11 Caceres to Casar de Caceres

We're back on the trail after an 8-day break feeling healed and rested. We were in Portugal for 6 nights. Three of those at the county house of friends in the Arrabida National Park near Azetao. The weather was nice and we logged some bench-time in the sun. On Thursday we relocated to a hostal in the heart of Setubal. We spent one rather hectic afternoon playing "tourista" in Lisbon. That night from our balcony we watched the Good Friday procession. Not quite like Semana Santa in Sevilla, but you couldn't beat the seats. The next day was nice enough to spend the afternoon at the beach. Yesterday, Easter Sunday, was a travel day back to Caceres and the gracious hospitality of Bea and Boni for dinner and a place to sleep.

Since today was a short walk, we lingered over breakfast and did some shopping in Caceres before setting out. It feels good to be on the move again, but every day has its surprises. We arrived in Casar just after 2 PM with the idea of spending the rest of the afternoon over a large lunch and bottle of wine. Surprise! Today is the feast day of the town and EVERYTHING is closed. Bars included. Everone is at the "Romeria" 9 km out of town. We found one tiny store open and got a tin of sardines, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine and had our own little party on the steps of the refugio. We'll be having leftovers for dinner. Luckily, it was a very nice wine.