Turning up

So, I made it to Alcoutim. One flight, two buses and a train, a 6am start got me here at 7pm.
Woody Allen says ninety percent of life is turning up. Only ten percent to go then.
Looking out the bus window as it crawled up here, it seemed hard to believe that 20km of scrub covered hills in the distance was only the smallest part of what was ahead of me. I suppose that's a reflection on small window through which we can conceive of what we plan to do. All we foresee is a postage stamp size image of what the future might hold. When it becomes the present, it's full on high definition with full surround sound. Daunting. But all is possible when you have a solid plan and you take it one step at a time.
At least the weather here is an improvement on Dublin, a good ten degrees warmer and no sign of rain.
I hadn't booked anywhere to stay, it was dark when I got here and the only Hotel in the town was closed for the winter, but there was a couple of people around, so I managed to find a guest house. I don't think they quite knew what to make of me, I have no Portuguese, far more hair and stubble than is necessary and as I am travelling light, brought my only pair of waterproof long trousers (aquamarine, from a fancy dress costume) and an electric blue rainjacket that I picked up. Imagine Grizzly Adams in a Tron costume.
Scouted out the town, there is a tourist office round the corner and free wifi in the library, so should be able to get myself well sorted out for tomorrow.
The longest step of the journey happens tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how good these tracks are, how the body reacts to the mileage, and what surprises are ahead of me. I was disturbed to see a number of stray dogs wandering around the town, as I have a problem with dogs (or rather, they always seem to have a problem with me). At least if I meet them on the road tomorrow, I will have my hurley in hand and we all know how Chu Chulainn got his name. So if anyone knows the Irish for "man cowering being the wall until the dog stops barking" is, you can tell me when I get back.