March 19 – 25

Sunday – Wednesday (3/19-22).  It seemed like such a simple plan. 1. Church and pack the apartment on Sunday. Take care of any last minute details. 2. Visit Ethan in Phoenix on Monday. 3. Fly from Flagstaff to Lisbon on Tursday/Wednesday. Simple. Except…

“Last minute details” from #1 sort of ballooned and consumed all available free time Sunday. #2 went well and we had a wonderful time with Ethan. #3…ah, there’s the rub! Massive quantities of snow descended upon our fair city yet again. Our noon flight was canceled by 8am and we were automatically rescheduled on a 6pm flight. The 6pm flight was canceled several hours later. Options. Keep playing the cancel/reschedule game ad nauseum, or take a shuttle to Phoenix and catch the 2nd leg of our already rescheduled flight. Hmmm. Seize the carp we said, and down the hill we went. From there, things went smoothly. We arrived in Lisbon, tired, jet lagged and much later than planned – but we had arrived.

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The whole experience served as a good reminder about the futility of plans and the need for flexibility and a sense of humor when traveling. There were some pleasant surprises and wonderful moments along the way. If we hadn’t taken the shuttle we would not have met Lindsey, a super interesting and pleasant (relative) newcomer to Flag. At check-in, we were given the tremendous news that their card reader seemed not to work, thus they were going to waive the $200 fee for our bikes to travel. YAY!

Thursday (3/24). Prior to our arrival we had made plans to meet up with Karen and Jim, one of Sharon’s childhood friends and her boyfriend. We spent the day wandering many of Lisbon’s unique neighborhoods. Along the way we enjoyed pastel de nata, chumassa, Super Bock, Sagres, and finally the catch of the day. Thanks Karen and Jim for the tour and an amazing day.

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Friday (3/25). This was meant to be a rest day. Run errands and then just relax before heading south. What did I say about plans…? Yeah. We were mostly successful with our erranding. But when we arrived at the Roseview Guest House we were told, “No bikes allowed!!!!” Well, we can’t leave them outside. Do you have any suggestions? Can we find some solution?  “No!!” Well then, can we cancel? “Yes of course you can cancel! But we must keep your money!” Of course you must. Awesome! Thank you very much for all your help! Karma’s a bugger Roseview! Best watch out!

We then spent the next four hours trying to find any reasonably priced accommodation on a Friday night. It was a comedy of errors that had us cursing, laughing, calling, and riding all over a very hilly city. Eventually, we did find a nice place with friendly, super helpful people (much more the norm). After dinner and a beer, we collapsed in bed. Not the relaxing day we’d hoped for – but enjoyable nonetheless. 

Saturday (3/26). What are the chances that good friend Dave Ladner from my high school days also had plans to be in Lisbon on this particular day in March. Probably one in some number my limited math skills don’t allow me to calculate. Yet, there he was, bright and early in Rossio Square…only 43 years after the last time we’d seen each other! He had seen Sharon’s FB post and reached out to make it happen. Thanks Dave! What an enjoyable two hours reminiscing and catching up!

Eventually, Dave left to meet his family for a walking tour. Having said good-bye to all our stateside friends, we began our  tour in earnest. A ferry took us across the bay and allowed us to bypass miles of congested city riding. At the port  of Barreira, we began our journey south. It felt great to be back in the saddle. The skies were clear. The winds were light. It was pleasant, although not overly scenic riding. Then in a wine-centric little village, a group of local cyclists offered information about routes ahead. Thanks to their suggestions, we made our way down to Peiranho for a beer, and then along the coast to a campground just outside of Setubal. The coastal cycling and scenery were lovely. Topped off with one of Sharon’s culinary creations and a warm shower, it ended up being a good first day on the road.

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And that, dear readers, is how our trip began. Some frustration, changed plans, good times, unexpected delights, and the simple pleasure of riding through a new place. Until next time…Seize the Carp.