We have been looking at the steep woods across the water from our tent so know we have a bit of a climb out of the Douro valley, through hamlets where mini-tractors are being used as anything bigger would not fit on the tiny terraces. Cottage gardens have veggy patches, mainly potatoes and leeks. We reward ourselves at the highest point with a cafe stop, and sample the local delicacy - a cinnamon flavoured mini custard tart.
Never have we been anywhere with so many cafés. Our favourite cafe name to date is " Bem Bom" ( "Well Good").
The woods here are infested with imported Gum trees, but as we reach the Atlantic coast, the national park is carefully maintained with fragrant local pine forests. There is a superb, dedicated cycle path with glimpses of the crashing ocean waves, on our right. Being a Saturday we meet the odd small group of Lycra cyclists on the broad walks. Picnic lunch is at a table under the trees. A side trip out to Furadouro, brings us to a long promenade along the sea front, with a refreshing sea breeze. A sit on the sand but not a paddle in the intimidating waves, then the final couple of miles into Ovar where our first Portuguese Warm Shower host Rafael, meets us outside the library and takes us to his modern top floor apartment, with far views to distance hills.
Miles to date:- 599
Location:Porto to Ovar
