A lazy day around the van, doing a few jobs and sitting in the sun. We skyped home and spoke to the guys, not long now until we see Emma & Nick, we can’t wait!
Lynn did a mini roast dinner which we ate outside, it was very tasty and filling, so much so some of us had a doze afterwards!
Monday, 11 April 2011
Saturday 9th April 2011
Lynn and I went for a walk into town where Lynn managed to get an appointment to have her hair cut later that morning. Whilst walking down to the promenade we noticed advertising for the European Triathlon to be held here today, we continued to the prom and found it all roped off in readiness. So whilst Lynn had her hair done I went back for Sarah.
We met Lynn on the way back and reached the beach just in time to see the start of the women’s race. They had a lot of the top competitors here and three women from GB for us to cheer on! When we looked at the size of the waves coming in we wondered how they were going to get through them let alone swim all the way out and round the course! It was impressive watching them and they completed the course not once but twice, some being literally thrown up onto the beach by the waves. We waited by the cycles to watch them leave and then cheered them on in the running, they did quite well, with one girl being in second place after the cycling but dropped back during the running. Sarah had her photo taken with one of them afterwards as she was chatting to her mum about being hit in the face during the race! Next it was the men’s turn or should I say boys, they looked so young, but according to Lynn and Sarah very fit! They were stronger in the swim and managed to hold their line better which must have helped as the women were carried off course by the current. We cheered the boys on; Sarah got really into it, to the point where the Portuguese women standing next to her joined in and cheered for GB too!
By the time they had finished it was early evening and we were shattered as we’d been standing around for over 6 hrs in the sun. But we saw lots of competitors walking about as if they’d just got up, the girls who had been racing for over two hours were wandering around in shorts and bikini tops looking fresh and ready for a night out! Oh to be that young and fit (I had put “again”, but Lynn said I’d only ever been that young!).
We met Lynn on the way back and reached the beach just in time to see the start of the women’s race. They had a lot of the top competitors here and three women from GB for us to cheer on! When we looked at the size of the waves coming in we wondered how they were going to get through them let alone swim all the way out and round the course! It was impressive watching them and they completed the course not once but twice, some being literally thrown up onto the beach by the waves. We waited by the cycles to watch them leave and then cheered them on in the running, they did quite well, with one girl being in second place after the cycling but dropped back during the running. Sarah had her photo taken with one of them afterwards as she was chatting to her mum about being hit in the face during the race! Next it was the men’s turn or should I say boys, they looked so young, but according to Lynn and Sarah very fit! They were stronger in the swim and managed to hold their line better which must have helped as the women were carried off course by the current. We cheered the boys on; Sarah got really into it, to the point where the Portuguese women standing next to her joined in and cheered for GB too!
By the time they had finished it was early evening and we were shattered as we’d been standing around for over 6 hrs in the sun. But we saw lots of competitors walking about as if they’d just got up, the girls who had been racing for over two hours were wandering around in shorts and bikini tops looking fresh and ready for a night out! Oh to be that young and fit (I had put “again”, but Lynn said I’d only ever been that young!).
Friday 8th April 2011
Set off for Quarteira which was going to be a reasonable drive but we were going to use the “A” roads so it shouldn’t have been too bad, how wrong could we be! We easily found our way out of Evora, filled up with diesel and made good progress south. But not long afterwards the road became so poor it literally shook the van constantly, even at 30 mph! This is the only road of any size going in this direction so we were stuck. For well over an hour we travelled at 25 – 30 mph braking hard on a regular basis to avoid deep drops in the level of the road. I tried to drive on the wide hard shoulder as much as I could to minimise the vibrations and noise! How they can let a major road get into this state is beyond me. Occasionally we would encounter a 100 yard stretch that had been resurfaced, which makes you wonder what that bit was like before! We also past several new bridges being built across the road, but with no roads connecting them on either side, nor were they very far apart?
