The three themes today were a large powerplant, still operational, spewing grey mist from the cooling towers, a railway which we crossed at least three times and were only feet away from when a train going at least 180mph passed us, and verdent green rice patties edged by wild flowers.
Today was a tough one. Rain again, a light drizzle from start till stop. The first few km were city, with busy traffic right next to us, and crossing roundabouts on foot isn't fun. We found out later that the path had been changed to avoid this road but nobody had updated our electronic map or taken down the old signs. We could have been walking along the riverside, instead we inhaled diesel fumes.
Then it was a long country road with lighter but still considerable traffic, narrow enough that two cars couldn't pass us at once going in opposite directions. At this point we caught sight of the power plant in the distance.
Rice paddies abound, and the variety and beautiful wild flowers is amazing. I'm sure the colors and pedals offer variety throughout the year. Soon I will be able to photograph them again, once this rain stops. My phone can tolerate a few drops, but my DSLR is a bit more finicky.
We crossed the tracks and had our train encounter, then walked by the power plant, the tall smokestacks and massive cooling towers, surrounded by a garden of transformers and an orchard of tangled steel wired.
As we neared Azambuja my ankle began to give way, and we were forced to take several rest stops. Nataliia is so understanding and kind at these times, and has angelic patience for this broken body of mine. Sasha, however, sets his own pace and is far ahead with the other pilgrims in our group.
Tomorrow is a thirty K day, our first of many, and will be a long one. However, it's not a race as we already have a room reserved. I have high hopes for it, for in town today we acquired some badly needed gear: rain ponchos and some shoe inserts for me. I hope tomorrow my feet will be up to the task that my heart and mind are set on - an early arrival and a tall glass of beer in Santarem.
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