Day 3 - 21.7km - Povoa de Varzim to Esposende

We were a bit worried heading to the accommodation yesterday. Bunk beds. Shared bathroom. It was destined to be a bad night. Fortunately the shared bathroom was only between two rooms so a total of 5 people. If it wasnt for the super squeeky door handle it would have been fine. Oh and the elephant they kept in the room above us.

At lunch yesterday I had a hotspot on my foot so applied some moleskin,"to be safe". Andrea, adamant it was just a holiday walk thought her hotspots would be fine. So after two full camino frances and 1500km of camino she has a blister on both feet. I did not (i promise) say i told you so. Not once. I also did not mention how great my 1000 mile socks are.

Today we set off around 9, stopping at a small cafe for fresh, hot sandwichw with ham and cheese, fresh coffee and of course cake.

We continued on the wooden boardwalks familiar from yesterday. After a few km we bumped into a chap from birmingham, whp moved permanently to portugal when he saw "that f*** up of brexit coming". Now he has a 400euro flat and walks along the beach every morning for his fresh bread. "You dont get that in kidderminster".

He warned us the coming cafe was the last one for 8km so we stopped for the obligatory coffee (or hot choc!) And watched a local stray dog try to maul somones else calmly behaved leashed dog. Bit of unpleasant drama!

The boardwalks led us away from the sea and onto cobbled roads which were much less pleasant on the ankles (and the blisters!).

We had a few stops along this path. One in a very picturesque car park (we just needed a break!), another at a small bar for a drink and a sandwich.

Esposende is on the edge of a nature reserve and seems quiet and pleasant. Time for laundry and relax before we look for dinner. The sunset is not looking likely again as the sky is full of clouds. Maybe an early night....

Sweet dreams pilgrims!