Waiting with anticipation to see tomorrow's update on the ATM card debacle. Will the card arrive, will it follow your travels always a day or two behind, enquiring minds want to know.

Sometimes you have to wonder if putting on all gear is even worth it. If it is warm enough it might be better, and certainly easier, to just ride. You end up just as wet.

The bank's reaction seems very similar to the usual Frenh "Desolee", which we always mentally translate as "sucks to be you". Glad you have a backup card. We always carry one "each" after an unfortunate incident a few years back.

There are very few things as frustrating as creating a hill only to be forced to pedal down the other side because of wind. I blame Trump.

Sorry about the ATM fiasco!

A 16-day AFD streak isn't bad though.

And you ended a day of frustration and unexpected rain with fashionable and optimistic smiles .. ready for an AFD tomorrow.

Handsome!

Cute and comfortable!

I sympathize with that sinking, hopeless feeling when you know your ATM card is eaten...it happened to me on when a bike tour in Siem Reap. Totally my fault though as I spaced out and did not retrieve the card in time. No help from bank and I did not have a back-up card. Fortunately I avoided disaster as it was a group tour with most things already paid for and a fellow American lent me some US$ for incidentals and getting back home.
So glad you had the spare card!

You guys are much more switched on than us. We thought it odd that the sun went down an hour early today and it wasn't until Kirsten got a text from her sister asking if the time had changed in Italy too (at about 9 pm) that there was a reason for that! Funny story about the window and door lock ... these trips always involve some interesting places to stay!
Keep pedaling!
K&L

Trip kitties are a good omen !

Hi Scott & Rachael,
An amazing, wonderful time we’ve had! The tour in Italy cut a little short by the bronchitis we got as a result of the colds.
Andalucía certainly a little more challenging and lack of experience led us to rely on our mapping app that took us on some very questionable paths. The worst one on the ride from Ecija to Carmona that took us off the bucolic road we had been on and onto a dirt track that deteriorated very quickly and led us to an impassable muddy creek. No Anderson portage type tactics for us. Only 8km short of Carmona we realised there was no other way to reach it except a huge backtrack, again landing us on a seemingly endless dirt track. 100km later and Carmona getting close, the heavens opened, thunder, lightening and hail as we started the steep ascent into town (the only inclement weather we had). A few stiff drinks that evening with much laughter and disbelief at the days events.
Loved the whole experience and Andalucía in particular, very friendly people, gorgeous towns, great food and wonderful quiet roads (next time we’ll avoid the dirt paths). We used your map to get from Cordoba (beautiful place) to Baena and that was a great days ride too. Exceptionally lucky with the weather - has to be the best time of year to tour, though I imagine it would look lovely in Spring.

I can understand your love of it, every day different. The best feeling loading up the saddle bags and setting off in the fresh morning air, excited about another day and what might lie ahead.
Two days after we returned our bikes, we were itching to get back in the saddle again. Sigh!

Wishing you well for the rest of your tour(laughed out loud at your story of the rest stop in the loading bay).

It’s back to NZ we go.

Sorry to hear about the racing heart episode.

Hopefully a night of good rest will keep your heart in a comfortable and regular rhythm tomorrow and then many days to follow!

These early morning photos are magical.

Correct. Good job!

Cows!