Another super day of country walking. There was a bit of relatively busy road walking (the N122) leaving Mertola but a welcome side road appeared on the right and thereafter it was easy walking. After about 12km one comes to the little village of Corte Gafo de Cima where there was an open cafe.
Entertainment was provided by an airforce of house martins that had taken up residence in an abandoned house across the road. They flew incessantly in and out of the absent windows, always too fast for me to get a good photo.
Having not been able to determine whether the church at Mosteiro would be open (and suspecting that it would not), I chose to head due north from Corte Gafo, rather than dog-leg west to Mosteiro.
The walk was relaxing but I was glad to see Amendoeira appear on the horizon as the unseasonable heat meant I was getting through a lot of water. I had contacted the local reception centre before arrival and had instructions on how to find the lady who ran the albergue. However the shop was closed so after wondering around a bit a nice chap stopped his van and asked if he could help. On explaining that I couldn't find the accommodation he pointed me to the centre for study of the Iberian Lynx where I could find help.
Unfortunately the centre was also closed apart from a decorator who went and found help. Two chaps turned up, one a chap from Dublin, so after the obligatory rugby chat, it was explained to me that the dear lady who ran the shop and the accommodation was in a hospital in the Algarve. I was welcome to stay but there was no chance of a meal or breakfast. Also, the church was closed so at least I got that right.
So, taxi back to Mertola...the only time I have stayed three nights in the same hotel on a camino!
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