Hikeathon 2025 Lisbon again!

Those of you who follow my hike-a-thon every year know that I often do the Portuguese Camino route through Lisbon as part of my hike-a-thon routine. This year was no exception. I did 3 miles along the Tagus River. 

getting ready to leave Philadelphia for Lisbon

I google mapped my route with stops for shopping on the way back :-) 

Follow the yellow arrows to Santiago Spain and follow the blue arrows to Fatima

Fatima is another pilgrimage route here, follow the blue arrows to get there

The Vasco de Gama Bridge is the second longest in Europe

Statue of Catherine of Braganza who was Queen of England during the late 1600's Married to Charles II She was Portuguese Royalty and spent her childhood in Lisbon. 

I love the cobblestones, but they can be treacherous, especially when wet 

On the way back looking at the Vasco de Gama Tower, It was built for the World's Fair here in Lisbon in 1998. 

Who was this Vasco de Gama that everything is named after here in Lisbon? He was a Portuguese explorer and was the first European to reach India by sea (remember that is where Columbus was headed when he landed in North America). Portugal was a maritime super power during the 1400's-1600's.  Portugal dominated the trade between Europe and South America and between different regions of Asia, such as India, Indonesia, China, and Japan.

Also what is this pilgrimage to Fatima? 

In 1917 the Virgin Mary appeared to some children in Fatima. It was during WWI and it was a message of peace. In 1930, the Vatican recognized the Virgin of Fatima as a legitimate miracle and now pilgrims make the trek (it is 80 miles from Lisbon) to celebrate the power of faith. 

So far we have raised $910 for the WTA and I have walked 15 miles. 

You can send Cash or Check made out to WTA to  Amanda Arkebauer PO Box 16131, Seattle, WA  98116  or visit the fundraising website    https://give.wta.org/fundraiser/6481756