Day 11 on the Portuguese Camino - the crowds are growing

Day 11 - It was a cool brisk morning - (you could see our breaths), as we started off this morning - no breakfast (even white toast would have been something) as we started this journey. The Camino today was busy, we met several pilgrims we have met along the way- and we glad to see them and reconnect. We shared stories as we walked. We met Carolyn (the daughter) and John (the father) - he was almost 80, walking on the camino. He was in amazing shape and walked the same pace we did. We had very interesting conversations with the both of them. Our trek today was mainly in the countryside, crops of corn, grapes and so forth, was the backdrop for today. We left right after 8 am today - it seemed darker than previous days. We walked with only one brief stop before we arrived at our destination of Caldras de Reis - approx 24 km today. This brings the total to 236 km - with roughly 45-50 km to go. Our hotel "Baneario Acuna" was a surprise to us - it was a spa type resort. We arrived around 1:00 pm so had the afternoon and evening to enjoy the facilities and tour the town. The temperature was about 28-30 degrees this afternoon - we were happy we walked so briskly in the morning when it was cooler. The pool was cool and refreshing, we enjoyed the swim. As we headed off to find our supper, we met Robert and Rita again (from Holland). They joined us for supper - what a great visit we had. It was interesting to hear their stories. We envied their ability to travel so freely and easily in Europe. We topped off the evening stopping at Tabernacle O'Muino to have a glass of wine by the river - a very unique entrance into this establishment - go under the stairs, past the cooler of meat and out into the patio. But the smells were very enticing - they served seafood - and it smelled delicious! Had we not eaten, we would have certainly eaten again - it smelled so, so good. We have only 2 more days of walking unti we reach our destination. It is hard to believe! And equally great is that we are still all friends - talking to each other. We have enjoyed learning about each other and from each other - what a great experience. Till tomorrow.