Cyclepaths

This has been such a wonderful 2 weeks of cycling and exploring the slow lane in this part of the world.  If you ever want to take 7-10 days to just relax, cycle, hike, wine taste and explore, then you have to visit this area.  It is so off the beaten track that most of the towns we enter into GPS can't be found.  Today we were on our bikes for over 13 miles before we met a car. 

Imagine everything you love about cycling in Sonoma, Napa, Monterey and the Sierras; challenging climbs, beautiful views, pleasant temps.... then REALLY use your imagination and have the roads be smooth, zero traffic and a place to find a drink and a snack every 10k, and you have made it to the Alentejo. 
Today we stopped about 5k from "home", and split a coke and a "tosta", all for 2.85e.  Not going to happen at Jimtown store....

The colors of Portugal are white, gold and blue.  Every building is whitewashed (no paint) then trimmed in gold, and then the blue and white Azulejos that adorn every home and business.

Casa, sweet casa

We have also done some sightseeing off the bikes.  We spent an afternoon trying to find the very famous menhir found outside of Balletos. Just FYI, we drove around for over an hour in search of it, and voila, in all of its glory...

Is is the biggest one on the Iberian peninsula.....

A few final shots of our rides around this area this week.

Painted bridges

Marble everywhere!

Just, ahhhhh

Cork trees

We are headed to Porto for 3 nights tomorrow.

Later.....