Weather perfect. Ok, so we had a slight glitch . . . Karen’s bike had no electric. We had a slight delay in Barcelos to try to fix a software issue. The battery was not the problem.The bike had to be left in Barcelos for the day to rectify the issue. Karen and I split the riding today and everything worked out fine. Bike back, hopefully fixed; tomorrow is another day. 🤞 for decent weather.
And we’re off! Leaving Bracelos now.Karen cruising. Phil and I getting ready to take off after a short break.
Next stop was Ponte de Lima. It is one of the most characterful and charming towns of northern Portugal.
The town sits on the slow-flowing Lima River, and has been the primary river crossing since the Romans constructed a bridge here in 1AD.
Ponte de Lima is also one of the oldest towns in Portugal, and this is reflected delightful assortment of medieval houses, pretty plazas and ancient religious buildings found throughout the town.
Jardim Adelino Sampaio in Ponte de Lima.The main symbol of Ponte de Lima, that together with the river that names the town, is its bridge. In reality, it’s a composite formed by two bridges: a medieval part, which is bigger, starting on the left bank of the river and stretching to the church of Santo António da Torre Velha and beyond, for the length of two more arches. After that, starts the roman part of the bridge. It is only five arches long, starting from the big arch already lying on the old, dry riverbed.Both classified as buildings of public interest, just like the wall connecting both towers, the tower of Cadeia Velha and the tower of S. Paulo (that was also once known as Tower of Expectation and Wicket Tower) are the most prominent witnesses of what is left of the old wall of Ponte de Lima, which, besides the walled structure, was composed by towers and doors, a group of buildings erected during the reign of Pedro I, in the 14th century.Our final rest stop today, the town center of Ponte de Lima.Ponte de Lima. Last picture before we head off to our hotel. Only five miles to go!Only five miles to go! Last leg for the day.We made it!! Our hotel — Paco de Vitorino. The Paço de Vitorino has its origin in the 16th century, having been completely rebuilt in the 18th century. It is now restored, and opens the door to tell us its stories… On the very bank of the Lima River, a family house opens to us, offering a relaxed and sophisticated countryside environment
Great dinner here at the hotel, now I am off to bed. Tired. My butt is not too sore, but I feel it in my legs. 😬
Dream to Travel from NCM 