Day 7 - 19.45 km Sept 23 from Oia to Baiona

Ola - it is darker now that we have had to turn our clocks ahead one hour (now we are 6 hours ahead of Alberta time). It is strange how some of the gadgets automatically update the time and not others, we found that out this morning when the iPad said one time and the iPhone (where the alarm was set) still had Portugal time - we had 28 minutes to get our suitcases at the door and we were ready in 20!!! As we were heading out (breakfast was not included in our accommodations) - the remaining of the fireworks were being set off - can you imagine this? Not only did the locals stay up late to enjoy the live music (as some of us did as well), now they there awoken by the banging of the leftover fireworks at 0800 hours! Thank goodness we were up and on the road by then. We had an amazing day again - with some coastal routes, little on the main thorough fares and the rest in the forest (our favourite is along the coast or in the forest, off the main thoroughfares). What incredible views of the ocean and varied terrain as we walked over the large hills (with quite the elevation) and looked back. WOW - for lack of a better word - It was awesome - I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not imagining this. The incline was steep, (I noticed that even the horse poop evidence stopped partway up the hill - perhaps the horses are smarter than we are). Nevertheless, we had an amazing climb and decent back into the villages and valleys. I believe we have left the cobblestone streets back in Portugal and the walking in the forest and on the trails is much easier on our feet. We were in the midst of some kind of tour de Spain cycle race and had to be on the lookout for bikers coming quickly onto the pathways, so we could step aside and not be run over - no one seemed to have a bell on their bikes, but they did wear helmets! We arrived at Baiona quite early in the afternoon and decided that we would like to have our larger meal at that time verse at 8-9 pm. As we were searching for our hotel, Gerry and his GPS had quickly located it - the restaurant we were going to eat at was right next to our hotel - we just needed to look up for the sign. We enjoyed the local food again - seaweed and scallop omelet, sole, octupus and grilled fresh vegetables, all super delicious!!! I particularly enjoyed the octopus and shrimp dish and grilled vegetables - so, so good! We had a leisurely afternoon, some slept, others toured the Fort - which had a walk way all around it - about 2 kms - the views from this level were simply incredible and the temperature made it even more enjoyable. We ended the evening, sitting on a sea wall, drinking local wine, eating bread and cheese and dessert while we watched the waves come in. We enjoyed the company of our colleagues and sharing stories with each other. We topped off the evening with a Gelato and headed back to our rooms... Most of us really need a good night sleep as the festival and noise kept us up most of the night! The weather, since we arrived at Portugal (Sunday) has been totally awesome - mid to high 20s and as we walk along the ocean, we are thankful for the breeze. The fog usually rolls in mid to late morning, so we have great ocean views first thing. We had some of our best coffee at a Albergue this morning and had several very small stops along our journey today. We think of those back home often and you know they are missed as conversations often revolve around our families. Oh yes, one learning from today - if you are giving instructions when you are half naked and say "DON'T come in" - ensure that the "DON'T" is plainly and loudly announced :)). Tomorrow is a longer day as we head to VIGO. Adios, Buenas noches!