river to start the day (saving some miles of trails)
- I enjoyed beer and lunch left over with my friends halfway
- I spent almost an hour sitting in a cliff, just looking at the waves collided
Starting strong in Fisherman’s Trail Portugal Day 2«The soft sand roads, and the first sun touches after a stormy start.»
Starting strongly on the 2nd of the Path of the fishermen: flowers in flowering, soft sandy paths and the first sun touches after a stormy beginning.
After the stormy adventure we had yesterday, complete with the side rain, the wild wind and the sand, it was quite grateful for a slower morning. We decided not to run around the door, especially because I was pouring when we woke up for the first time.
Instead, we gave ourselves permission to wait. Finally, the heavens cleared enough to make we make and reach the road. And Wow, he felt like a luxury to put excursion clothes that actually dry After yesterday’s soaking. In longer, such as the PCT or Colorado path, I am used to pulling cold and humid clothes, I like it or not. So starting the dry day? Total Trail Luxury!
A rare and beautiful view for any long -distance hiker: drying clothes after a humid day on the road. Starting on warm, dry and feeling as an absolute luxury.
A sunny pause and a fast ferry in Fisherman’s Trail Portugal Day 2
Our walk began with a Short trip in ferry through the Mira River—In a five -minute boat trip that cost € 5 and saved us several kilometers from walking on the road to the nearest bridge. When we arrived at the dock, it was clear that many hikers had the same idea. The ferry was running, and about 50 of us were waiting together on the beach.
But honestly? It was a bit perfect. The sun had risen, the beach was peaceful, and we weren’t hurried. That warm and dry pause after a stormy day felt as one of those little but special moments of paths that remain with you.
Once on the other side of the river after a short boat of 5 minutes, we officially returned in the Fishermen’s pathHeading south to Almograve.
BY THE WAY – If you missed my blog on day 1 on the path of fishermen, I would recommend reviewing it so you can follow this trip from the beginning!
Ferry was late, but nobody seemed to care. Dozens of hikers gathered on the edge of the river, all waiting for the same peaceful trip through the sight.
Soaking a little sun while waiting for the ferry to arrive. After yesterday’s rain and wind, this small stretch of stillness felt like gold.
A quieter day, but not without climate
Compared to day 1, today it was shorter, only 11 kilometers, and the terrain was a little easier, with less sand dunes and more packed paths. That said, The weather kept us by guessing all day. At one point we had sun and wild flowers, the next one we were avoiding bursts of wind and rains.
I kept discussing whether I prefer to be wet by rain or sweat to wear my rain jacket. There really wasn’t a good answer, so I kept exchanging layers all day.
Rain jacket, rain jacket off … repeat. On day 2 he kept us guessing with surprise showers and wind explosions: Roulette of classic trails.
Despite the weather, the path was beautiful again,Views next to the cliff, waves and flourishing wild flower fields.
One of my favorite moments on the path of Fisherman Portugal Day 2 was to sit in a cliff, shoes, watching the waves clash against the rocks below. That stillness, between bursts of wind and sun explosions, was a time that I will remember long after this trip ends.
We spend almost an hour there, seeing waves against the rocks below, flying in aerosol, the ocean never stops. I took off my shoes and let my feet breathe, something that I always do on long walks to avoid hot points and blisters. It is also becoming a daily ritual to rule out the lots of sand that accumulate in my shoes (note for yourself: BRING THE POLINAS Next time).
While I sat barefoot there in the cliff, I asked me: How are the waves really formed? I know it has to do with the wind and gravity and the moon, but there is something so mysterious and rhythmic in them when you are looking in real time. Something for Google later.
Taking a moment to sit, breathe and see the waves. After all the rain, this was the pause I didn’t know.
New trail ritual: throw half of the beach in my shoes. (Reminder for oneself: Gaiters pack next time).
Trail snacks, garbage talks and paths of the path
For lunch, we get the leftovers out of the night last night: terrestrial vegetables, hot dogs and a couple of beers that we do not finish. We find a hole of the wind and make it a small and cozy picnic. We end up remembering about the PCT and our favorite moments of that path. It is a gift to walk with people who shared that experience.
Draw lunch, he packed beer, good friends and old PCT stories. Simple and perfect.
But not everything today was beautiful.
I was quite disappointed by the amount of garbage We saw and around the path, especially near the access points to the beach. I know we are in a more tourist section in Portugal, but it is still frustrating. For hikers, the principle of Do not leave a trace It should be a fact. And it wasn’t just garbage: I also saw people cutting fragile coastal plants to avoid walking in sand dunes.
Yes, sand hiking is exhausting. But the trampling of sensitive vegetation, especially in protected dunes ecosystems, is not the solution. Please stay on the way. Respect the places we walk. Ok, rant (for now)!
It’s hard to see this along the way. Please respect the earth: pack, stay on the way and help protect the places we love.
Arriving at Almograve
We arrive at Almograve At the end of the afternoon. It is a small town, but it has everything you need: two local grocery stores, a bakery/place of coffee hidden in the back of one of them and some restaurants, including a Highly recommended Nepalese Place Just in front of where we were.
After taking some supplies, we registered in our Very spacious apartment Just outside the city. We are definitely leaning in a more luxurious style to walk this time, and I’m not angry at that.
Sandra and Oliver went to dinner from the Nepalese place, while Orion and I stayed and cook a simple food of roasted vegetables and hot puppies (yes). It was an easy and comforting way to finish one day that felt energizing and a little drain, thanks to the combination of elements.
Arriving at Almograve at the end of the afternoon: vibrations of the small city, a cozy grocery store and everything we needed after a windy day on the road.
Traque luxury: a warm bed, a roof on our dried heads and socks. Not every night on the path they feel that way, and I am absorbing it.
3 lessons that I have today
- The weather can, and will change quickly. Prepare for the sun, wind and lateral rain … All in an hour.
- Stillness is not lost time. Sitting in a cliff and doing absolutely nothing is sometimes the most important part of the day.
- Traveling the light does not mean that you cannot eat well. SOBRAS + Good company + a view = happiness.
Two days later, and I’m already in love with this path. I did not expect him to feel so remote, so raw and so diverse so early. The views of the cliff, wild flowers, the mixture of land, everything has been incredible, and we have not even reached the most Beautiful parts yet.
That rhythm of the path is beginning to activate: wake up, walk, eat, rest, warn. Repeat.
More tomorrow from the way ahead.
Happy paths from Portugal.
Wind on my face, go out in the air and a full heart. Two days after the path of the fishermen, Portugal, and I am already falling in love with this difficult coastal path.
More tomorrow from the way ahead. Happy paths from Portugal!
