Espana!

As promised, here are a couple of shots from the top of our highest climb in Portugal, only 405 meters, but quite a steep one.  We had left Pont de Lima early that morning and headed up the "hill."

There was quite a celebration with all the Pilgrims when the top was reached.  On the way, we saw 

trees that had been tapped for the fluid that will be used in urethane products.

Among other tree wonders we found that day was this one here framing Latona.😍

Another speciality tree we saw was the cork tree, and learned that Portugal is one of the top producers of cork in the world.

                                     

  

Finally, I want to share a picture of the rather abundant chestnut tree. These are often planted in orchards and of course the chestnuts are sold in markets, along with other fruits, nuts and veggies.

Here a few shots along the trail. 

The scallop shell symbol of the Camino.

One of the many, many amazing walls in this country.

A cafe rest stop.

Finding water and rest at the base of the cross.

And a few bird pictures taken as we hiked.  Not easy but I did capture a few birds who are not too 

shy to be photographed. The Magpie and 

The Pied Wagtail (picture from the Internet)

This one reminded me of our Bluebird

And some beautiful flowers. We saw many wild Calla Lilies.

And this amazing lily always surprised me. It seemed to just grow with a stem and flower and no leaves. We saw hundreds.

And a small precious flower that seems to belong to the orchid family.

   *****Often, there is a jewel that someone passes to you as they walk by you or with you.  A lovely young woman passed me and rather than the standard "bom camino" that  Pilgrims usually use to greet one another she smiled and said "Enjoy your journey." Her words really touched me. I often reflect on that simple greeting and it continues to bring me peace and joy as the meaning continues to expand.

The following hiking day, we went on to the town of Valenca, our last stop in Portugal.  Part of this city is inside a walled fortress that dates back to Roman times.  We had a rest day here and truly enjoyed the city.

                                

And here is the bridge we walked across this early morning into Spain.  The final leg of the journey started today!

We all really loved our three weeks in Portugal.  Hopefully, you have gotten a little idea of the beauty of the country and the wonderful time we have had as Pilgrims there.  Now we walk through a part of Spain, Espana, with about 70 kilometres left, and will end the Pilgrimage at our destination in the Cahtedral of Santiago.  

More to come...😍