6.5 hours, 27km: Barcelos to Sobreiro

Today we were given ample opportunity to answer the age-old question, “Which cobblestone style do you prefer?”

For the modernist amongst us, the newer style of cobblestone is more regular in shape and color and more uniform in size. Pleasing to the eye, but without the pizzazz of the older styles.

For the traditionalist, only the older style of cobblestone has the irregularity of shape, size, and angle that keeps you guessing. Each step requiring a suppleness of ankle as well as lightning fast reflexes.

We were also lucky enough to walk on our first antique cobblestones. This was a real treat, but we weren’t able to see them truly shine as it was a dry day and we couldn’t experience the full “slip and slide” experience.  There is rain in the forecast tomorrow so fingers crossed!

We did get to experience some shaded paths and eucalyptus forests, though the cobblestones were definitely the star of the day.

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Because of distance and foot concerns, we stopped our walk at 27km which placed us in the very small village of Sobreiro, at the hostel O Caminheiro. We were lucky enough to have the bunk room to just the 7 of us. Robby, myself, and 5 mosquitos (This number is an approximation only.)

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My new extra-wide shoes were a life saver today. Rather than yesterday’s experience of each step feeling like a drawer repeated closing on my baby toes, I experienced moderate discomfort only. And Robby was a hero and carried my boots in his pack.

Warning: blister picture below.