We are now officially in the Algarve! And, after an extremely dull first 5 hours with the engine on motorsailing, we then had a truly stunning sail –– with winds of 30 knots and boat speeds of 9 knots (even with Claire’s overloading of the bilges with supplies!). The photos don’t depict the massive seas, […]
After an action packed morning in the harbour fixing things – as you do on boats – and this included a full scale ascent of the mast (which, with James’ vertigo is a serious challenge in itself) Hecla and Ocean Rainbow mounted their assault on Lisbon by train and bike. You’ll be pleased to hear […]
These creatures swim so elegantly and this particular specimen is really beautiful in the 'flesh' - just such a shame they sting. Apparently this one has a mild bite, but we're not going to put it to the test! Not yet started the sightseeing - another planning meeting, we might be moving! Further up river […]
Yesterday Charlie Cruising Chute finally condescended to get out of bed and get to work! He flew almost all the way from San Martinho to Peniche in the most glittering seas. We were buzzed by the Portuguese Air Force (OK we exaggerate – it was a small plane but it flew very low) and we […]
We spent a very noisy night in Nazare fishing harbour - you can't call it a marina with the lousy facilities, narrow and broken pontoons and general state of dilapidation! At first light we slipped our lines and headed for San Martinho Bay and have found an idyllic spot. At low tide the bar across […]
We have now cycled around Fig da Foz properly and still can't find much to report but the landmark tree does deserve a picture! We visited the covered market which is really pretty but not very busy, which we found surprising. There is a really great fire station and a huge sparkling brand new casino […]
We said that we went for a mammoth bike ride to see the sights around Sao Jacinto! Taking the bikes on the motorway was perhaps not quite what we'd anticipated but we did stay under the speed limit you'll be pleased to hear! We're now in Figueira da Foz but not sure what photo to […]
What a great little harbour tucked away behind the sand dunes. Not sure we would have ventured here without Pau Amma’s blog, so thank you Matt! We took Puddle ashore and found the local supermarket! Then had a trip around the locality before heading off across the bay on the ferry to investigate further. We […]
Thanks to the blogs of Pau Amma and Freya of Wight we had been warned about the numerous pot buoys along the Portuguese ‘silver coast’ but the slalom course we had to run was quite a challenge and required sharp beady eyes. Humphrey and Red Passion came through with shining colours. A minor hiccough though […]
So much has happened in just two days - crossed a border, moored in Viana do Castelo and visited Portugal's most famous landmark - the Basilica of Santa Luzia and had stunning views - the 3rd best panoramic view in the world according to National Geographic (it was hazy so our photos aren't that good!) […]