Day 56. Saturday 3 May. Federal Election Day.

Another damp morning but we departed Montedor at about 1030, as results were just coming in – but nothing to indicate the outcome. We arrived at our destination around 1530 to learn the likely result, but the most important news was that our dear (orange) Jessie was likely to win in the electorate of Bean. 👏

Since our new destination was only 90 km from Montedor – about a couple of hours – we could and did visit Ponte de Lima, a trip aborted yesterday. 40 km, so an easy drive, until you get into the traffic at Viana do Costello and then Ponte de Lima! But the parking area was huge – so we went straight into a spot beside the river. 

Stopped at an old pillory and got talking to a woman of about our age from Brazil. Had a lovely conversation covering language (she had some, but quite enough, English to communicate), colonizing, travel.

Walked across the lovely Roman bridge to the starting point, kayakers doing their training thing below on the Rio Lima. Another church of course, Igreja de Santo Antonio da Torre Velha and a statue of Santiago.

One of the Caminos starts here – it’s 159 km to Santiago de Compostela. We have seen lots of pilgrims in the last couple of days, and lots more today, and surprisingly quite a few of mature age.

We came across an old guy at a Camino souvenir business, which might also have been the official start poin; he was putting on a performance, we think to send walkers on their way.

On our way back we were faced with a small election rally – Portuguese elections are on 18 May. Very low key, more fun than passion. Apparently the current Government is slightly right, and there have been signs suggesting corruption. Who would have thought? But we have no idea what the situation is, or the issues, although we suspect energy reliability may become a feature. Hold that thought.

The esplanade for coffee was buzzing with cafes and local food stalls (all shades of chorizo, black to pale) calling to us. T wanted to do a really authentic dish (adapted) tonight, using baby squid from previous purchase + local chorizo + potatoes and tomatoes. The town reminded us of some British/Tudor towns: the bright colours of southern Portugal not evident and architecture less ‘square’. And the day was damp grey. 

The next stage to the Watermillhouse Cottage, Campo in a Nature Reserve east of Porto, was a couple of hours – a bit longer when Doris got lost after our stop for supplies. But we arrived; we had been advised that the last section was a bit rough, and it was, but Josie managed stoically, albeit with lots of alarms and annoyed sounds as the daisies touched her sides!

Another ‘fantasy’ accommodation with a rushing stream beneath (could be tricky at night), no neighbours, a woodland garden and soft rain. Still manifesting those lotto numbers!

Dinner. Adapted, Authentic Portuguese calamari stew: calamari, chorizo corrente de vinho, onion, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, red wine, herbs and spices.