Yesterday as we rode towards the little town of Freixinho, there were huge boulders scattered along the road side, a bit like something you would expect to see in Jurassic Park! Strange but very old and beautiful. It's difficult to describe the landscape it is so beautiful & rugged & every turn gives you a different perspective.
There was a lovely sound echoing across the valley yesterday which I'm sure was singing however a few people said it was the wind farm, I'm sticking with the sound of lovely voices! 🎶🎼🎵🎹
Following on from yesterdays food theme, Gilda the 3rd guide on our trip rocked up with a big box of Portuguese pastries, Natas - they were delicious & very welcome at the brew stop - thank you Gilda 😊 I'm sure I'm going home 2 sizes larger than when I arrived 🤣🤣
Our supper last night was a buffet in the Chapel of the convent, amazing in so many respects. Walking into the chapel was a WOW moment in itself, the food choices presented of:- salads, vegetables, meat, vegetarian, fish and then the desserts were superb! There was an exceptionally large bottle of wine - huge - one for sharing I would say 😂😂
I never saw any nuns (not sure I expected to really 🤦♀️) the history of this place is wonderful & it would be great to come back and spend sometime here. The external walls of the convent are incredibly wide (probs 18-24 inches) keeping it cool during the summer & the heat in during the winter??? 🤷♀️
Today we have covered some 65.3 miles (105 kms ) & 5374 feet (1638 metres) of ascent & in Garmin's world 12 climbs! Number 11 of which was a 14.74 km long. The gradients were not difficult it was just a very long & drawn out climb. I cycled with Nigel all day, we took it easy, we stopped took some photos, had a drink and generally enjoyed the landscape. It drizzled most of the morning, the roads were wet & slippy, however, this afternoon the drizzle stopped and although the sun hasn't yet shown itself, cycling in the dry was so much better 👌
The photo is the rear of a farmer riding his tractor, he had his brolly up 😂 his dog & what seemed to be a no-entry sign, a load of straw & something sticking out the back of his trailer!
Following the climb, we stopped at the Brew Van for coffee, put something warm on and had an epic descent, scary and amazing all at the same time!
Most of the villages we go through have cobbles running through them, they really slow you down going up or down a climb. Real nerve jangling! Proper Paris - Roubaix sort of stuff!
Our accommodation tonight is in the small town of Belmonte, which a small enclave and home to Portugal's "Marranos" Jewish community. So I'll find out more about that later.
Not the most flattering of photos but I was pleased when got to the top of the climb! I've cleaned my bike, wet lubed it, I'm now off for a shower and then a massage. Thank you for reading and have a fab evening xx
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You are having so many experiences. I really do chuckle at some. Thank you for sharing all these interesting moments. The food sounds fantastic. Keep pedalling!
Glad it makes you smile, life is full of amazing people & experiences - as you know from your sailing ⛵️ x
Another awesome day ! Recall interesting reading and it feels like you are experiencing a great deal of local culture ( and food ).
Almost feel I have cycled there too - so saves me doing it for myself - although can't imagine the massage - may have to do that for real
Thanks Liz, I love eating 🥣 so what better way to find out, although I’ll be 10 lbs heavier when I get back the I’m going 😂
Sounds amazing. Pleased that the weather has improved and things have taken a turn for the better for you.
Dx
Thank you Doreen, it’s wonderful experience & fingers crossed the weather here shld improve tomorrow. The UK not looking great 😱
Pastel de nata, the avant-garde custard tart, but boy can I hoover them up 😋🐷😂 Shame that the sun hasn’t appeared yet but 🤞🏻 for tomorrow 😎
I must agree with you on the natas, I’ve eaten loads of them 😂🐖. I’ve sent the bad weather to the UK hope that’s OK 🫣🚴♀️👍
Another interesting read! Im learning a lot about 🇵🇹
Your pictures are great and you’ve had some lovely views! I’m glad the weather “has improved” hopefully you’ll have rain free day soon! It will get better!
I bet you are having lots of interesting dishes! The convent sounded lovely and I think you need to go back and collect that bottle of wine for your achievement at the end of this!
What a lovely gesture from Gilda with all those natas! Defo a favourite of mine!
Can’t wait to read about the next few days! Keep going!
Thank you Sean, you are kind. I have discovered that warm natas are even more tasty than cold ones (and I thought they would be hard to beat )
Well done Wendy, 14k that’s a few Cold Ashby’s! The pastas de nata look very nice
Thanks Richard, not quite at your mountain Col tours yet! Loved the fb post 👌