Day 1 Porto to Povoa de Varzim

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Checked out of our hotel after arranging to leave our extra luggage and having a coffee at the cafe next door. Caught the Metro to Mindelo on the B line arriving at 9am. From Mindelo station we took the road to the right and walked about 500 meters to the village where we found the camino signs.
Stopped for a fresh orange juice and ham and cheese pastry at 9.30 at Areia Mar. From there the way was through a wooded area although walking on the cobbled roadside.

When we passed through Azurara there was a delicious aroma of hot chocolate but we couldn't identify where it was coming from. The day was beginning to warm up. A high of 26 predicted.


An interesting take on the way of the cross. Unusual to see a baby with the women. This tableau was life size on the side of the road.
Passed through Vila do Conde and on to Povoa de Varzim arriving at 12 noon. 10 kms walked  today. The scallop shell and yellow arrow signs have been easy to follow so far but we did take a wrong turning while looking for our hostel, Sardines and Friends €39 private double room with bathroom. Room with bathroom, very small but adequate. We had lunch before dropping our packs here. Had some trouble communicating with the girl at the cafe but got there in the end. A good lesson for us to learn some more Portuguese besides Obrigado and bom dia.
Checked out the beach this afternoon. Reminded me of the Gold Coast complete with casino. Our photos not good but we walk along the beach for many ks tomorrow so may get better pics then.
Must be getting past the jetlag as managed to stay awake for dinner tonight at the Sailorman and friends sports bar. The best hamburgers ever - ground sirloin steak medium rare 3 cm thick with mushrooms caramelized onion bacon and cheese with a light crispy bun - yum.

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