Marinha Grande to São Martinho do Porto (24 miles; 549 total)

 We planned a shorter ride today because John wanted time to visit a surfing museum in Nazare. Since the museum did not open until 10 am, we planned a 9 am start. 

We started with temperatures in the mid- to upper 50s F and a significant climb to the coast road through national forest, again, mostly pine and eucalyptus. Great road surfaces and many miles of roadside bike lanes. Once in Nazare, we encountered many cycling groups, mostly riding e-bikes. 

In general, we have been targeting small coastal towns and are surprised at their size, development, and availability of lodging, restaurants, and other services. None of them are famous and are seldom mentioned in guide books.

We looked ahead and have now booked all of our remaining lodging. Tomorrow is a short day, to Peniche. We targeted Ericeira, but it was a weekend night and the selection was limited. So, we will have a longer ride that day, then return to our original Lisbon hotel on 3 October. 

National Forest. Pine trees with roadside bike path.

First view today of the Atlantic Ocean.

Breaking waves, wide beach, new construction vacation/retirement village.

In general, we cycle up to the top of the ridge, then descend into coves like this and climb back up.


Riding the top of the ridge with a light tail wind.

Sap collection from the pine trees. While we have ridden miles through pine forest, this is the first tapping I've seen. Smelled like turpentine.


Modern wind mills, contrasted with the historic ones seen later.


Nazare. Large, touristy beach town.


Dog of the Day #1. Nazare

Dogs of the Day #2 & #3.

Everything for the dog and/or cat lovers.

Nazare Church. Seems many touring groups were impressed.

Nazare Upper Town Square/Plaza

Nazare's Lower Town Village Market. Seems the tourists stop at the top of Nazare for the coastal views and souvenir shopping. The real town is below, along the beach front. 

They placed the sea food vendor in the corner.



We bought cheese, oranges, and bread for our hors d'oeuvres.


Colorful display on the beach in Nazare. Ranged from a 2-person row boat to large boats.


São Martinho do Porto Harbor

Narrow house on the street to our São Martinho do Porto lodging.

Wind Power. This part of the coast was the site of a number of wind-powered mills for grinding/milling grain. Most were just the cylindrical building, but this one had the sail rigging restored.


What they looked like with the sail.






Two more Bike Fridays. We found one of the riders inside the Intermarche Market. they were from Santa Rosa, CA, riding much newer disc-brake equipped models. 












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