Golega to Tomar

Off nice and early today with a few spots of rain in the cool air. The walking was gentle and relaxing as we made our way towards Tomar.

Quinta Cardiga is an abandoned former Royal Palace and home to the Knights Templar which used to act as part of the defenses against the Spanish and Arab invasions. It is eerily impressive of a time gone by.

Late morning brought an opportunity to walk uphill through the sweet smelling eucalyptus forests including new plantations.

As as we began to reach the outskirts of Tomar, black clouds appeared on the horizon and then a huge thunder and lightning storm hit us. With only a short distance to go, we had to dive into a bar as the deluge arrived. The doors were locked tight to prevent water seeping in and outside the road was flooded very quickly.