June 14 thru 17 - The Final Days in Porto

The transition of this square in 24 hours was a sight to behold and became a spectator sport for the tourists. Note that there are at least 7 green vested workers in this picture and they are all working. Highly skilled and motivated artisans, not "street pavers".

These hotel shots may get us in trouble as we all were concerned that we had left spouses behind and the payback costs could be severe but we had to show just how beautiful they were.

Klari posing on the Stairs on the San Fransisco Church in Porto.

Dan had done some reading and led us to this church which is now a museum. Well done Dan, as this was a great stop and really a hidden gem.

My only picture before I was told that pics not allowed!

St. Francis of Assisi followed me around.

The crypt below the Church

Our first and best Port tasting

Klari's view through the wall

Around the corner from the hotel in Porto

A view of the Port Houses from the Church of San Fransisco steps.

We took one of those boat rides the next day.

Fellow tourist were all to eager to take phots of our group and have us reciprocate..

I think this was our second of four tours of a Port House.

The first was Ferreira and we had 3 - 3 ounce servings of  Ruby, 10 and 20 yr Tawny!!!

Servings half that size at Cockburn, Offley and Queveda but all in all, we had some great training sessions.

Another great meal but getting dangerous as it was our third day without riding. 

Some of us were definitely breaking training rules!

John said "this would be a great place to get hill climbing skills....or die trying.

This was one of the streets up to a Port House.

The tour guide at Cockburn

Many of the brands we see are now owned by the same large corporations and this takes some of the mystique out of the product but we didn't let that bother us.

Our Carris Porto Rebeiro Hotel. Simply spectacular in every way.

We had great discussions with the staff and would give it 5 stars!

Not a great pic but a typical story of our "Pilgrimage"

After stopping at 4 port house tours in two days, we decided to buy a white port, some figs, a couple of limes, some tonic water and some pastries just because, and host a little party. It replaced lunch on Sunday and cost us about 4 Euros each. White Port cocktails are awesome! The figs are heaven sent.

BTW...I left home at 170 and came home at 170.