We had a pleasant night at the hostel, getting up early once again. This one had breakfast included (a rarity!) so we went down with our packs ready and had a chance to eat and have a couple of espressos. A good start.

We made our way through the rest of the town, leaving behind the most picturesque part of the day. It was delightfully cool – the main reason for starting early.

And then began the fields – first a fallow one, later one with corn and even one with rice. Not bad. But surrounding those was nothing but factory after factory. And it was hot. And very little shade. And the blisters were worse. But plow on ahead we did.

We had at least three climbs up and over the train tracks as we pretty much followed the tracks all day. They certainly zip along. As do the trucks even on the small side roads with no shoulders. But we wave to each of them and usually get a return wave.

We’re starting to meet other pilgrims. We stopped in a little town, Carregado, at the only little cafe that was open. Once inside we found a pair of Canadian hikers from Vancouver, then in came Mariam from Palestine. Another espresso and a bag of chips later we were on our way again.

Soon we came across a spot with some marshy water and to Mandy’s delight it was filled with hundreds of black birds. Turned out they were glossy ibises. Beautiful as they waded and beautiful as they flew off as a passing train startled them.

We continued along in the heat of the day with small tracks along fields. Eventually we were passed by another Canadian, Michelle, as she walked a fast pace. And then I met yet another Dane, Oliver from Ålborg.

We finally approached Azambuja, where we knew there was to be a municipal albergue. Not many choices of where to stay so we had fingers crossed we could get beds. We had to walk through a good portion of town but I was excited when I saw on a large sign at a roundabout the direction to the albergue!

We found the place but it didn’t open until 1500 and it was 1415. We turned around and found a number of other hikers sitting on steps in the shade across the street. We joined them as did others while we waited. Finally the site opened and Antonio, who was the volunteer, let us in and started the check in process. You always have to hand over your passport and your pilgrim credential. Then it’s into the main room to decide which of the 16 bunks you wanted. This was Karma’s first albergue experience. An eye opener as you claim a bunk and try to scoot into one of only 2 showers to get the day’s sweat off.

That done, the kids are off looking for anything to help my feet and get snacks. I’m sitting out in the courtyard enjoying the shade and a bit cooler weather and airing out my tired feet.

Temperature today was high of 83. 13 miles. 31,217 steps