Following yesterday’s marathon 37km, only 13km remained to reach Azambuja. That gave me some time to wash my clothes. I was up early and at the laundry as it opened at 8am. A 35min wash took 45 minutes and I had plenty of time to walk around the old town, and see the trams. My lightweight clothes only needed one dry cycle before I was on my way back to the hotel for a late breakfast.
I was in plenty of time for the 11.20 train back to Carregado, and stood in line to buy a ticket. The journey took ca. 30 minutes and I reached Carregado in beautiful sunshine.
One would have thought that the Camino started here as there were several signs explaining the route, welcoming walkers and reminding them to walk on the left. The first few kilometers were along a a small country backroad, with very little traffic.
There wasn’t a lot to see apart from the site of an aerodrome used from 1916 to 1920. The site was now covered in water, but there was an information boards and some pictures.
After the aerodrome, the path became a wide dirt path in the countryside following the train tracks. I spent the time taking pictures of trains hurtling past and speaking to my youngest son who is upgrading my PC with (relatively new) parts he has discarded as being too old!
I reached Azambuja with 15 minutes to spare before the train to Tomar. I started my Camino Portuguese in Azambuja two years ago, and by reaching Azambuja today, I have now closed all the gaps and walked from Sagres to Fatima.
The train was on time, but again I boarded the train without a ticket. This time there was a conductor and he charged me 4€ for the ride to Tomar.
I stayed the night in Tomar, where I had stayed 2 years ago, when I walked up to the medieval castle. I found the hotel easily, as I was staying at the same hotel. One good reason to return to Tomar was the excellent meal I had two years ago at Fernandos. As two years ago, I ordered a sirloin steak, and yet again it was excellent. I declined desert and went to a nearby bakery where I bought two cakes – both were excellent.
I walked barely 13kms non-stop, but there was a cafe/restaurant after 5km, which was the only place to stop if needed until Azambuja.