Day 7 Tomar to Alvaiazere 32km

The little we managed to see of Tomar last night left us with the view that it is a bit special and somewhere to return to. Dinner was in a restaurant (O Tabuleiro) which seemed to be favoured by locals and the meal was wonderful and good value (including Mary's black pig pork cheeks!!!). Our accommodation was in a hostel (Thomar 2300) which was very well appointed and spotless. There were six in our eight bed dorm, five Irish and a Bulgarian. Fleur says I was the loudest snorer - you raise them, give them everything, and then they turn on you ...............

Square in Tomar last night.

We were up at 6am this morning and on the road by 7am. Much of the day took us through small villages and hamlets, and it was a real pleasure. However, we experienced our first hills and with the sun in the high 20s we were fairly wasted by the time we got to Alvaiazere, a fairly forgettable place where we are staying in a quirky hostel that's a good distance from five star (Albergaria Pinheiro).

Oranges - a work in progress

Aside from tonight, the accommodation has been to a high standard. We have used more private rooms than dorms and these cost a little more, but they are clean and everything is supplied, and often include breakfast.

The bags get a rest!

On the Camino Francais, our blister plaster of choice was Compeed - you peel the cover of these, apply them to the affected area, and they effectively operate as a replacement skin, staying in place for days until they detach. A cheaper generic version was available before we left Ireland and we brought these, but they seem not to stick properly and we have reverted to Compeed.

Who said there were no hills on the Portuguese Camino?

These 30km walks are a bit of a slog, especially in the hot sun. However, we have only two more to go before we drop to a 22km, 25km and 16km. Can't wait!

Guinea fowl, geese and chickens.

Agriculturally, Mary thinks we are going through paradise these days. There are vines, olives, oranges, lemons, figs, apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, butternut squashes, peaches, and apricots. She sampled a few of these!

Olive tree plays host to pumpkin!

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