October 13, 2022
Back to Portugal
Huelva to Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Before I start about today’s exploits I want relate an amusing story about our ferry ride to Doñana for our beach ride, just in case anyone else has the same experience. The day before the ride we asked at our hotel if there was a place we could get more information. The helpful English speaking desk clerk whipped out a city map, circled the park information spot and told us it was in the Ice Factory, which he helpfully wrote down on the map. Much searching by us, and no luck. We knew we were close though, so we asked at a restaurant. They found the English speaking employee who also said the Ice Factory. We explained we couldn’t find it. He helpfully pointed us to the building and you will see the problem below.
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Today was a wonderful day. Nothing particularly exciting, but just wonderful regardless. Something new every day is amazing, but there is something lovely about familiarity too. Right down to knowing breakfast was going to be great.
Leaving Huelva was easy and we elected to cycle out rather than take a cab across the forbidden bridge. Since the CN had the track on his phone the exit was straightforward. We were doing the reverse of the way we came in, without the wind. It always amazes me how everything looks completely different going in the other direction. We had a big shoulder, moderate traffic once we were out of the city and some good service roads that paralleled the highway.
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We were soon back in Gibraleon where we were briefly on the Eurovelo on the way into Huelva on our unexpected detour. This time we stayed on it for quite awhile. We had lots of time so it was a good time to check it out. The surface was good and the scenery great. Eventually it routed us back on the highway with its wide, safe shoulder and low traffic.
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Our lunch stop was hilarious. First, I think the CN was smitten with the beautiful Spanish lass who served us our cold drinks and didn’t care a whit that we picnicked at the café. Then there was the phone guy. The entire time we were there he paced back and forth on the patio and SHOUTED into his phone. It was hilarious, irritating, laughable and astonishing at once. All we know is the person on the other end couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
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After that it was more smooth highway riding. The orange groves went on as far as the eye could see. The goal was Ayamonte and the ferry to Portugal. We knew it ran every hour on the hour (just like home) so there was no anxiety about that. Familiarity again. When we rolled into town we knew where to buy the tickets, how it worked and what to do.
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2 years ago
So back to Portugal and the Chief Booking Agent outdid himself with the hotel. I feel liked I am in a little bit of heaven. The most amazing room in an amazing spot. Our bikes are stored next door to the church across the square. They should be safe there. There is a fabulous annual market taking place, a rooftop pool, complimentary wine and robes. My favourite thing in a hotel room.
I have had a swim, worked on the journal and am going to go explore the market. The CN? He is in his happy place.
Today's ride: 70 km (43 miles)
Total: 1,445 km (897 miles)
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1 year ago