Slow start this morning. After an 11 A.M. brunch we toured the city. First we went to the ancient Se Cathedral. The insides reminded me of my childhood church, Our Lady of Sorrows in Hartford, CT. We stayed a while to listen to the choir. From there we headed towards the shoreline and watched sailboats… Continue reading June 2: Being Lisboa tourist
June 1: Busing to Lisboa
We got to the bus station about an hour before departure time. Two Portugal-bound buses arrived and people speaking a variety of languages descended on them, trying to figure out which bus to take. Each bus driver told me, “Not this bus, other.” We and several others had no idea what to do. Our departure… Continue reading June 1: Busing to Lisboa
May 31: Preparing for Portugal
When we were on the way to Santiago, we had to transfer trains. While we had a tea at the depot, I spotted a man ordering a clear liquid, which he poured into his coffee. The bartender said it was a local beverage called aguardiente, made by distilling what is left of the fruit after… Continue reading May 31: Preparing for Portugal
May 30: Santiago
A lot has happened since Sahagún. We left town late, waiting for the shops to open to buy spare tubes after having the three flats. It was a lovely day for a ride, warming up with the sun and easy rolling hills. We decided to stay at Mansilla de las Mulasat the albergue Amigos del… Continue reading May 30: Santiago
May 26: Sahagún
We had three flats today, two before breakfast and leaving the albergue. It wasn’t too cold riding, and I quickly shed one layer and ear warmers. Michele rode the first stage to Carrión de los Condes and waited a half hour for us to catch up to him. We had the last flat (down to… Continue reading May 26: Sahagún
May 23 to 25 Burgos to Boadilla
We left San Anton Abad in the cold about 10 A.M. Staying in hotels means we do not have to leave early as we do when we stay in albergues. It was an immediate 6% uphill 7 km ride on narrow shoulders and lots of truck traffic…not ideal. I pushed the bike for half the… Continue reading May 23 to 25 Burgos to Boadilla
May 21 and 22: Logroño to San Anto Abad
W hen we left it was 4 C (34 F) and overcast. We followed the Camino for 12 km (7.5 mi) because it was paved. Once over the dam, we got instructions from locals to ride to the end of the park and take the access road on the left. It didn’t look right, but… Continue reading May 21 and 22: Logroño to San Anto Abad
May 20: Logroño
We left Tudela late, about noon. First we went to a ferretería (hardware store) to buy a screwdriver, flat washers, and combination padlock that we could use to lock our things in at the albergues. Dennis tightened all the screws loosen on the trail by the canal, then he cleaned the chain of sand, oiled… Continue reading May 20: Logroño
May 19: Tudela
This morning was one of those days that makes most people want to stay in bed–rainy and cold. Other pilgrims were taking the train to Logrono and I was tempted. Dennis left the option to me, since I was the one thinking that the train fare could not be more than the cost of two… Continue reading May 19: Tudela
May 18: Gallur
When we left Zaragoza, it was overcast and about 50F. I had on all my gear. About 10 miles out, I took off my fleece jacket, but kept on the rain gear. We dodged raindrops all day. We biked on just about all types of byways — city streets, highway, two-way local roads, one-lane country… Continue reading May 18: Gallur