La Bruja to Tui, Spain
Distance: 17 miles/ 29 km
Total: 270 miles
Notable memories
The hike
Once again I came across a lot of beautiful scenery today. From walking through pine woods and up mountains over stone path trails and walking under trails covered in vineyards, Portugal is very beautiful today.
At the height of today's highest climb (Alto de Portela), I came across the cross dedicated to the inhabitants of La Bruga who gave their lives fighting the French and Napoleon's army of invasion in 1809.
It's now become a place where many pilgrims leave memories of their loved ones. Perhaps leaving a memento of a loved one here at the top of this mountain helps them ease the pain of the loss.
One picture caught my eye. It was of a young woman who died young. I was struck by the fates that somehow determine who gets to be a part of this world and who must leave it. When standing in front of these memories of loved ones that people have left at these sites doesn't move me or bother me, there will be something wrong with the life I'm living.
Today I also walked along part of a trail called the Roman XIX road. 2000 years ago, this was a road of high commerce, culture and Roman influence on the Iberian peninsula. The Via Romana XIX, initially known as "Antonine Itinerary", was the longest of the four avenues built on NW Hispanic. United the capitals of Gallaecia: Brácara Augusta (Braga) and Astúrica Augusta (Astorga) through Lucus Augusti (Lugo). ... And I walked just a miniscule portion of the Roman Road Network.
Met a man on the Camino today. His name is Howard. Turns out he met Camiga Cathy last night. So when I told him I was from New York, he pointed at me and said that I was 'that New Yorker'. At first I was paranoid that I was building a reputation, despite being on my best behavior, but then he explained to me how Cathy had told him how much fun she had walking and hiking with me. Howard is also a New Yorker and he's an RIT graduate.
And finally today I crossed the border between Portugal and Spain. I am once again in Spanish territory as I continue my Camino Portuguese to Santiago.
At the height of today's highest climb (Alto de Portela), I came across the cross dedicated to the inhabitants of La Bruga who gave their lives fighting the French and Napoleon's army of invasion in 1809.
It's now become a place where many pilgrims leave memories of their loved ones. Perhaps leaving a memento of a loved one here at the top of this mountain helps them ease the pain of the loss.
One picture caught my eye. It was of a young woman who died young. I was struck by the fates that somehow determine who gets to be a part of this world and who must leave it. When standing in front of these memories of loved ones that people have left at these sites doesn't move me or bother me, there will be something wrong with the life I'm living.
Roman road system
Met a man on the Camino today. His name is Howard. Turns out he met Camiga Cathy last night. So when I told him I was from New York, he pointed at me and said that I was 'that New Yorker'. At first I was paranoid that I was building a reputation, despite being on my best behavior, but then he explained to me how Cathy had told him how much fun she had walking and hiking with me. Howard is also a New Yorker and he's an RIT graduate.
And finally today I crossed the border between Portugal and Spain. I am once again in Spanish territory as I continue my Camino Portuguese to Santiago.
Today's pictures
Cross at the top of Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja
View from Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja
I did a web search on this young woman, but no luck. I have no idea why she died or what led someone to leave a memory of her on the Camino Portuguese.
(Note: 4/27/20 - Fedra Partata spent much of her life in hospitals due to a genetic defect that left her immune compromised. See online article.)
(Note: 4/27/20 - Fedra Partata spent much of her life in hospitals due to a genetic defect that left her immune compromised. See online article.)
Part of the climb up to Alto da Portela Grande
Trail covered by vineyards
Three hat Howard and I. Chance encounter on the Camino
Part of today's trail follows the Roman Road XIX, constructed in the 1st century A.D. to link the cities of Braga and Astorga. I'm following the footsteps of people who traveled here 2000 years ago.
Leaving Portugal and entering Spain
Videos
Just some really peaceful quiet place I came across on today's hike.
Alto da Portela Grande. It really was that quiet up there.
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