This particular succulent is IcePlant. Also prolific in California. You would need to research if it could survive the northern Ontario winters. They were in full flower when we rode through here in the spring.

We would have enjoyed meeting up with you. Maybe for the final few days??

Loving all the photos of Alex in places that are so familiar to us. Also, wishing we were there too.

Worst meal in ages. None of it good.

This is right beside Sao Bento.

Definitely!

I hope you noticed the comment about Crystal Palace Gardens. If you have the time...

Looks a bit like the place we three found. But look at the menu - too much bacalhau, as usual!

Can't go wrong with fries and rice?

I had a great time catching up with your adventures. Porto, here we come!

Ah yes, the classical Portuguese rice as well as fries.

Isn't it amazing how removing bikes from suitcases, or gear from panniers, immediately makes the space look like an explosion has just occured? Even more miraculous is getting it all back together and in place for riding. Hope you and Alex have a marvelous time and that the heat is not too overwhelming. We leave in one week for our own European sojourn. The excitement is building.

We took our boys on their first bike tour, the Galloping Goose to its end at Sooke Potholes, when they were 10 and 13. They had ridden from Swartz Bay to Victoria many times to visit relatives but never beyond and never carrying anything.

Fast-forward to a couple of years ago and our older son's wedding. In her speech, our new daughter-in-law described how she'd had to buy a bike before she could really feel part of our family because we always rode to Victoria for family events. Everyone who knew us was laughing.

I agree - I am thrilled to finally be able to do a tour with Alex. It's 17 years in the making. I'm also lucky that I get to 'warm up' in Spain and Portugal in the same year. He'd have come, too, but does not want to miss any school.

You had me confused, Brent! I thought you were going to Spain/Portugal but then I see this trip will be after that. You are lucky to get to travel with your son.