Started with a 14.6 km (9 mi) ride into this stage followed by a 20 km (12.5 mi) walk through olive orchards and cork tree groves. Beautiful landscape that rolled with the hills. Hugo was getting worried that we might ride more than walk today, but he soon became convinced that it was a respectable walk--everyone was tired at the end (2 pm).
Just up the street from the church in our target town of Alvaiazere we discovered an albuerge (10 € per person) that had just opened 8 months ago--8 beds configured as 4 rooms of 2 normal beds (no bunks). The previous 2 places were hostels (10 € and 12.5 € per person--not much difference between a hostel and an albuerge). What great deals! They all had free WI-FI. And the yellow concha (shell) and yellow arrow on blue background are now appearing everywhere (they look newly minted). Hugo felt as if he were on a real Camino! The great food and wine in the region continue to amaze. Adding to the Camino feel is a group of 6 or 7 of us that continues to run into each other.
Check out the new signs, typical stretch of cobble-stone path, and a pic of the new albuerge.
