Pombal

So far Portugal is much better than Spain for hungry cyclist feeding - you don't have to wait until 9pm and a meal is never knowingly under carbohydrated

 

I slept soundly with a very full tummy until a storm hit in the middle of the night and we were very aware of the Atlantic in front of the hotel. Fortunately it came and went before I was ready to pedal off and, although it was still windy, amazingly it was mostly behind me (never usually happens!).

I didn't like the look of the Strava route so decided to put my trust in the Garmin. It took me a wiggly, undulating and lovely route, initially through a beautiful pine forest which smelt amazing after the rain 

 

I had no idea where I was going so it was a magical mystery tour past castles and vineyards

 

  

After 53 miles and 2503 feet of ups and downs, I arrived in Pombal where my support crew had already checked in (and found a bar

obviously!)

We had a walk around the deserted town, visited the castle and then found a restaurant that was open

 

 

There was no menu and the lovely waitress helpfully typed the plats du jour into my translator app

 

Fortunately Woody turned out to be some sort of tasty casserole although the wine carafe was a bit worrying

I think it's going to be an early night, I'm a bit battered after 2 days of sun and wind and tomorrow the hills really begin..,