Our wonderful vacation ended yesterday. We landed in Greensboro around 7:20pm…which felt like 12:20am (Portugal time). We had good flights.
Even though the trip is over, the impact of our Camino, the lessons we learned along the way, the beautiful scenery we saw, and the smiles and kindness of amazing people we met will all remain with us forever!
MOM, we did it!!!! Thank you for your strength, encouragement and resilience! I hope you enjoyed the ride!
Stay tuned for the next journey. There will be more!
Buen Camino!
Beautiful view-take off from Newark to Greensboro.At the Porto airport Sept 18, 2026. Let’s bring it home.
It’s our last full day in Porto. It’s sad to pack to leave, but we need to get back home.
We did some last minute shopping and rode the Porto tram line # 1. It runs along the Douro River. We had a fun time.
Other than that we had more good food and beverages today. We had dinner at the river front near the Luis bridge at Chez Lapin Restaurante. Dinner was wonderful.
Here are a few pictures from our last day in Porto:
Great breakfast stop in PortoOur breakfast haulMary’s lunch spot today. Cod fish balls with a side of Port.One of the 2 Line #1 trams. We rode the red one
We had a very nice dinner here!
Crescent moon over GaiaDom Luis Bridge just after sunset
Our last tour began early today. Loaded bus at 7:45am. Our first stop was Braga at Bom Jesus do Monte (hilltop sanctuary with a dramatic stairway (+500 steps)). We then toured the Sé de Braga. It is the oldest cathedral in Portugal. The gardens were beautiful!
Hats off to our tour guide, Simone. She told us historical information from over 2000 yrs in 2 different languages. Neither of which was her primary language of Portuguese. She translated in English and French.
We had a wonderful lunch in Braga at Félix Taberna. Mary had cod prepared “our way” (Braga style) and loved it. I had pesto pasta that was amazing. We also shared an order of Padron peppers and a salad.
We headed for city # 2, Guimarães. Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal. The first king of Portugal was born in Guimarães. Independence of Portugal was declared in Guimarães. We toured inside the Castle which is actually a fortress. Nice views from the fortress.
We finished our evening in Porto at a wine bar, Wine Affairs, across from our apartment building. I had Sangria, MJ had red wine. We shared a cheese and meat board and tomato toast. It was really nice.
Segway: From September 14, 2026. Had to post this as it was so funny! In the village of Fafião there is a water fountain. It has a catch basin beneath. The dogs are allowed to drink from their basin. A neighborhood lab actually jumped on in as we stood there filling water bottles!
Chilling out! And apparently this is common in villages in Portugal per our tour guide.
Back to Sept 16: Please enjoy the pictures from our day that follow.
Headed to Bom JesusOur guide, Simone, going over a few rulesThe square in Braga at Bom JesusThe CathedralMom, we are going to tour the cathedralMom, we are also overlooking Braga from the Bom Jesus do MonteOn the tour bus bright and earlyFountain in front of the cathedralInside the Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral
Inside the CathedralInside the CathedralLunch in BragaCastle in Guimarães (really a fortress)1st king of Portugal, Alfonso HenriquesThe central Camino trail runs through Guimarães. We walked a brief portion of it today.Church in the city center of GuimarãesThis local baked delight was made with spaghetti squash. It was deliciousWind down at Wine Affairs
Our day in Porto started with a late breakfast at the Hungry Biker. It’s a very cool place with amazing food! We were pleased! I had a celery, spinach, banana, and ginger smoothy and Pistachio French toast. Mary had a Hangover waffle (she was not hungover) but it had eggs, bacon and a tomato, beer sauce over a waffle…so she could not resist. She said it was good!
Then we headed for the gondola ride at Gaia. We crossed the Dom Luis bridge to get to Gaia and got some nice photos from the air. We looked around the area—shops and tents with goods.
Decided to take a boat ride on the Douro and view the 5 bridges and get a peak at the Atlantic. Was a nice relaxing boat ride. Lasted about an hour.
Then rode the gondola back up near the Luis bridge, walked across and found a restaurant (Pouca Roupa) at the river front for a meal. Later on Elise and Kevin stopped the restaurant. We chatted and laughed for a bit. It was wonderful to see them!
Early to sleep tonight as we have our last tour tomorrow to Braga and Guimarães and we have to meet before 8AM.
