Elvas to Alter do Chão

April 3, 2024

Our B&B was on the ground floor, accessible through the courtyard. I conjecture it might have been a tool shed in earlier times and that the living quarters were upstairs. Now it is a simple but adequate B&B room, and we always appreciate not having to climb stairs at the end of the day and having a safe place for our bikes. The only thing that was missing were windows. It was a pleasant surprise to open the door and see sunshine.

On my way to breakfast I saw this sweet peregrino donkey

After a pastry and breakfast beverages, I took a short walk to discover a little more of Elvas before we left.

Church doors, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

Detail, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

View from behind the church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Asssunção

From the highest point in town, with the Castelo

At a little past ten we were on our way. The sun was bright but the air was cool, and although the first climb was enough to work up a sweat, I had to wear a warm jacket the first hours of the day.

Leaving Elvas through its bright golden walls

Out the city gate, good bye Elvas, we enjoyed our visit.

We take a break at this little chapel and fountain at Barbacena.

Charming place for a rest in the sun, a bite to eat and a look for the best photo op's.

Refreshed and again on our way through the green and hilly countryside.

It's either yellow trim or blue, turning even a simple wall into a treat for the eye.

They didn't run away when I approached with my camera, as most sheep and cattle have been doing. Susan suggested it is because they are used to people, while the sheep and cattle live wild in their vast pastures.

As you see, I have let the pictures tell the story of the day and won't delay the posting of this day with a lengthy text. I won't go into detail about how I spilled Janos's coffee all over the table when we stopped in Monforte or how Janos let the wind blow his bicycle shirt off the balcony into the sheep pen behind our hotel.

Today was the longest day Janos and I have ridden in a long time and Susan is still recovering from her cough. We all did well but were also knackered by the time we reached our hotel. Our bikes are parked and safe with a view to the sparkling swimming pool. Although we have no language in common, our host was able to convey in Portuguese that he would drive us to a restaurant at eight as we are a little outside of town. It wouldn't be too far and we could walk home. We took him up on his offer.

This is a spoiler. Susan will show you better pictures of her view from her room.

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Today's ride: 61 km (38 miles)
Total: 108 km (67 miles)

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Nancy GrahamSo much beautiful color in the towns, and the yellow in Elvas gives such a happy feeling. But a room without windows might feel a bit confining. I love the courtyard where your bikes slept.
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8 months ago

Scott AndersonI’m so glad you’re getting enough decent weather to be enjoying this. Here’s hoping it keeps up!
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8 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Scott AndersonThe forecast looks good.
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8 months ago

Rachael AndersonI’m glad you had such a beautiful day! The photos are beautiful.
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8 months ago