Two days for this 30km stretch, we are not yet up to walking that far in one day. Having said that it was really hot and 15km a day seemed to be pushing it. This was made even harder for me as we were the last to leave the Albergue in Azambuja. I checked all my bags, switched off the lights, closed and locked the doors and then….realised my walking poles were still inside. Curses!
The first day took us as far as a Albergue called Quinta da Burra. All along the route there was a 15 foot concrete barrier to hold back the flooding River Tejo. The water level rises rapidly in spring. The Albergue was very comfortable though there was a pond in the grounds with lots of little green frogs with voices far out of proportion with their size.
Quinta da Burra.
Walking along the top of the river barrier.
After a good nights sleep and breakfast provided we set of in a cool hazy mist which soon burned off to another blazing hot day. On the flat plains by the river mile after mile of tomato plants in regimented rows, then vines, all with irrigation tubes running alongside them.
Santarem could clearly be seen on a distant hill and grew gradually closer. We ate our sandwiches in the meagre shade of a house before the final climb into the city.
We found our hostel with no problem and then out to explore. Visited the cathedral and took in the amazing view over the river Tejo.
The Cathedral at Santarem.
The river Tejo, our companion (though rarely seen) all the way from Lisbon.
A meal and then a taxi ride to the local sports shop for some more walking poles and to bed ready for whatever tomorrow may bring.
The Way 