Day 8 - The cliffs past Odeceixe to Zambujeira

Today was the best day yet, with views not to be missed! We woke from our cliff site to a beautiful morning! We ate a breakfast there at the small shelter and we were off!

 

The small shelter where we stashed our backpacks

Views of where we slept

..and we are off to a enjoy a day filled with more beauty than I ever thought could exist.

Look closely at the Stork

My book made note of refreshment possibility in a fisherman’s village, we got there ( mind you approaching from the south) to a restaurant on our right that was closed. We almost missed a restaurant on our left overlooking the ocean that would be my favorite stop ever!!!!! There, in a restaurant that involves going down some stairs and only a small flag to represent it was a restaurant, far from new, with dilapidated tables and chairs overlooking the Ocean in a view fit fir royalty. Samuel owns this restaurant, is one of the sweetest souls you can ever meet and works hard to keep up with the demand. We pretty much camped out here for hours, meeting amazing friendly hikers with long conversation. We had the best seat in the house! We actually had to, with confidence, set up our table and chairs to do so, but we did it and were rewarded. Maybe it’s because true season hasn’t started yet but few tables and chairs were out.

In the window of his restaurant was a bald cat named “ Annie” who stood like a statue. We were such gluttons, we ate and ate... while my dead phone charged and charged. We even left my phone there to backtrack about a half a mile to capture pictures I was unable to get due to my dead phone. Samuel used his cord for my phone and that appeared to do the trick.

More pictures of the backtrack walk...

 


We had shrimp with garlic, french fries, fruit salad, mixed salad and topped it off with the yummiest chocolate cake that was only $1.50 each. He almost seemed  apologetic over the bill that was worth every penny! This spot was the best, and every warm and fuzzy you’d hope to have on the Camino!

We met a lovely couple from Berlin who shared they stayed at the campground in Zambujera.

So upon arrival to the town we contemplated sleeping out, but thankfully headed to this campground where we secured an excellent bungalow with kitchen and beds. The staff was awesome!!!! Cheerful and helpful!!! There was a restaurant and bar but I was way too tired to take advantage of it.

I know I’ve said it before but today’s hike was the most beauty that could be offered!!!! I am in love with the storks! I can’t get enough of these beautiful creatures with their nest high in the rocks.

I hope pictures can grasp what we saw!