Anyway the scenery was wonderful, lots of rolling hills and the occasional river. Once we were near the Algarve the roads improved and we made good time, stopping for GPL and a quick drink around 1.30pm on the motorway just west of Quarteira. On leaving the motorway we found a much better route to the camp, no narrow side roads this time!
We checked in at reception and they confirmed the chalet had been reserved for Emma & Nick, which was a relief. We drove through the camp heading for the pitch we had last time but that area was busy and the pitch already taken, so we had a walk around to some of the other ones we had seen and liked before. We chose one a bit further down but it’s fairly level and large, with plenty of shade. Getting in was tight but we managed it, with a little tree pruning from the top of the van! Once settled and set up we sat in the afternoon sun and relaxed with a glass or two. It was so nice we had dinner outside watching the sun go down.
Anyway the scenery was wonderful, lots of rolling hills and the occasional river. Once we were near the Algarve the roads improved and we made good time, stopping for GPL and a quick drink around 1.30pm on the motorway just west of Quarteira. On leaving the motorway we found a much better route to the camp, no narrow side roads this time!
We checked in at reception and they confirmed the chalet had been reserved for Emma & Nick, which was a relief. We drove through the camp heading for the pitch we had last time but that area was busy and the pitch already taken, so we had a walk around to some of the other ones we had seen and liked before. We chose one a bit further down but it’s fairly level and large, with plenty of shade. Getting in was tight but we managed it, with a little tree pruning from the top of the van! Once settled and set up we sat in the afternoon sun and relaxed with a glass or two. It was so nice we had dinner outside watching the sun go down.
Thursday 7th April 2011
Another sunny day but not quite as hot as yesterday and with a nice refreshing breeze. We walked into Evora and followed the medieval route on the map we had obtained from the tourist info yesterday. This took us from the main square (where they burnt people during the inquisition!) and around the numerous small streets. Evora has been inhabited since the Neolithic period but the Romans transformed it into an Imperial town. In 715AD the Arabs conquered the city and held it until 1165 when it was taken back. Since then it has been the chosen location for the Royal court, an important religious city with over thirty churches and in 1515 the church founded a college which soon became a university when it received Rome’s approval. It was closed in 1759 and only reopened in 1973, we had the chance to walk around the entrance a little which was great, the original buildings are still used with lecturers being given in them. The students all seemed very happy and we weren’t surprised given the surroundings! We saw many churches, as well as the remains of the aqueduct which brought in water from the 16th century and still has several miles still standing. At the top of the hill is a wonderful looking cathedral and the remains of a Roman temple, which is raised up and would have had incredible views when it was built. The route brought us back to the main square where we stopped for a drink and a much needed rest. We’d stopped for lunch in one of the small squares and again to eat some wonderful cakes we’d seen in a shop and couldn’t resist, but with the heat we still needed to rest for a while!
By the time we had walked back to the camp we’d completed about 5 miles but it seemed many more! We’d enjoyed Evora and wouldn’t mind returning at a later date, it’s a nice place to wander around, not too big so you can’t really get lost!
By the time we had walked back to the camp we’d completed about 5 miles but it seemed many more! We’d enjoyed Evora and wouldn’t mind returning at a later date, it’s a nice place to wander around, not too big so you can’t really get lost!
Wednesday 6th April 2011
Left the camp around 10am and headed south on the B road, where we past rolling hills and drove through local villages, some so narrow they needed traffic lights to control the flow of traffic. This area of Portugal is different from the rest as it is made up of large farming estates rather than a patchwork of small ones. We noticed how the land tended to be unfenced and gave the impression that large areas were being farmed by one estate. These tended to be covered in cork trees, beef cattle or new vines. Large areas are covered in what are obviously new vines and we later learned this is due to the fact wine production (linked with tourism) is now more profitable than the traditional farming crops. It was a lovely drive despite the poor roads, which at times meant driving at no more than 20mph!
