Trixie Traveler in Portugal: Cycle to Porto Covo, next to Sines, birthplace of Vasco Da Gama

Weather starts out cool and overcast this morning. I appreciate the cooler temperatures for riding. We get started about 9:00 for our 63 km ride to Porto Covo on the Atlantic coast. I am on the e-bike again and appreciate the boost up the hills in the early part of the ride. Eventually, we go downhill and that I can do on my own. I am feeling more comfortable on the e-bike and managing the handling of it a little better on land. It is still clumsy and awkward though. I am aware of the weight of it even when riding. I try to go up the hills as far as I can before turning on the motor but, because of the weight of the bike, I believe the boost is really necessary. Kathy said she agrees. It's just part of it. I get so I am not so reluctant to turn on the motor and use it when I need to to maintain a smooth cadence.

The landscape has changed. We ride through forested land which is welcome after the arid terrain we have been riding the past few days. We stop for coffee but actually have two scoops of gelato. A delicious snack! We arrive in Porto Covo about 2:00 and immediately go to lunch. This is a small, quiet beach town off the tourist route. The buildings are mostly white with blue trim. After lunch we ride on a road along the ocean to take in the beautiful views. It reminds us of Monterey. Our room tonight is in a typical beach hotel. We actually have a small apartment and can see the ocean from our window. Dinner is on our own tonight.

We can see the harbor city of Sines in the near distance. It is the birthplace of Vasco da Gama who discovered a maritime route to India. Sines is now a big industrial city.

Our hotel tonight is not fancy but is a typical beach hotel. We actually have a little apartment with a living room, kitchenette and bedroom. Lots of space to spread our stuff out.

At our briefing tonight, the leaders surprise Sari with champagne and a chocolate cake for her birthday. We sit out by the pool on a very nice evening. Dinner is on our own tonight and we join up with Kathy, John, Trisha, Tall Luis and Philipp and go to a little local spot where most of us have fish for dinner.