Off the Wahl Tales: (1 June) Punte de Lima to Rubiães

Today's verse:

"I dwell in the high and holy place, with they who have a contrite and humble spirit."

Isaiah 57:15

Last night we stayed in a youth hostel. The albergue wasn't open until 4. We were hot and tired from the long hike and were ready to get cleaned up and relax so we went elsewhere instead. Because we had gotten a good night sleep and knew we had a huge climb today we left early for Rubeãis to beat the heat. The hostel had a togo breakfast for us (a muffin, chocolate milk and 2 rolls).

The first part of the walk was easy and beautiful. In a forest, passed warerfalls the smell of pine and hydrangeas as we passed them. We hadn't gone far when we saw a group of mountain bikers at a cafe doing the bike version of the camino. It looked pretty cool...one for the bucket list.

Soon we had the ascent up the mountain. The beginning of the acent up the mountain was gradual but slowly the terrain changed. From mountain path to logging road, to rock. Gradually getting steeper and more strenuous. Later at dinner, someone described the final stint as a goat path. Very rocky, very steep. We still had arrows but we had to go slower so we wouldn't miss them. Going back down with a heavy pack would have been dangerous. Breathing isn't something I'm good at when I distracted with another task (like climbing a mountain). I had to keep reminding myself to breathe, look for arrows and not focus on how steep the climb was.

Once we got to the top passed the tree line, we were able to see the surrounding mountains. It was beautiful. We are human and we all have struggles, so I'm not going to be ashamed to say that I have mine. Asking God to help me with mine, are part of this journey. I sat alone on a rock for awhile and reflected, asking for help and trying to listen to God's reply. I read somewhere lately that the words listen and silent are spelled with the same letters. With the exception of the footsteps of fellow pilgrims, it was silent on the mountain and other Pilgrims were doing the same. In a way climbing up that hellacious mountain can be a symbol of overcoming struggle with God.

On the way down we passed more vineyards and farms on poor man cobble streets. I wish I could say that the cobble streets were fun to walk on but they hurt my feet. Every once in awhile we would get a patch of grassy or sandy path and it would be a welcome relief. My feet are definitely going to be tough by the end of this journey.

Short before noon we came up on our stop for the night. A really nice Albergue in the town of Rubiães. It opened at noon, perfect timing. Hot showers, huge washing line and internet. The weather was perfect and a snack bar across the street.

Our Alburge is just outside the town center. A group of really nice Americans came in soon after we did. After we had free time we chatted with them for awhile, they invited us to dinner. When they camino, they usually go to the grocery store and take turns cooking in an Albergue and invited us. It was loads of fun and was really nice to have a homemade meal for a change..

Fountain (as we are leaving Punte de Lima).

Statue on the bridge (leaving Ponte de Lima).

Poor man cobble streets. They hurt your feet when you walk on the for hours.

Waterfall going up the first ascent.

Hydrangeas are in bloom all over the place. They have a really strong smell and normally their smell give me a migraine. For some reason despite being all over the place, they aren't here. I learned that in Master Garders that Hydrangeas are different colors depending on the PH of the soil. On our path they are mostly blue and white. Some are even in between. We haven't seen my pink yet.