Day 4 Viana do Castelo to Praia de Ancora

This was about a 20 km. Walk or longer.  What distance is posted on line always takes longer than it is.  We had a hard time figuring out how to get out of town and doubled back to check with the Alburgue person where the route was.  It turns out we were right in the first place.  It was uphill out of town in a busy intersection until we saw the camino yellow arrows.  Those golden arrows are such a relief to see and it always feels so reassuring that we are on the right track!

We met a couple on a neighborhood walk who chatted with us for a while and as we took the road to the coast we met two bicyclists who we chatted with for a while.  

It rained on and off and as we got to Praia da Ancora a man helped us with directions.  Again it was the end of the day and I was feeling disheartened that it was taking so long to get to the hotel.  Dick was way ahead of me trying keep up with the man guiding us to town.  A taxi stopped. I asked how many Euros to the hotel.  He said €3.50 and I got in, picked up Dick who was ahead of me and we were in the hotel In 5 minutes!

They gave us the pilgrims rate of €50 euros with breakfast and a pilgrims menu for €15.  It was a 4 star hotel and the staff was great.  The room was nice and we were delighted.  What a change from an alburgue. 

 Helen and Carol were staying here so I caught up with them and exchanged stories on our walk that day.  They gave me a list of their hotels for the rest of the trip.  We decided to spend two nights here and have a rest day so Carol and Helen are now a day ahead of us.

Such a delight to take a shower and use a real towel instead of using our REI towels. Our dinner was grand.  A full course seafood gourmet meal with an amazing melt in your mouth dessert!