Chasing Dreams

Days 7–10 | Ansião → Rabaçal → Coimbra → Sernadelo → Águeda
110 km over 4 days

The last four days have felt both very long and very fast.

Early alarms. Quiet departures in the dark. Walking before sunrise to get ahead of the heat. Long stretches of trail with only footsteps and thought. Then afternoons arriving somewhere completely spent—grateful simply to take the pack off.

Day 7 – Ansiao to Rabacal

The day started at 5:45 and after some short farewells to the others, we ventured out the door of Albergue de Gerard and headed up the road towards our destination —Rabacal.

I felt exhausted. My body was asking for rest. My feet wanted to be elevated, my knee was gently asking me to slow down, and after 16 km, an albergue with a pool felt like the greatest gift imaginable.

The afternoon was spent moving between poolside rest and cool water, followed by conversation with another pilgrim who’s taken a sabbatical year to travel across Europe.

Day 8 – Rabacal to Coimbra.

We left Rabacal before sunrise expecting heat, but instead walked under cool air, thunder in the distance, and eventually heavy rain.

Packs covered, heads down, we kept moving.

The rain felt refreshing—until the humidity returned. It was hot and we were exposed to the sun for great lengths of time. The final kilometres into Coimbra felt endless.

Heavy feet, tired legs, and one step after another.

We arrived at a monastery albergue and waited on the steps for the doors to open, hoping there would still be space. There was. Relief.

Despite the exhaustion, we spent the evening wandering through the historic centre, visiting Sé Velha de Coimbra and University of Coimbra before dinner and making curfew back at the monastery.

Coimbra became more than just another destination on the Camino—it was the last place the three of us would walk together. The next morning, over coffee and pastries, we said goodbye to Rajae before she returned to Lisbon for her flight back to France. It’s strange how quickly people can become part of your daily life out here. We left each other with hugs, gratitude for the days we shared, and the promise that we’ll meet again someday.

Day 9 – Coimbra to Sernadelo

Day 10 – Sernadelo to Agueda

These days were defined by heat. The kind that drains your energy and makes every shady bench feel miraculous.

Water became essential.

Shade became sacred.

My hands and feet have swollen in the heat and by the final kilometres each day they feel heavy—like bricks.

And yet… I keep walking.

There have been difficult stretches these past few days. Moments where my body has clearly asked me to take it easier. But there have also been gifts everywhere: cool morning fog, refreshing rain, a table under the trees exactly when needed, a pool, a hot shower, a meal with friends, and arriving at an albergue to find familiar faces waiting there.

That’s what I’m noticing most out here—how often what I need seems to appear right when I need it.

For now: slower steps, more rest where I can, and onward toward the next town.

Buen Camino 🤍

I’m glad you’re here.

Until next time…there’s more to come.

XO