So, this morning showed up all grey, dull, misty, and wet... pretty inspiring, right? Garmin reckons we cycled 54.7 miles (89 km) with 3800 ft of climbing and 7 hills. Not sure where Garmin’s pulling those numbers from, though—it felt like way more! Oh, and apparently, a 9% climb for 776 meters is considered “Easy.” Sure, Garmin. 😵💫
Yesterday, the last 6 or 7 miles were along the gorgeous "Tamega Line." It’s a cycle path that used to be an old railway line for hauling goods. The area was apparently big on linen production back in the day. Anyway, this morning we picked up where we left off, following the cycle path and dodging all sorts of obstacles along the way. Thanks to all the rain hitting the super dry ground, it’s just bouncing right off and dragging rocks and boulders with it. Fun times!
The sun made a quick cameo, then BOOM—absolute downpour! We were soaked. After last year’s French adventure, I decided to treat myself to a fancy new jacket (totally worth it, by the way 😁👍).
No wild dogs today—thank goodness! We spotted a couple way over on the other side of a busy road, and I was more than happy for them to stay there! Autumn was showing off today with all those gorgeous colors. Stunning stuff. Tonight, we’re staying in this amazing spot right by the river Duoro. It’s massive, super wide, and flows like crazy.
We’ve been cruising past vineyards lined up so perfectly on the hillsides, their leaves shifting from green to gold to brown. It’s like nature’s own little masterpiece.
Honestly, no idea where the company digs up these hotels, but wow—they nailed it again. Yesterday’s place? Stunning. Today’s spot? Equally gorgeous, but in its own unique way.
Picture this: vineyards climbing up the hills, the occasional goat 🐐 hanging out, and orange 🍊 and olive trees basking in some weak, watery sunshine. It’s a total treat for the eyes. Fingers crossed for better weather tomorrow! For now, I’m off to figure out how to dry my soaked cycling shoes and, um, my very soggy bottom 😳🤣. Thanks for reading — see you tomorrow! x
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A fascinating read I see some blue appearing in the photos hopefully going to get better weather 🤞
Wow! What an adventure Wendy! Fun to read abt your exploits in a sunny & dry Lutterworth…! Stay safe & Enjoy!
Thank you Mary, I’ve got my fingers crossed it stops raining soon x
Looks fantastic 👌
Thanks Lou, it’s lovely just a tad wet atm xx
Sounds like you are having a great holiday despite the rain, hope it stays dry for you tomorrow. Thanks for the photos they give a good indication of the terrain you are cycling along. Take care
Dxx
Thank you Doreen, the terrain is beautiful, I have my fingers crossed for the weather 🌦️ 🤞🤞
There was an episodes of an 80s TV program called The Flumps where PootleFlump was followed by a rain cloud…I’m beginning to think you may be the modern day cycling version ⛈️😂
I’ve never heard of the flumps, so I’m off to google it 😂😂😂 I do seem somewhat fated 🤯
The weather can only improve. Scenery is stunning, company even better. Keep going the route gets better. I remember climbing over rockfalls (further along the journey) love reading your blog x
Sounds like you had a nice day hopefully the rain will stop ☺️ Douro is beautiful
Douro is lovely & the food is fantastic, I have my fingers crossed for the weather xx
Looks totally amazing
Keep safe
Hope you are dryer tomorrow
Sleep well
Thanks Liz, I’m sure we have to have a dry day soon 😳 xx