The Camino left A Guarda by going right through the center of Saturday’s swap meet and market. Not my favorite type of scene. I only paused long enough to take this picture.
Good morning, Portugal! This river is the border between Spain and Portugal.
You have to take a boat across the river. There is a large ferry boat that runs a few times per day. That is supplemented by “independent contractors” who operate on their schedule.
I waited on the Spanish side for about 10 minutes until a boat delivered some bicyclists to this side. He offered me a ride to Portugal for $5.
He must have been pretty happy about the deal because he gets the “Hola” smile of the day.
The boat took me to Caminha, Portugal. It is supposed to be a really nice town but I couldn’t find any lodging so will have to walk on through.
This view is from south of Caminha looking north to Spain. The big mountain is near A Guarda.
Today’s walk is pretty much entirely right next to ocean. Nice paved pathway for a long stretch. Beautiful place to exercise if you lived here.
At one point walked through the grazing area for a bunch of goats and sheep.
OK, OK, I know I’m not technically on the Camino but give me a break. All this little guy wanted to see was me getting gone!!
This is a small coastal town, Vila Praia de Âncora, just south of Caminha. Very nice, expensive looking, town. No lodging here, either.
I found a place to stay thru online booking in Carreço, about 6 miles further south.
These 6 miles were interesting. Part of it was through a forest trail. You were still close enough to the ocean to hear the waves crashing on the rocks. Sounded like thunder.
Other parts were board walks on the beach. The walks are really nice in most parts but they are apparently difficult to maintain (loose, broken, missing boards). There were also small areas where vegetation was trying to take over and areas where sand dunes had taken over. Couple areas where sand dunes were like 5’ snow drifts across walkway.
All that being said, it was still a nice stroll.
Staying in upstairs of a retired fisherman from Amsterdam. Very nice guy.
I am a day ahead of where I had thought I’d be. Will take a 0 day tomorrow and try to get into Caminha via train, bus, or taxi for some exploring.
Happy trails and buen Camino!
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Just Pete Hiking 
Welcome to 🇵🇹 Portugal!!!! The language sounds so different to me. I wonder if you’ll encounter many fellow hikers??
Vinho is good here as well! Enjoy your zero day!!
Mary
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Congrats on making it to Portugal! Guess you’ll have to switch to Portuguese and starting calling it the ‘Olá of the Day’.
I may be misremembering but seems like some European guidebook I read years ago described Portuguese as sounding like “A Frenchman speaking Spanish while jumping on a pogo stick.” It’s a funny mental image if nothing else.
Enjoy your zero day!
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