64.3 miles, 1021 metres climbed, 1207 metres descended, average speed 13.35 miles, max speed 31.89 miles. Another hot sunny day.
We left Vila Vicosa at 9am and headed out of town along cobbled streets to the outskirts. We passed several marble quarries along the way. There was an impressive castle in Alandroal but no photo I’m afraid. On to the brew stop at 23 miles.
This small church and cemetery were just before the brew stop.
We were now entering a large area of wetland, created by the Alqueva Dam, which we were to follow for the rest of the day.
Lunch came at 34 miles in the beautiful hilltop town of Monsaraz with a steep climb to get there. We had a light lunch in lovely vine-shaded courtyard.
The remaining 30 miles to our destination were along straight, undulating roads.
Only two days left. The time seems to have gone quickly.
A very long stage…! But with this beautiful sun, the climbs must have seemed less hard… In France, temperatures are expected to be around 30°c next week…! This is a first for mid-October. The climate is really crazy…!