Hey, this looks great! Even better than when we rode it the other way catching the ferry from Barcelona. It was 5AM when we rode the other direction, freezing cold, and I was desperately sick and thought I had covid.

And we didn’t see any birds.

In dictatorship conditions it can be difficult for people, even Republican members of Congress, to resist. But when even the MAGAs are paying $6000 for their iPhones, they may all take to the streets.

True. Actually most people in European cities do live in apartments. Free standing houses are for the very rich on large estates, modern suburbs at the far edges of the larger cities, and folks in rural areas who live on farmsteads or small villages.

Yes. Mindful of this when I will be in EU for 4 weeks. Fortunately, I will keep my mouth shut when someone asks where I am from. I could say “originally”? And reply with Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, but, then, that is “cheating”, because those are my ancestors. We all come from someplace not everyone likes or agrees with anymore…

Gotta live somewhere! At least it’s not on the sidewalk…

Looks like French honeysuckle

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/475573-Sulla-coronaria/browse_photos

That thought has occurred to us as well. Hopefully there will be recognition that people who travel are less likely to have closed viewpoints and they will be received generously.

It concerns me that the many wonderful Americans that will be cycling in Europe this summer will encounter negative comments when they are just as horrified by the goings on as we are.

We are more than happy to have "helped you out" and will eagerly await the blog detailing your adventures. Mallorca is definitely on our come back here and cycle for more days, or even weeks. Between the beautiful scenery, gorgeous views and beaches, cycling infrastructure and infinite possibilities for glorious routing how could we just come here once.

Oyster loving genes are missing from our family.

You’re not even supposed to chew them - I don’t get the point!

Green ones of all kinds being my favourite of course. I never thought to look where castelvetrano olives (my particular favourites) are from but this picture had me looking. Named for a city in Sicily - let’s go!

Steve,
I wanted to thank you for the link to the wonderful information you provided on the Danube and Salzburg routes. Much appreciated! Mallorca is also on our list and this journal brings it up the list!
Buen viaje!
Scott

You are too kind.

You are quite correct. A day or two later we saw some of these with the remnants of their sails attached and finally figured it out. I think I saw somewhere that they were used to draw up water to fill cistern for irrigation. Apparently a "thing" on Mallorca. There are dozens all over the island.