And so it begins. I completed the first day of my Camino - started back at the Lisbon Cathedral, and came all the way to Alvercas/Verdelha - 18 miles!

It should’ve only been about 16-17 miles, but when I realized I was going into a 7 mile stretch that wouldn’t provide any water, food, or bathrooms, I decided to double back a little bit and go somewhere that I could find everything - Starbucks 🥲. This isn’t how I envisioned my adventure…the last thing I ever wanted to do was go somewhere that I can find back home. But, I’m glad I did. I got a latte, obligatory pastel de nata, and recharged so that I could feel confident going into the next stage. I think, subconsciously, I really needed a little reminder of home.

That 7 mile stretch consisted mainly of a new boardwalk through the Tagus River estuary. I saw lots of birds and beautiful scenery.

I felt very worn out by the time I arrived for lunch, approximately 14-15 miles in. My spirits slightly lifted with a delicious sandwich, fresh mango juice, and the waiter complimenting my Portuguese.

My feet and back are killing me, but no blisters! I forgot to put sunscreen on a small patch of both my ankles, so now I have a very odd sunburn, also several mosquito bites from the estuary stage. But I am alive and preparing myself for another 18ish miles tomorrow!