We were all a little anxious this morning I think – about heading off on our pilgrimage.

I wanted a group shot out front of the hotel, in the middle of the street. The street had train lines which made it great photographically – the lines drawing your eye into the group –

But the reason the street had train lines was because the street had trains – and just when I had a great shot lined up we had to scamper over to the sidelines, to let a train through.

Trains have no respect for pilgrims that get in their way.

We then set off – crossing a massive drawbridge over the main channel feeding the port, then we headed to the coast. It was overcast, but soon the clouds would burn off leaving the day sunny and perfect for walking.

Peter and Julie, experienced pilgrims that they are, were out of the gates like two sleek greyhounds, bounding ahead – their friends Ken and Angie (their first Camino) doing well to keep up with them.

Jennifer and I stayed back, to help the last of the group get on their way. We then set off at a leisurely pace – knowing that Caterina would and could handle any immediate exigency should it arise.

We do have some elderly walkers on this tour…

The first part of the day’s route took us past a large industrial complex- startling in its brazen hideousness.

The way then wound through fishing villages and past newly built holiday apartment blocks – all the time on boardwalks which were reminiscent of Santa Monica or Venice in the US.

I was pleased today that I’d brought the 55-200mm zoom (35mm equivalent 87-300mm). This part of the Camino cried out for a telephoto lens.

As we moved further north each of us splintered off to walk our own walk. I stayed with Jennifer, who was not feeling well. We soon dropped to the back of the pack.

We walked through fishing villages operating like they must have a hundred years ago.

We passed a couple having sex on the beach…

I moved on quickly after taking this shot. The bloke saw me with the long telephoto and thought I must have been a pervert.

Oi mate, I’m not the one having sex on a pubic beach.

The walk ended in Vila do Conde, the path opening out suddenly to reveal the town’s ancient monastery on a hill overlooking the river.

I walked nine hours today with 2 x 20 min breaks. We figure it must have been a 25-26km walk. We all got a little lost – especially Greg and Donna. They got a little lost in a bar.