Microblog

Rain gave us the opportunity to enjoy books in our €35 per night room.

Took a bus, then hiked to the village of Carrapateira in the Algarve, our base for the next two days. The trail took us across rolling hills and past olive trees, cork oak trees, and abandoned farms.

From our room on this street, we walked past the windmill, through the hill town, then alongside a river until we reached a cliff trail.

Walked along the edge of Europe.

Two trains then a bus took us from Lisbon Oriente Station to Odeceixe, a village in the Algarve. For the next week we plan to hike sections of the Rota Vicentina.

Our explorations of Lisbon were enhanced by @RickSteves informative audio tour.

After an overnight flight from Miami to Lisbon, we kept moving to stay awake. Took a train to nearby Sintra where pastiche architecture, including Quinta da Regaleira, kept us conscious.

Rode a train above yellow cabs, en route to Miami MIA. Next up: Lisbon, Portugal, on a rather cheap fare. Meanwhile, our nephews and their parents are in flight to MSP.

A day of simple activities at the resort.

Posted The Time I Visited a Moonie Commune.

Explored the Keys around Islamorada by boat. Our nephews (and their dad, and Dwight) braved the chilly 73°F water to explore a reef.

The pelican with the POTUS “comb-over” waited patiently while our nephews reeled in then released its lunch.

An emergency splinterectomy was performed. The patient is doing well but has been advised not to associate too closely with palm trees.

Landed at FLL, Fort Lauderdale, on our way to the Florida Keys with our nephews and their parents.

Hearts prevailed as we walked under Interstate 94 in St. Paul’s Union Park neighborhood. Other graffiti expanded the message: (heart symbol) > $

Walked next door to Izzy’s to experience the restorative power of ice cream.