We joined an A road to head into Evora and were soon looking out for the ring road, but within minutes of arriving on the outskirts we saw signs for the campsite, it was the easiest one to find yet. The site is just 2k from the historic centre of the city and is a fairly easy walk, slightly up hill. The receptionist was really friendly and advised us where to go as they had some teenagers arriving this evening! We found a pitch which was just big enough for Bella and offered some shade, it was mid 80’s by now (12.30pm).
After lunch we sat in the shade and relaxed with a book, then around 3.30pm Lynn and I walked into Evora, lots of narrow streets and cobblestones. In the main square we found cafes with tables set in the middle of the square surrounded by small shops and a large church. We also found a tourist info where we obtained some walking routes around the historic town, which we intend to use tomorrow and the location of a wine tasting shop! On route to that Lynn bought some earrings from a street seller, slightly Moorish looking.
At the wine shop we sampled five different locally produced red wines and liked them all but finally decided on our three favourites, all of which were 4 euros a bottle, which for this quality of red wine is crazy. We had sampled a 12 euro wine but it wasn’t any better than the others, even the women serving us and telling us about the wines agreed.
It’s now 8.30pm and dark but still warm, windows and doors are open and we can hear a loud chorus from the crickets and frogs or toads, not sure which but they are really loud!
We joined an A road to head into Evora and were soon looking out for the ring road, but within minutes of arriving on the outskirts we saw signs for the campsite, it was the easiest one to find yet. The site is just 2k from the historic centre of the city and is a fairly easy walk, slightly up hill. The receptionist was really friendly and advised us where to go as they had some teenagers arriving this evening! We found a pitch which was just big enough for Bella and offered some shade, it was mid 80’s by now (12.30pm).
After lunch we sat in the shade and relaxed with a book, then around 3.30pm Lynn and I walked into Evora, lots of narrow streets and cobblestones. In the main square we found cafes with tables set in the middle of the square surrounded by small shops and a large church. We also found a tourist info where we obtained some walking routes around the historic town, which we intend to use tomorrow and the location of a wine tasting shop! On route to that Lynn bought some earrings from a street seller, slightly Moorish looking.
At the wine shop we sampled five different locally produced red wines and liked them all but finally decided on our three favourites, all of which were 4 euros a bottle, which for this quality of red wine is crazy. We had sampled a 12 euro wine but it wasn’t any better than the others, even the women serving us and telling us about the wines agreed.
It’s now 8.30pm and dark but still warm, windows and doors are open and we can hear a loud chorus from the crickets and frogs or toads, not sure which but they are really loud!
Tuesday 5th April 2011
Woke up to a hot sunny day with a refreshing breeze coming off the water. After breakfast outside we went for a cycle ride, unfortunately this Barragem doesn’t have a cycle path around it as some of the others do, so we were forced to use the road. We had a good ride checking out some local villages, but it did get very hilly once you left the road along the water. This area has loads of storks and birds of prey, which we saw circling overhead all day.
We returned to Bella as it was getting very hot and decided to cook outside in the shade, things always taste nicer outdoors! Spent the afternoon sitting in the sun or shade, it was high 70’s (and is still warm enough to sit outside at 8pm as Lynn is doing right now!).
We returned to Bella as it was getting very hot and decided to cook outside in the shade, things always taste nicer outdoors! Spent the afternoon sitting in the sun or shade, it was high 70’s (and is still warm enough to sit outside at 8pm as Lynn is doing right now!).
Monday 4th April 2011
Left the site fairly early for us! Need to do a “Stock up” shop but decided not to try the town Lidle as it’s halfway up a very steep hill and getting in and out isn’t that easy, so we’ll wait until we see an easier one. Navigated our way out and onto the right road heading east away from the coast, sticking to the “B” roads. After a while we entered a large town Alcobaca and followed the signs for the next town we wanted, halfway through the town the signs stopped mentioning towns in our direction! We guessed our way through and the came across a large Lidle with easy access, so we decided to stop and do our shopping, then figure out which way to go! Taking up one row of parking places we left Bella and bought more essentials ie wine and water, oh and a few meals. When we were ready to leave we tried Sally Satnav and she came up trumps showing us a route out of town, by luck we were still on the road we wanted.
