You really could piece together a fine trip starting and ending in Bilbao, or even a one way tour that ended in Barcelona. There is so much to see here within several hundred miles, on both the French and Spanish sides of the Pyrenees. Also, it’s probably one of your better options in southern Europe if you’re limited to a summer tour, not likely to be as hot as your tour this year.

I'm thinking a start in Bilbao and following your footsteps is a good idea.

Thanks, Dave. Spain is such a remarkable place for bike touring - so many quiet roads, so many exceptional attractions.

Scott, Your photography is always very good but today’s collection is particularly striking. Definitely makes me want to travel through this area…well done!

I recognize this one as having looked it up not too long ago. Globe thistle. Nice to only need to look up a good web link reference!

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/162202-Echinops-ritro

Hi Scott & Rachael! So glad your health is good and the weather playing ball! Spain is looking fabulous.
We’ve had a fantastic tour starting in Frankfurt. Currently in Arras, heading to Peronne, Amiens & Beauvais, ending close to Paris. Unbelievably lucky with the weather too. Only one day of light rain and other than that rain gear has remained stashed away. Perfect riding conditions. September really seems to be the best month to tour.
Unfortunately one month really isn’t long enough. Hopefully longer next year.
Wishing you many more good weather days and feeling good. I’ll be following!

Very apt.

Hey, they’re not all gone! “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs . . . “.

Where did all their heads go?

Me too! Another Wordle addict. Soon we will all be comparing best starting words!

Ooh! The suspense is mounting. What will the magical bird #200 be?

Be careful what you wish for. Remember what happened to the last guy who phrased a hope in that way. Hint - public pain and humiliation were involved.

Just looked more carefully, very clever! I always admire artist who put in subtle things. ( just the right light, references etc)

not very efficient but if it works......

And they’ve just arrived, hot off the truck. Workers were unloading peppers from a pickup truck and filling crates with them as we biked up.