Why the Portuguese Camino? What can I expect?

Why am I hiking the Portuguese Camino?

Well, there are several reasons.:
1) A primary one is it’s been on Kate’s bucket list for a long time. We’ve been taking turns checking things off our bucket lists; sometimes hers, sometimes mine & frequently an adventure is on both of our lists.
2) Since I was young, I’ve always loved traveling, meeting people from other countries, learning about their culture & history.
3) I’m an avid hiker & since receiving my new hip 18 months ago, it’s healed remarkably well, so it seems this is a perfect challenge for me.
4) It’s exciting attempting something unusual & accomplishing a goal many people would never attempt or even consider.
5) I’m doing this for my own reasons.  I realize other pilgrims are doing their Camino treks for their own reasons which can include religious or spiritual reasons.

Our trekking route from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain:

Portugese Camino Coastal Route

What can I expect?

1) Less pilgrims/trekkers than on other routes.  According to the Pilgrims Office in Santiago, 60% of pilgrims walk the Camino Frances (the French Way) which is the walk fead you n the film, The Way staring Martin Sheen. Only 22% walk the Portuguese Camino.  Of those that walk in Portugal, 2 out of 3 choose the Central Route.  Consequently we’ve chosen the far less traveled Coastal Route.
2) Weather: similar to Northern California in September. Temperatures: average highs in mid-70s, lows in upper 50s. Rainfall: averages 5 days/month; more rainfall after Day 5 when we cross country not Spain.  Likely to be windy & cool as we travel along the Portuguese coast.
3) Distances:  265 km (165 miles) total in 13 days; range 13-24 km (8-15 miles ), average 20 km (12.4 miles).  One rest day after Day 8.
4) Elevation: Sea level to 300 feet;  flatter during first 5 days in Portugal, then more elevation when we get into Spain.
5) Hiking Surface: Boardwalk (over sandy areas), gravel, cobblestones, pavement (in towns & cities).