The adventure begins

[azfiddle]

Sounds really beautiful and I'm envious. Keep posting.

[Crankin]

Had an uneventful trip home, though Sata Airlines is a slightly below average airline... but it was the only non stop from Boston to Lisbon.
DH is working on the pics now, should be posted soon. Laundry is on, now to make grocery list. My kitchen has rarely been so bare.
I am feeling better today, but it is not all from being home. I just never rested once I got sick, before the trip; I led 3 rides, commuted 3-4 times, which in retrospect, was not a great idea. However, it probably helped with getting through the climbing. I've never been one who's much for "training," but I do think I should have tried riding more consecutive days in a row. I did ride 4 days in a row a couple of times, but some of those rides were my short commutes. I know I can always make it through on sheer mental toughness. I may not be the fastest, but I can do it. In fact, I was squarely in the mid range of ability on this trip, toward the top of the mid range. There was one couple that was very fast, along with my DH and our friend. However, except for part of one day, DH rode with me. DH is probably not as fast as this couple was, or at least he has no desire to bust his azz this way, for several days in a row. Next time, though, I think I will do a little more preparing.

[Pax]

Never made it to Portugal, but the pics I've seen show some very pretty countryside... looking forward to seeing yours.

[Crankin]

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2lnh56x3l...CW4E501Ga?dl=0


Here's a link to a few of our pics.

[Pax]

Nice pics! Those cobblestones look scary as hell.

[BikeDutchess]

Wonderful photos! Looks beautiful there.

[emily_in_nc]

Beautiful photos, crankin!

Those cobblestones are just like some in part of the roads where we lived in Belize. Even on beach bikes with fat tires, they were brutal. I can't imagine riding them on a road bike.

What gorgeous scenery -- I know you are glad you got to do such a spectacular trip. The cycling is just a small part of what you must have experienced!