Only you seems to think so, Scott:)

I also like that snap - taken while in search of a spot to pitch my tent, which I found just over the crest of that hill.

Perfect.

Wonderful portrait!

Oh. This is Monsaraz, and your narrative is in error. I was surprised at first that you biked up to Monsaraz without taking my snaps.

Hi, David
I reckon Patterson used postcards (or photos) and drew cyclists into the scenes.
As you say, they're not really cycle tracks up or down from Styhead Tarn and Stickle Tarn... maybe full-suspension bikes would be OK.
But , hey... it was an experience!
Debbie is a tough cookie and didn't complain.

Poor Debbie!

I have first-hand expeerience of the climb out of Langdale towards Blea Tarn and also of the road up the Wrynose Pass, albeit walking rather than cycling. They're both steep. As for Stickle Tarn and Styhead Tarn, I have camped at both of these and would not have considered either of them as places for touring cyclists to visit, especially in SPD sandals. Frank Patterson must either have had a wild imagination or else a good sense of humour.

Hi, Mike

I don't think Thorns come in many different colours... although black is practical, it didn't appeal as my old Brodie was that colour, and yellow looks cool. Eight years have flown by!

Hi, Keith

Sadly this vase got smashed here in Taiwan when a shelf full of pottery fell off the wall! Some of it was very rare and expensive, and it all fell on that one photographed - that I got for just six pounds.

The company that made it (Shaw) called it Burlington Ware and I do have a smaller vase in the same design, but with different colours. It's cheap stuff to buy, but I like it. It's a shame it's gone... after it survived my trip and being posted back here.

Our Thorn tandem of 2012 vintage is that yellow colour also.

Mike

Hi Graham,
You have a good eye for pottery. Any ideas about the maker?
Cheers,
Keith

I was wrong. I have read this journal before, but have a terrible memory. I remember this photo.

Portugal is so beautiful in spots, but you’re right. Transportation with bikes is a problem, as I was shocked to find when I was too sick to bike in Braga: https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/iberia2019/in-braga-planning-our-next-steps/. Oh, and then there are the cobbles.

Of course... this is still Portugal! But you get the idea.

I did find Portugal to be less enjoyable than Spain. It was a bit frustrating not being able to hop on a bus or train with a bike.

Hi Graham,
Wow, that was a ride for the record books. I’ll bet your grandkids won’t believe you when you tell them this story, and you will tell them if you haven’t done so already. I suspect your wife would worry if she thought you’d be wading in raging rivers when you were off on a bike ride.
Well done.
Cheers,
Keith

Spain is a very nice part of the world. It's fairly cheap and the food and people are nice. Winter is a good time to visit the south as it's pretty warm. I can see myself going again.