Cycling Day1 Porto to Espinho

Our first day on many of our tours has included some major challenges. That was definitely true on the Prague to Budapest trip,  on our Missippissi River cycling tour and on our California coastal tour. Seems reasonable to accept the challenge Mother Nature is offering today. We will get wet, but we plan to shoot for the 2 hour block of less rain around noon to two. Fortunately the ride today is a short 15 miles… so the 2 hour block should certainly be enough. The forecast shows that we have some blue skies to look forward to by Friday. 

We found the window of opportunity opened for us around 10:30. 😅 To avoid steep, wet cobblestones we chose to take a longer route out of Porto (oops- quite a bit longer🤣). 

By 11:11 we were over the Douro River and looking back at that magnificent bridge. 

For many miles we enjoyed the smooth and easy to follow red bike path heading to the coastal town of Espinho. 

The coast here reminded Tim of the Oregon coast. 

As we got closer to Espinho, the beach revealed the impressive Senhor da Pedra chapel built on the ocean rocks. 

We arrived at the hotel just in-time to beat a downpour.

We were shocked to be at this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Hotel, but unfortunately it was a couple miles from the town center. We decided that maybe this was a sign to lay low and relax. We immediately ate the chocolate on the bed , then checked out the amazing spa amenities. 

We decided to don the bathrobes and spend some time in the sauna. 

A nap was in order, followed by (for us) a late dinner at at 7:30 - that’s when the restaurant opens.. Food was delicious and service was top notch.