Christina Vandermeulen, Vale da Telha resident and Amovate member is now today (Wednesday) completing the fifth day of her 250-mile charity walk from Cabo de São Vicente to Fatima.

Remember, this is the route Christina has planned:

Christina Vandermeulen—Walking From Cabo de São Vicente to Fatima.

(9am start each day)

Day Lunch Overnight Distance (km)

1: Cabo de São Vicente Vila Do Bispo Carrapateira 24.7

2: Carrapateira Chabouco Vale Da Telha 18.8

3: Vale Da Telha Rogil Odeceixe 21.6

4: Odeceixe Sao Teotonio Odemeira 25.1

5: Odemeira V-Nova Da Milfontes 29.6

6: V-N Milfontes Santiago do Cacém 37.4

7: Santiago do Cacém Melides 22.6

8: Melides Troia 39.0

(Ferry boat to Setubal)

9: Setubal Cacilhas 35.5

(Ferry boat to Caiso do Sodré, Lisbon)

10: Caiso do Sodré (via Parque das Nações) Alverca Do Ribatejo 31.6

11: Alverca Do Ribatejo Azambuja 26.1

12: Azambuja Santarém 26.5

13: Santarém Pernes 21.5

14: Pernes Minde 24.1

15: Minde Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima 13.5

TOTAL Km: 397.6

She is keeping a daily diary of her walk which you can see on the Facebook page chronicling her adventure: Fatimacharitywalk.

She begins by saying on her first day, April 18^th:

Day 1: We left home in Vale da Telha at 7.45am for a good hour’s drive to the lighthouse at Cabo Vicente. Some friends came to congratulate me and take pictures. It was a little bit difficult at the start because there are two hiking trails and the Via Algarviana Gr, Gr 13 11 Rota Vicentina.

But with that well figured out we were on our way. Nature was so wonderful, everything was in bloom. We also saw a large herd of donkeys on a meadow, so sweet. After 13 km we arrived at our afternoon point Vila Do Bispo where we had cheese sandwiches and a drink.

The second part was very heavy deep valleys and a lot of wind, but all under a beautiful sun. We were very glad when we saw the end final stop of this first day, at 17.00. Several friends walked with me along the 31 km in beautiful weather which made me very happy. It was a very nice trip, thanks everybody. Other friends let me use théir Jacuzzi bath to soothe my aching muscles and gave me a lovely meal. Thanks a lot. Now I lie in my bed and enjoy a good night’s sleep. See you tomorrow. Ready for day 2.

Day 2: This was a very special super walk to Vale da Telha—faster than I expected. Sorry Carolina!

Day 3: Again a beautiful walk from Vale da Telha to Rogil and on to Odeceixe—a distance of 26 km. Thanks to everybody who supported me and walked with me.

Day 4: Odeceixe to Sāo Teotonio, a walk of 16 km with my walking group friends, then another 11 km to Odemira. I found a place to sleep in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

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Christina has opened an account in the name of the Charity at the BPI bank in Aljezur and you can make your donations to the following Account Number:

BIC : BBPIPTPL
IBAN : PT50 0010 0000 3948 2281 5023 3

She has also placed collection boxes at various businesses in and around Vale Da Telha, so please give generously…

She has a Facebook page which you can access HERE : Fatima Charity Walk