Day 4: Travel, Cork Forest and Bikes

Boarded a bus from Lisbon to Evora. Meandering through dirt roads led us to a tree farm and ranch - beautiful oasis! Our tour guide shared the property owners’ story of many generations working to bring harmony and balance with the cork trees, olive trees, lower brush, cows, sheep, and donkeys. Cork tree trivia: first of all, did you know Portugal is a leading exporter of cork? (Patti taught us all!) And the bark from cork trees can only be harvested after the first 25 years and then every nine years after that. Fascinating! A little wine with duck/rice lunch and we were back on the road to a 14th century monk/convent/church renovated as a hotel. THEN we got to meet our bikes and our wonderful guides! Tomorrow…16.5 miles of biking in the country areas of Portugal.Read more