Day 2 – Parque de Naceos to Villa Franca de Xira – 32km

We started the day just before dawn at first light. It was a great day for a stroll, clear skies, light breeze coming of the Tejo River, 24-26c. Most of the walk was on boardwalks, cycling tracks, through farm fields, dirt tracks and some major roads. The major roads, about 3-5km, where a little hairy. Large trucks, fast cars and very little space on the side of road. But we survived. 

We followed the River Tejo most of the day. 

After a while we followed a tributary and ended up walking though farm fields and along dirt tracks for about 13km. (Mosquito infested).

Also we went through some strange situations, through a forest of bamboo.!!!

Today we received our first Bom Caminho and our first act of charity which we accepted (a gift of potable water, when we had run out and none was to be found).

We also stopped at a little place for lunch, where Grandpa and his Mother ran a small restaurant/bar. Inside they had about 4 tables, and 2 outside (in the shade). We sat outside. The speciality of the day was Portugues pork and potatoes brava with salad. Actually it was the only meal they served. Great Grandma cooked it up on the spot and it was great and cheap. My Portuguese was stretched here as neither of them or the others in the restaurant spoke any English. But I muddled through.

We have arrived at our destination a little hot, foot sore and sweaty. Our accommodation was once a house of ill repute. Now converted into a pension (1 star hotel). The manger greeted us on arrival, took our personal details (you need to have a passport or DNI as identification to travel in Portugal) and they collect your details every day. However he also took all our dirty clothes and washed them. Down stairs they run a restaurant and bar, Portugues sparkling wine (Cava) is A$1.05 per glass, and a beer is A$1.30 per 375ml bottle, Camino prices at last!