We had a very scenic journey going through lots of small towns and villages and some wonderful scenery, especially when we climbed through the hills and along a wide river. Some of the houses built fairly recently are wonderful, very individual with large arched verandas overlooking the countryside. After a quick stop for lunch we joined a wine route and followed that for about an hour, past vineyards and through towns looking slightly French! The roads through some of the towns were dreadful, enough to shake your fillings out! At times it felt like the van may fall apart despite going very slowly. Lynn and Sarah swopped over, so I had Sarah navigating and pointing out the pot holes!
We arrived at the campsite at around 3.30pm still in hot sunshine, so we quickly found a place to park Bella with views of the Barragem de Montargil and sat in the sun with a drink!
We had a very scenic journey going through lots of small towns and villages and some wonderful scenery, especially when we climbed through the hills and along a wide river. Some of the houses built fairly recently are wonderful, very individual with large arched verandas overlooking the countryside. After a quick stop for lunch we joined a wine route and followed that for about an hour, past vineyards and through towns looking slightly French! The roads through some of the towns were dreadful, enough to shake your fillings out! At times it felt like the van may fall apart despite going very slowly. Lynn and Sarah swopped over, so I had Sarah navigating and pointing out the pot holes!
We arrived at the campsite at around 3.30pm still in hot sunshine, so we quickly found a place to park Bella with views of the Barragem de Montargil and sat in the sun with a drink!
Sunday 3rd April 2011
Similar day to yesterday, slightly brighter. As it’s mothers day, Sarah and I did Lynn a fresh fruit breakfast with chocolate croissants, which went down well! Matthew and Emma sent texts which earned them loads of brownie points too! Lynn tried phoning her mum but they were out, probably gone for a walk as they still do miles & miles each week. Managed to Skype home and spoke to Emma and Nick, not long now until we see them, none of us can wait. We also managed to speak to Carol & Chris which great as we hadn’t for a little while. Guys it was great to see you both looking so fit and healthy! Have a great holiday we’re really looking forward to hearing all about it, especially Carols exploits! Looking forward to seeing you both in May, bring on the challenges!
Saturday 2nd April 2011
Woke up to a cold and cloudy day! Couldn’t believe the change in the weather. Sarah and I rode back up to Lidles for a few things, whilst Lynn did some cleaning. Cycling back laden with carrier bags was interesting!
Made some spinach soup for lunch which we had with some fresh rolls, very tasty and filling, it’s that sort of day. Thought of Paul and Tracy, as Paul always has some homemade soup on the go!
Made some spinach soup for lunch which we had with some fresh rolls, very tasty and filling, it’s that sort of day. Thought of Paul and Tracy, as Paul always has some homemade soup on the go!
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Friday 1st April 2011
Another really hot day, sat in the shade and did a few chores before having lunch outside. It really is like a hot summer’s day, too warm to do anything but sit in the shade! In the afternoon, Lynn and I set off for a walk along a marked route, starting just along from the camp and taking you through the pine woods. It’s still really warm so the shade is very welcome. The route was fairly hilly and not always easy as it was on fine sand, eventually we crossed a road and came across the first of eight wind turbines. Here you can walk right up to them, no fences or security. We continued along the route which got harder due to the sandy ground and hilly terrain but eventually we made it to the dunes overlooking the beach. WOW what a view, the beach stretched for miles and the waves were the biggest we’ve seen so far. You could see them breaking over a hundred meters out and making the tubes that the surfers love. We walked down to the waters edge where the noise and power of the waves was a little scary. The route down to the beach had been hard, so we decided to walk along the beach and find an easier way back. You could see the spray coming off the water all along the beach and in the evening sun it was stunning.
