Ciudad to Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal - Livin' the Dream: France to Portugal 2021 - CycleBlaze

October 17, 2021

Ciudad to Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal

It's hard to believe, but today was another absolutely amazing day of cycling.  Sure the weather could have been better, but the intermittent drizzle did not put a damper on our appreciation of the spectacular scenery.  Today, as we crossed from Spain into Portugal, we rode along smooth, deserted roads over hilly terrain, some with organized farms, but most memorable was the immense, rocky scrubland of the Spanish Douro Nature Reserve where remains of stone fences showed where humans had tried to tame this land.  In a 3 hour stretch, we had 5 cars pass by.

The sun almost came out in the afternoon as we dried off climbing a last steep hill into Portugal.  Then we watched the rain blow our way across the valley, forcing us to skip visiting the castle but still arrive soaking wet at our hotel in Castelo Rodrigo.  There we were warmly welcomed and shown to a charming room.

Breakfast in a light rain.
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Highway out of Ciudad Rodrigo
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Getting out the rain gear
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Quiet roads and misty skies
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Stone walls from how long ago?
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The Douro headwaters in Spain is a nature reserve
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Lunch with an amazing view.
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Steve Miller/GrampiesThe Vista is not too bad either.
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3 years ago
ann and steve maher-wearyTo Steve Miller/Grampies😊
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3 years ago
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Steep downhill, then the steep up on the other side is just visible.
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Border crossing and no one to check our COVID vaccine passports.
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Kelly MaherYeah👏👏you are in Portugal! So curious to hear what you have to say!
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3 years ago
ann and steve maher-wearyThe first parts we were in were very remote but thing changed with our arrival last night to Viseu. The weather warmed up, we ate out on a patio which we haven’t done in a few nights. Portugal is less expensive than Spain and France. We are really enjoying it so far except for the loose dogs!
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3 years ago
Kelly MaherTo ann and steve maher-wearyOh no! Hope they are not as nasty as the one we encountered .... Go Kelly Go.... lol In a pickleball tournament in Halifax this weekend, will stay at Karen’s and Kerry’s
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3 years ago
Olive groves and vineyards on the Portuguese side.
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Sleepy villages
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The only diners at the hotel.
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Kelly MaherNo need for masks there😀
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3 years ago
ann and steve maher-wearyYes pretty quiet in the hotels. With Covid it is great for us. Not so good for the hotels.
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3 years ago
Delicious dinner.
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Today's ride: 61 km (38 miles)
Total: 1,614 km (1,002 miles)

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Brent IrvineIf you are heading to the Douro Valley, consider Casa Cimeira in Valença do Douro. Amazing hospitality and beautiful spot.
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3 years ago
ann and steve maher-wearyTo Brent IrvineNot this trip but thanks for the recommendation and I have made a note for a future trip.
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3 years ago