At the Hungry Biker in PortoMom, we are in Gaia, PortugalOur boat awaits!Inspector 17 checking the bridge for defectsMom-boat ride on the Douro RiverBack on the gondola ride back upDom Luis Bridge from the gondolaHeaded over the Luis bridge back to PortoElise, Mary and Beverly Sept 15, 2026. Porto Riverfront.
Today we took a special day trip (tour) to Gerês National Park, Portugal.
Our day started with a walk along the river to our meeting point not far from the Dom Luis Bridge. The river walk was nice and flat, however, we had to go up to the meeting point. I believe
we climbed hundreds of steps (felt like it anyway). Only later to find out there is an elevator there we could have taken up…and our guide told us when we told her how we came that it was a very famous staircase and that people go there just to climb that particular staircase case. Our advice is to take the elevator! LOL!
Our tour departed around 8:15am and returned around 7pm. We had an amazing day with more amazing people we met on our small tour (8 folks plus the tour guide). 1 Person from Germany, 2 from Poland, 3 others from the US.
We rode in a LandRover to Gerês National Park. And we did some serious 4 wheeling in that Land Rover. We took a couple of short but seriously challenging hikes to 2 different water falls and swim lagoons. Again, as with the Camino, everybody helped everybody and everybody was your best cheerleader! We had a lot of fun!
And last but not least, it is our 2 year anniversary! So happy anniversary to us! All of our tour group wished us a happy anniversary today at lunch.
We stopped at a favorite restaurant of ours here in Porto, IMPAR, on our walk home from the tour drop off point. We had a nice dinner and celebrated some more. Our hotel left us wine and chocolate with a sweet “happy anniversary” note in our apartment.
It has been a delightful day!!
From our walk along the riverBreakfast snack stop- great baked goodsWe sat in the back of the LandRover on the way up and everyone swapped seats on the way back4 wheeling-view from the back window of our LandRoverBeginning of our first hikeOur first stop on the trail was the community Olive oil press estimated to be over 300 years old.It is estimated that each press wheel is used for 100 years. The used wheel is removed and placed into the floor. There are already 3 wheels in the floor and a space is reserved for the 4th (currently in use).Cork treeCork treeTrail markerWater fall and swim lagoon Gerês National ParkVery cool, refreshing waterGrapesCommunity garden belowSmall grocery in FafiãoLunchHike to the 2nd falls and swim lagoonMary living her best lifesmall stones were used to fill air gaps prior to concrete fillerOne of our favorite restaurants in PortoHappy Anniversary to us!
We began our day with plans to go to the beach. We had the windows open this morning as there was a nice cool breeze. We heard drums and looked down toward the river. A marathon was happening.
We needed more coffee for the next few days. Went to our favorite Spar grocery. On the way we cheered on a few of the marathoners. I do good to walk these hills with cobblestones…these folks were running! Was fun to cheer them on.
Returned to our apartment to put away groceries. Headed for the 500 bus (scenic city bus that goes along the river). Evidently the most popular bus as well. We waited at the stop for 1.5 hours. Then called an UBER. I do not recommend trying to take the 500 bus on a gorgeous summer Sunday.
We arrived Felgueiras lighthouse area. Found a nice beachfront restaurant for a late lunch. We had a wonderful view. Spent a little time walking these hills beachfront area after lunch. Very busy, beautiful area to visit.
We set up an UBER for our return to our apartment. Had a nice scenic ride along the river on the way back.
Decided we should restock on Pastel de Nata (lol!). Purchased a few at our favorite store. Mary decided she wanted to have a tawny port wine. Hung out for about an hour across the street from our apartment at Wine Affairs. And well, we had a gelato afterwards.
And that’s pretty much it for today. Another tour tomorrow so stay tuned!
Lunch viewFishing boatBusy beach
Folks fishing
Cable car in PortoOur favorite Pastel de Nata shopOur apartment building frontTaking a break at Wine Affairs across the street from our apartment buildingMary had a tawny Port and meat and cheese board (I helped out with the cheese and bread!)
Our morning began early as we needed to meet our tour group around 8:30am. We enjoyed our tour through Viator with Livingtours out of Porto. Very informative tour guide, nice folks on the tour with us, nice vehicle we rode in. Not cramped at all. We toured 2 wineries (Croft and Coimbra de Mattos) Tasted their port wines. Discovered I like tawny Port the best.
We had lunch at Coimbra de Mattos. It was very good! This winery is in Sabrosa, Portugal (Douro Valley). We also saw the childhood house of Magellan in Sabrosa.