We found a way up the cliffs along a steep and narrow path. Once at the top we found a road that took us back up hill, then left back towards the route through the woods. As we walked along the road the pine trees on either side of us had had some of their bark removed and a pot put at the bottom to collect the liquid slowly oozing out of the tree. Judging by the small amount of sap coming from each tree, you need to be very patient to collect it!
Made it back to the campsite about 6.30pm, fairly exhausted, but pleased that we’d made it to the beach, it was worth the effort!
We found a way up the cliffs along a steep and narrow path. Once at the top we found a road that took us back up hill, then left back towards the route through the woods. As we walked along the road the pine trees on either side of us had had some of their bark removed and a pot put at the bottom to collect the liquid slowly oozing out of the tree. Judging by the small amount of sap coming from each tree, you need to be very patient to collect it!
Made it back to the campsite about 6.30pm, fairly exhausted, but pleased that we’d made it to the beach, it was worth the effort!
Thursday 31st March 2011
Woke up to a lovely sunny morning that soon became very warm, so we did loads of washing and then sat back to do some sunbathing. As it was so nice we decided to have a bigger lunch outside, so I cooked the beef kebabs we had bought at the last site outside on the griddle. They were delicious but very large, so we only managed two of them, washed down with a very nice local wine. Late afternoon we collected the washing and then set off on the bikes to have a look at the town. From the campsite it was all downhill, great but after a while we could see the beaches were some way off in the distance and an awful lot lower! Great for going but the hills were really steep, so a nightmare coming back! We decided to stop where we were and have a look round without going any lower! On the way back we found a Lidle supermarket up a steep hill, bought a few supplies before heading back to the van.
Wednesday 30th March 2011
Nice sunny morning, said our goodbyes and left to head further up the coast. We decided to take a slightly longer route which takes you around Lisbon via motorways. The first surprise was a toll on what we had thought was a toll free road, especially as it was a pot holed dual carriageway! The next surprise was the cost of crossing the enormous bridge over the river Tagus, 8 euros as we’re classed as a lorry! The theme continued with toll roads everywhere, at one point it was the only available road heading north, so the “A” road just fed you onto it. I get the feeling if they could charge you for walking on the pavements they would!
Had a good journey and managed to do some of it on a scenic route, where we passed cork tree orchards and a town where they must make enough bricks for half the country. It had four or five factories all producing tile and bricks situated off the main road, but judging by the houses they are doing very well.
Found the campsite easily enough and due to a new ring road we didn’t have to drive through the town. The site is really nice, very hilly with some grass areas under the pine trees only accessible tents. The receptionist had said we could have any available pitch and the larger ones were just down on the right. When we saw the steep drop we were a little concerned but then we found the larger pitches, all a good size, level and sunny. They are normally the luxury pitches as they have individual water and waste as well as a toilet block just behind them. We took one on the end which could easily hold two of Bella, it is huge, we parked Bella near to the middle so we could sit either side depending in the sun.
Spent the afternoon relaxing, sitting in the sun with a drink.
Had a good journey and managed to do some of it on a scenic route, where we passed cork tree orchards and a town where they must make enough bricks for half the country. It had four or five factories all producing tile and bricks situated off the main road, but judging by the houses they are doing very well.
Found the campsite easily enough and due to a new ring road we didn’t have to drive through the town. The site is really nice, very hilly with some grass areas under the pine trees only accessible tents. The receptionist had said we could have any available pitch and the larger ones were just down on the right. When we saw the steep drop we were a little concerned but then we found the larger pitches, all a good size, level and sunny. They are normally the luxury pitches as they have individual water and waste as well as a toilet block just behind them. We took one on the end which could easily hold two of Bella, it is huge, we parked Bella near to the middle so we could sit either side depending in the sun.
Spent the afternoon relaxing, sitting in the sun with a drink.
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