2. Day: From Angeiras to A-Vero-O-Mar

After it turned out yesterday evening that the spot under my left foot was indeed a blister, I had to puncture it and disinfect it to prevent it from getting worse. So, I used the first blister plaster.

The night was slightly restless, which was due to the neighbor's dog barking several times. Since the alarm system in the neighbor's house also went off, it seemed justified.

Speaking of dogs: it feels like every second person here has one.

And if the dog barks, the owner lets it bark. I like dogs, but that's very annoying.

There were no real encounters at the hostel. Of course, this is due to the pandemic. Masks are mandatory inside the building, and no one stays in the common areas. Breakfast is provided across the street at the bakery, and it's included.

With a slight muscle soreness in my legs, I continue on the way.

Today is sunny and slightly windy again. When I start at around 8:30 a.m., it's 20 degrees Celsius, but it feels warmer. Not a cloud in the sky.

Where exactly am I walking today? I don't know yet. It depends on how well the blister on my foot behaves.

If everything goes well, I will be rewarded with a proper hotel with a pool and spa right by the beach after 23 km for 70 euros.

If I give in earlier, there's a hostel for 15 euros after 13 km. That's all I deserve then! 😄

I have a fish dish including a drink and soup in a restaurant in Vila do Conde for 6 euros. It's a special offer for pilgrims.

In Póvoa de Varzim, I first pass by the huge casino and then come across a 3 km beach promenade with a lot of people and music playing from street speakers. The beach is divided into several bars, and instead of beach chairs like we have, people lie in cloth cabins.

Despite the wind, it works.

My blister doesn't cause me much trouble, it's more difficult to get going again after longer breaks. You can definitely feel some muscle soreness then.

During a break on the beach, I talk to Tomaś from Porto, who is about my age.

I notice that my English has gotten a bit rusty, but it's enough for 30 minutes of small talk.

He gives me tips for Porto, and I give him tips for Hamburg as he plans to visit friends there next year.

I stick to the almost 25 km today, but instead of using the spa and pool in the hotel, I decide to stay in a hostel (Casa Fragosa) with a 10-bed room, as I also want to make connections.

It's clean and everything is separated. But for now, everyone has gone out.

So, I relax on the beach with beer and pastries that I bought in advance in the suburb.

In the evening, I have a steak, and after 30,000 steps today, it's time to call it a day.