Averio to Porto (50 miles; 377 total)

 Today's ride was mostly north along Portugal's Atlantic coast. We rode a mix of small roads, bike paths, board walks, and separated, designated bike lanes. At our 8:30 am start, we faced a moderate 8-10 mph headwind, which grew to as much a 20 mph when fully exposed to the Atlantic in the afternoon. I hope it continues when we ride south in 2 days.

Porto's main streets are teeming with visitors, significantly more crowded on a Sunday afternoon than Lisbon. Entry was via a maze of streets, leading to a pedestrian/bicycle bridge across the Porto River. The studio apartment that we reserved for 2 nights was fairly easy to find, as it's on the upper end of a major shopping street. We arrived about 3 pm, the apartment was to be available for check-in at 4 pm, but we had to wait another hour (5 pm) for it to be cleaned. Once in, it is well appointed with a double bed in the main room, a twin is a small side room, and a fully equipped kitchen. The manager is a 71-year old retired Chinese policeman who is managing the apartments for his son. He plied us with stories, coffee, and red wine while we waited and recommended a combination Japanese (sushi) and Chinese restaurant a short distance away. 

Watching over her sleeping foal.

Dog of the Day #1

Atlantic Ocean

Boardwalk. Bikes on the right, walkers on the left.

Plea to pick up your trash


View from Porto's Pedestrian, Cyclist Bridge, the Ponte de Dom Luis I. View up river.

View from Porto's Pedestrian, Cyclist Bridge. View down river.


Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar on the south side of the Duro River. Former monastery with a round church.

Teeming with tourists. Our lodging is at the upper end of this major commercial shopping street. View uo the street.

View down the same street. Must have been more than a mile in total.

Oddly-Dressed Street Performer. Seemed to retain a fairly large crowd. Was it the skirt?

Dog of the Day #2.

Capela das Almas or Chapel of Souls. Many Portuguese buildings are tile-clad, mostly in a repeated geometric pattern with occasional scenic art pieces. The walls of this church are all-in scenes.



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