June 14 thru 17 - The Final Days in Porto

The transition of this square in 24 hours was a sight to behold and became a spectator sport for the tourists. Note that there are at least 7 green vested workers in this picture and they are all working. Highly skilled and motivated artisans, not "street pavers".

These hotel shots may get us in trouble as we all were concerned that we had left spouses behind and the payback costs could be severe but we had to show just how beautiful they were.

Klari posing on the Stairs on the San Fransisco Church in Porto.

Dan had done some reading and led us to this church which is now a museum. Well done Dan, as this was a great stop and really a hidden gem.

My only picture before I was told that pics not allowed!

St. Francis of Assisi followed me around.

The crypt below the Church

Our first and best Port tasting

Klari's view through the wall

Around the corner from the hotel in Porto

A view of the Port Houses from the Church of San Fransisco steps.

We took one of those boat rides the next day.

Fellow tourist were all to eager to take phots of our group and have us reciprocate..

I think this was our second of four tours of a Port House.

The first was Ferreira and we had 3 - 3 ounce servings of  Ruby, 10 and 20 yr Tawny!!!

Servings half that size at Cockburn, Offley and Queveda but all in all, we had some great training sessions.

Another great meal but getting dangerous as it was our third day without riding. 

Some of us were definitely breaking training rules!

John said "this would be a great place to get hill climbing skills....or die trying.

This was one of the streets up to a Port House.

The tour guide at Cockburn

Many of the brands we see are now owned by the same large corporations and this takes some of the mystique out of the product but we didn't let that bother us.

Our Carris Porto Rebeiro Hotel. Simply spectacular in every way.

We had great discussions with the staff and would give it 5 stars!

Not a great pic but a typical story of our "Pilgrimage"

After stopping at 4 port house tours in two days, we decided to buy a white port, some figs, a couple of limes, some tonic water and some pastries just because, and host a little party. It replaced lunch on Sunday and cost us about 4 Euros each. White Port cocktails are awesome! The figs are heaven sent.

BTW...I left home at 170 and came home at 170.

June 13 - Santiago Day 2

Dan, Klari and I attended the Pilgrim's Mass in Santiago. No pics allowed of course, until the Incense ceremony at the end of the Mass. The place was buzzing as the monks started to sway the burner and send it "into orbit". A spectacular show ending to an impressive service.

Taken from our hotel front door with the Cathedral barely in view. Great spot..Hotel Montes Pension...another good choice.

Early morning beer delivery left on the street outside each restaurant.
We ate there on our last evening in Santiago.

The body of St. James in the Cathedral Crypt.

A quiet moment early morning in the Cathedral.


Ian's completed Credential
Mission Accomplished!

June 12 - Day 9 of our Camino - Sarria to Santiago de Compostella

An early view of Portomarin - the lost city

The colours were spectacular with the reservoir a rich blue that provided us with teasing views from many kms back as we made a long descent down from the hills.

Although we had decent weather for the trip as a whole, this day stood out as a beauty!

John in front of the church in Portomarin. This building was from the original town now completely submersed by the reservoir in the previous picture. Every brick was labeled and the church rebuilt to exact detail in this brand new community a little higher on the hill.

Leaving Palais de Rei by trail.

We had to abandon the trail for a busy highway as we fell behind after yet another spectacular Pilgrim Lunch.

This trail also was not suitable for the road bikes as it had slope and very fine loose material.

It was pretty however and cool  in the shade.

The scene of the crime in Palais de Rei. If someone has a pic of the meal send it to me!

Another herd conflict

Check the closeup on my tires. "foreign matter" not usually picked up on my local road rides at home!

John and Dan at their triumphant conclusion to their 800 km Camino ride.

The prized "Sello"

 Can you see the Incense "device" hanging from the rope. That's what causes the excitement in the post mass ceremony. It sways over 150 feet across the three sections of the cathedral.

We put the jerseys back on for a team pose the next day

A close up of a figure on the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostella

This could have been taken anywhere on the Camino but actually was in Santiago!

Nola and Dan continuing the chat. We sampled a few bottles along the way, anything from a 2.60 Euro to a reserve at 15 Euros but always something from the region in which we were staying. Klari was clearly our wine expert, skills appreciated by everyone in the group.

June 11 - Day 8 of our Camino - Ponferrada to Sarria

Almost at the top

It was interesting to see the changes in vegetation by altitude.
We saw so much and talked about it daily as we rode along. Sometimes reminded of the poppies of France, then the highlands of Scotland, but always something to let soak in. That and my sleep patterns let me really know that I was on a holiday and in the right "place".

Just like the day before except worse...try the link below to see just how steep 

the climb up O'Cebreiro was!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/329646481

Again, the profile really doesn't show how bad it was. Notice that no heart rate data was recorded.

 My battery in the strap failed so no record...disappointing to say the least but believe me 

that it was in the 175 -180 range.  Lots of 17 to 20 percent slopes on this one!

Dan just navigated the Cattle herd! Must be done on foot!

Driving hazards too!

Santa Maria at the top of O´'Cebreiro

Klari's view from the top of O'Cebreiro

Lighting a candle in the Santa Maria chapel in front of the St. Francis of Assisi statue.

Thinking of Mum, Dad, M, T, A,; and many more...hope everyone is well.

Holding on to our "hats" and leaning into the wind at the top of the next hill at 1330 metres.
Picture taken by a nice German couple.

Monastery at Samos

We liked the design in the railing!

I wish I had a picture of the Desk Manager of the hotel "Villa de Sarria" as he was excellent. Very professional on the welcome but he was instrumental in making our stay special. We went shopping for canned Pimentals, fresh figs, cheese, wine and our other favourite foods and brought it all back to the hotel. Klari then asked for the use of the wide open breakfast room in the expanded lobby and not only did he agree to letting us use the facility, he provided wine glasses, a corkscrew, napkins, cutlery, etc and made us feel welcome again. This turned out to be our first "supper" and later we went our again for another meal in the old town. The things you can do when you are burning 3500 to 4000 calories on a bike!