Tirana pics

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Bom Caminho!

I spent two nights in Porto and enjoyed it.  Here's the view from my room... The long roofs below are port houses where it's aged.  I tried several... Besides having a washing machine in my room (easy clean clothes!), my favorites were the incredible tile work and the sunset watching party just above my room. Yes it's heavily touristed. Porto is a popular starting point for a Camino de Santiago and I decided to follow the Central route to see what it's like.  I passed about 100 walkers by lunchtime over 35km to give an idea of how many are walking. The Camino uses old Roman and medieval routes that had bridges. Many km of cobblestone riding is tough on the wrists. Spring views and primo weather compensate though.  I ended up today at the border with Spain in Valenca so it'll be goodbye to Portugal in the morning.  First we (with Camino walkers) relaxed and had a nice dinner.  
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I'm riding tomorrow morning!

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I'm writing from San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile after visiting Margo in Valparaiso/Viña del Mar.  Fortunately all our travels have gone smoothly, Noel made it home and my bike made here intact. With 6 hours in Santiago I went hiking and saw my first Giant Hummingbird!  Yes it's huge.   Valparaiso tourist pix... Margo left for Patagonia Thursday and we drove to Chimbarongo for a lovely visit with Nazaret and Atarnan.  Besides catching up after 5 years we were treated to excellent wine and food.  Muchas gracias amigos! Back to Santiago for our flights.  Mine was spectacular paralleling the Andes. San Pedro is very touristed, but has provided a good staging area.  I've seen several new birds and got out for a fun ride. Up, up and away tomorrow with 7500' to climb in 30 miles.  I'll ride over 15000' if the legs and lungs allow....
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Back to the coast

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From Haro we rode east and north to San Sebastian.  The cycling infrastructure has been very good to excellent in Navarra and País Vasco with nice rail-to-trail routes and cycle tourism support, which we needed when Stephen broke a spoke. 20+ tunnels one day.  Longest was 2.5 km and quite chilly.  We stopped by a bike shop to check out Stephen's wheel and the mechanic Pedro Lopez worked with local 5-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain! There have also been many more riders and evidence of past pro races on climbs. The area is known for its pinxtos (tapas) 😁 We enjoyed San Sebastian and have rented a car to get to Barcelona via the Pyrenees. Sand art between tides.
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