April 22, 2008
I had wanted to make another pilgrimage in 2004 to do additional research on the book I was trying to write. I had done some research into going "a caballo," and wanted to try it myself. Unfortunately due to some back problems, I was advised to stop riding. I had taken it up while we were living in Argentina and loved it.
The past fall, while traveling with some friends and describing traveling the Camino to them, my wife strongly encouraged me to go again. With a great deal of hesitation, I agreed I'd give it some serious thought. I looked at my future schedule and decided that if I was to do so, it would have to be during May so I could be back in the US for some personally important events.
I took the first step in October when I bought a new pair of boots and started breaking them in. I still have, and will forever have, back problems, so that has been a concern. However, in March, I made a commitment and bought my ticket to Spain. I have used "A Pilgrim's Guide to Camino Portugues" by John Brierley to do my planning and will have it with me for the trip.
After much soul searching, I have decided not to take the principal route of the Camino Portugues but will take the Costal Way, which passes through Viana do Castelo. The distance is approximately 244 kilometers, 146 miles.
I will arrive in Madrid on 21 May and stay near the airport, since I have a early flight to Oporto/Porto the next morning. I chose this routing after comparing costs of flying into Lisbon and then to Porto. One of my quirks, I will not fly through London if that is not my ultimate destination. I will start walking from Porto the morning of 23 May. There are eleven stages or days to this trip. I have not allowed any extra stays on the trip, probably a mistake, and should arrive in Santiago on 2 June. I plan to stay until 5 June when i will take the Talgo to Madrid. If the weather is bad in Santiago, I could return to Madrid earlier.
I had planned to go to Albuquerque the weekend of 12 April to buy my gear from REI but was having back/neck problems the week before and cancelled out Saturday morning. We went the weekend of 19 April and I bought what I needed. The most important for me was a light back pack, a Granite Gear Vapor Trail 3600 Pack, which weighs in at 2 pounds. I also got what I hope will be a good set of rain gear. When I checked the weather in Porto, Pontevedra and Santiago, it was cold and rainy. I hope it turns warm and sunny by the time I arrive. I can live with cool and cloudy.
The Portuguese Food Terms below is a guide we have developed over the years from visiting in Portugal. I hope those traveling to Portugal find it useful.