The tour was about a 10 hour tour. Was a beautiful ride to and from the Douro Valley.
Came back to the apartment and watched the 2nd half of the Women’s FIBA semifinal basketball game: Spain vs USA. USA won! We felt fortunate to see part of the game.
Please enjoy some pics from our day.
View from our tour meeting point
Mom’s along for the tourWinery guide educating us on the vines at Croft VineyardsWhite Port, Ruby Port and Tawny PortNice folks from VA we met on this tourLunch at Coimbra de MattosMagellan’s childhood home Statue of Magellan in the town roundaboutChurch along the Tamega River
We headed out for the local laundry (Laundry Infante 3 min walk). It was time! We spent a few hours getting laundry caught up.
Then off to lunch at Restaurante Galeria Do Largo. Very close as well. We had a nice lunch. Good place to people watch too.
Then back to our apartment. We had a special birthday, What’s App video call with mom. HAPPY 85th birthday mom!! We spent about 30 min talking. She told us she is enjoying our journey! She said she really had to push hard a few times up some of the hills on the Camino. I told her I was sure I felt her pushing! Told her we were sorry if she was bored today while we did laundry…lol, but there are more pics I need to load to her digital frame this evening.
After our fun birthday call with mom, we headed to the grocery to stock up on water, snacks etc.
Went for a walk around Porto for a bit. Then picked up a pizza from Luzzo Pizzeria. It was absolutely delicious.
Still recovering from our Camino and processing the experience. It was priceless and timely.
So for now, will add just a few pics from today (did not take many—-laundry and grocery shopping is boring). Tomorrow we visit the Douro Valley!! A fun day ahead. Hang on mom, here we go!
From our room balcony, zoomed in-crowds in the garden to watch sunset
We had a nice breakfast at our hotel in Lestrove. Then while loading our pannier bags, we noticed the sun rising over the mountains. It was beautiful. It was a nice, crisp 57 degrees F outside. We headed out to for the last leg of our Camino e-bike ride. On our way to our route we met a couple folks from California. We chatted a bit and decided to ride together as we all were headed to Santiago de Compostela. Very nice folks on the same mission; Camino completion. We worked together to make it to Santiago, took some nice group photos, shared some good conversation, exchanged email addresses and last but not least had some darned good Sangria.
I got emotional a few times riding the last day. Not sure anyone else noticed as you really have to watch and be aware of your surroundings while riding 10-25mph (depending of up or down hill). From training to completion it has been an emotional roller coaster. No regrets here at all!!
We did it, Mary and Mom! I am grateful to you both for the encouragement and support. Thank you Mary for your hard work training and completion of the Camino with me.
Mom-thank you for your encouragement and example of strength and resilience. Your example kept me going.
With this Camino, I have been reminded to trust the process of life and training. Trust others. Help others. Not everything is in my control, but I can choose how I respond and adjust. Panic is not a good reaction. Stay calm, stay grounded and navigate around it.
Writing this as we head back to Porto via bus. Seeing some sights we saw from our Camino ride. Laughing and recalling what “happened here”(ride in Vigo area and the encounter with the man at the bus station in Vigo).
Whatever Camino you choose, make it your own. That’s what it is all about. Exploration, enlightenment, discovery of yourself, etc. Some walk, some bike, some may virtually make the journey. My mom made the Camino via a digital photo frame!Do it the way that works for you!
Enjoy the photos below from the past 2 days.
BUEN CAMINO!
Sunrise in Lestrove
Ready to roll last day of Camino ride
Camino friends for CaliforniaPost Camino beverageIn line at the Pilgram’s office to get our Compostela and our Certificate of Distance. Mary was Pilgram 1187 and I was Pilgram 1188 in line on Sept 9, 2026. 2679 Pilgrams completed their Camino on September 9, 2026.
We were headed into the cathedral for 19:30 Pilgram’s mass on Sept 9, 2026.
We lit a candle in honor of MomSept 10, 2026-view from out hotel room
Vegetable Paella
Happy girl! Seafood PaellaBus ride from Santiago de Compostela to PortoRandom window pic from bus on the way to Porto—-some reflectionVigo bus station—a couple of stories t be told from this location!Returned to Casas do Porto Ribera apartments. Seen from our balcony (zoomed in) of folks preparing to view sunset at the garden near Dom Luis Bridge
