After the coastal loop the route followed along a dirt road that started in farmers' fields before doing some pretty serious climbs through forests of pines, eucalyptus and other scrubby trees and bushes. -- Carrapeteira, Portugal Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo, Casa Mestre $112
I JUST had to finish what I started. Yesterday's afternoon ride around the coastal route was cut short when black clouds rolled in and I cut it short to zip back to my room. So this morning once I had eaten my little breakfast headed back out to the coast and continued what would turn out to be a spectacular ride along the coastal road. DFramatic views down brown cliffs to punding surf on rocks or vast expanses of sandy beaches. All in the early morning sunrise since I had started out at 730 am just to be able to see things under the soft morning light. It was the right choice.
Once I came around the route the EV route turned along a dirt path and climbed up and down through forested hills that gave me a really rigorous morning workout but was so beautiful with not a soul around. Just the birds and me. I took it slowly because the mud was slippery in some sections plus I didn't want my bike all sprayed with dirt.
After a few km I emerged onto a paved road which was quiet and oftentimes was through a canopy of pines or eucalyptus. Just before Vila do Bispo I met a Dutch couple so stopped to chat for a bit before we all continued on our way. And a few moments later I approached and was in to Vila do Bispo. I found a wee cafe and ordered a couple of lattes and then decided what to do next.
Rather than drop my bags at the guest house I just hung on to them and continued on my route. Heading out of town was along a dirt country road where I passed a few walkers. The terrain was rolling with occasional farmhouses but almost no motoirized vehiucles. On a final rise I could see the blue sea both to the west and to the south. I was approaching the cape. A long straight paved section met a main road that turned to the west and brought me right to Cabo do Sao Vicente, where we had come back in 1982 on that wonderful family trip to Portugal.
The views to and around the Cape were incredible. Once I got to the fort it was kind of a culture shock. There were dozens of people around, cars filled the parking lot, buses came ane went. After being in fairly quiet and remote areas, i think I'll have to start getting used to lots of people everywhere. Again, I cannot imagine what this must be like in high tourist season.
I headed away from the fort and followed the coastline road to Sagres before turning inland and heading back toward Vila do Bispo, but this time on a paved road. A main road. And a very busy road. There were lots of vehicles. Fortunately, before long the EV route switched over to a road parallel to the highway. This must have been the original road before the bigger highway was built. There was nobody else on the road so it was a pleasant ride back to town.
The town is very small so I was quickly up to the little square where my guest house faced across to the old church. I rang the bell and they let me put my bike into their storage area, but was unable to check in until 230 pm. I hung out in the square for a bit since I was not quite ready for lunch and when I was ready headed down the road to a restaurant whre I ordered sea bass - which was delicious.
Now able to check in, I came to the guest house where my room is less than stellar. I chose it based on a good rating but it is kind of yucky and doesn't even have any soap. I have only once ever seen this before. Very odd. At least I'm ony here to rest and sleep and will be on my way tomorrow.
I rested and dozed a bit then got a message from the couple from Edmonton who I had met yesterday asking if I wanted to meet them for a drink down the road. We met and chatted for a bit then they were heading to the Aldi for breakfast foods while I returned to the guest house.
I had to finish what I started yesterday so headed to complete the coastal loop and was rewarded with amazing views. -- Carrapeteira, Portugal
After the coastal loop the route followed along a dirt road that started in farmers' fields before doing some pretty serious climbs through forests of pines, eucalyptus and other scrubby trees and bushes. -- Carrapeteira, Portugal
After the coastal loop the route followed along a dirt road that started in farmers' fields before doing some pretty serious climbs through forests of pines, eucalyptus and other scrubby trees and bushes. -- Carrapeteira, Portugal
After the coastal loop the route followed along a dirt road that started in farmers' fields before doing some pretty serious climbs through forests of pines, eucalyptus and other scrubby trees and bushes. -- Carrapeteira, Portugal
After the coastal loop the route followed along a dirt road that started in farmers' fields before doing some pretty serious climbs through forests of pines, eucalyptus and other scrubby trees and bushes. -- Carrapeteira, Portugal
