I was woken up a few times during the night by activities on the floor above. I think it was related to the massage business which continues here as opposed to other activities previously undertaken downstairs where I was staying.

I had a healthy breakfast nearby before heading off.

I’ve seen a handful of other pilgrims. I briefly met two women from Denver yesterday, Brian from Ireland was at the Purple Spa, and I ran into these two women a few times during the day.

The path follows the riverbank again for some kilometres.

Ablutions time for these ducks.

I’m gradually leaving the long stretch of northern dormitory suburbs behind me, although the area I walked through today is extensively given over to industry.

Looking back towards Lisbon.

The Aero Museum is located at the old airport.

Walking along the highway is not much fun – speeding cars, not much space to walk and hot tarmac with the temperature reaching 27 today.

There’s lots of industry around here .

The pretty little railway station at Alhandra has an ugly neighbour.

Alhandra is the first little town I’ve walked through since leaving Lisbon.

From here thankfully it was back along the river for a while .

By now, the estuary has narrowed down to a river.

This bought me to the larger town of Vila Franca de Xira with its bull ring . Bull fighting is still quite popular in Portugal although increasingly controversial.

I stopped here for lunch in a riverside park.

Back in the road in the afternoon …..

After around 26km the path crosses over the railway line at Carregado. My big toe was starting to hurt as it looks like I’m going to lose the nail for a third time.

Also I wasn’t looking forward to the last 8km on the edge of the busy highway in the heat , so I caught a train!

In Azambuja, every tall structure seems to have a stork nest with mother and baby.

I’m staying at a place called Casa da Rainha, or the Queen’s House and each room is named after a Queen of Portugal. Mine is named for Rainha Dulce de Aragão.

She’s looking down at me lying in bed .

There’s a restaurant around the corner that opens at 7 and I think everyone staying where I am was there and we’re all pilgrims!

Tomorrow I’ve planned a short day of just 15km.

Here’s my Relive video of the walk.

https://www.relive.com/view/vrqDpE1wWLq