“Science is magic that works”
Kurt Vonnegut
Bike touring Portugal with a small ceramic gnome named Gnomeboy has added a touch of whimsy to Oldognewtrek . As a trusty travel companion, Gnomeboy brings a sense of fun and playfulness to our antics. So here is his tale.
Gnomes knew that parallel lines meet at the horizon (pic above). Until 1492 contradictory navigational thoughts crisscrossed in Sarges, Portugal “the flat edge of the Western world.”
Because the Earth is round and in perpetual motion, Gnomeboy’s forefathers introduced spherical geometry, ( non Euclidian geometry) , to Henry the Navigator. On a globe, parallel lines (longitudinal) will cross at the poles. As Gnomeboy explained, “The rest is History.” Once ships rounded Africa the world swerved to “Henry the Navigator’s” line of thought.
In the past Gnomeboy has been particularly derogatory about my myopic views of the natural world. “Just because you can’t see IT doesn’t mean IT is not there,” is one of his recurring themes. ” You hear music from a radio but remain deaf to radio waves. “The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence. Men are blind to the light that encircles them.”
As we explored Portugal’s beautiful landscapes and charming towns, Gnomeboy had a wonderful ability to make the past come alive. His Portuguese relatives, whom I have yet to see (pic above), provided him with the “low down.” He promises that I will see “Henry the Navigator” searching the westward horizon when we reach Sarges, the “end of the world” (pic below). In 1400 Henry understood that the earth was round, not flat, . You could travel West to go East. Parallel lines crisscross.
As we pedal the southern coast of Portugal, Gnomeboy sits securely in the front bag, enjoying the scenic views. He expounds on the rich sailing heritage of Portuguese gnomes. Rock Gnomes helped Vasco da Gama navigate around Africa’s Cape Good Hope and establish sea lanes to the spice islands.
I prefer to capture memorable photos without Gnomeboy perched on a scenic viewpoint, next to a historic landmark, or enjoying a local delicacy (pic above). I’m not Ansel Adams but I do prefer his style of “straight photography.” The clarity of the lens was emphasized, and the final photo is not manipulated or “photobombed” by a gnome. But over the years I’ve adjusted to his demands to be center stage. He ignores the word “NO” if it comes from my lips. Our public quarrels at Old Faithful and Niagara Falls produced entertaining memories, and a unique visual document.
On the bright side, Gnomeboy serves as my barometer to embrace childlike wonder and curiosity. Irregardless of the weather, his presence encourages me to pause and appreciate the day’s small details, identify the passing trees, read the roadside historical markers, examine small colorful pebbles. As we soak in regional landscapes, culture ,and cuisine, we enjoy the “flow of boundless time… apeiron.” After attracting curious looks and smiles from locals he will initiate conversations again and again. “Do I Gnome you?”
In Portugal we trekked to the “end of the world.” Sunny skies, eighty degree temperatures, provided by the high pressure zone produced a perfect setting to explore the coast. Gnomeboy displayed resilience on long bike days, and an adventuresome spirit each time I rode off course. By embracing change, we inspire each other to expand boundaries and explore new countries. As we travel around this pale blue planet we’re motivated to cross paths , initiate conversations, and share meals with other wandering souls. Unforgettable events are just a bike ride away.
So, whether it’s pedaling through Lisbon’s colorful streets, exploring the vineyard in Azeitao, or relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Algarve, having Gnomeboy by my side has undoubtedly added a touch of magic.
So on to the “end of the earth” I wander, because all roads lead to Gnome.
If that’s not nice, I don’t know what is.