Update 15th Oct - 16th Nov

15th Oct – 16th Nov
Where have we been since the last update – well here’s a summary.

Lagos to Portimao to Albufeira to Isla Culatra to Olhao to Vilamoura to Albufeira to Culatra to Vilamoura to Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Ayamonte so we’re still dodging about along the Algarve coast.

Spent some time at anchor in Portimao & Culatra and were ‘ripped off’ by a corrupt security guard at Olhao. The rest of the time has been in the various marinas and we have just got along to check out the ones at Vila Real & Ayamonte.

We didn’t manage to get all the photos uploaded the last time so there will be some additions to that section when we get good internet connections again; and also a few more to be added after this diary update.

Our eldest son (Alastair) & his girlfriend have been out to visit. We had a lovely meal out for his birthday and a few more meals out courtesy of Alastair and Louise. My eldest brother & his wife are at their timeshare near Vilamoura, so we have been for a tour in-land and have seen Portugal from a different aspect other than just from the boat, bus or train ( and what little we see on foot). It’s very different inland and more than worth a visit. We also met up with Stacey & Amy a couple of times while we were in Albufeira – now that it is quiet (tourist season-wise) they will get some time off and a trip back to Aberfoyle just to remind themselves of what they’re missing there.

13th November
We left Vilamoura for Vila Real de Santo Antonio. It was a fairly long days motoring for the most part as we only managed to get the sails out for half an hour. We arrived at the last of the flood as recommended and got in no problem. They had no small berth for us so we had to pay for a bigger one. We met up with Francy and Richard and went for something to eat. There is free wifi here as the marina is in a ‘free wifi zone’

14th November
Took a train trip to Faro, there were lots of flamingos in the marshes that we saw from the train. Once in Faro we met up with Jaap and Diana and made our way out to Estoi. Unfortunately the palace and gardens were shut for major re-building work! The village though was very pretty. We then headed back into Faro to explore the old town. Travelling on the bus and train is a great way to see the country and we had a lovely day.

15th November
Francy and Richard came to get us and took us to Castro Marim. What a beautiful wee town. The castle was stunning and well worth a visit. We still have the fort and the rest of the town to see. We then went back to their lovely home and had dinner and………………. a bath! Bliss!

16th November

We headed across the river to Spain and Ayamonte. We are booked in here for the next few weeks. It was much too dear across the water on the Portuguese side. Also the showers were not the most salubrious! The facilities here are not bad – the showers are still in a portacabin but there is hot water! The town has plenty for us to explore as does V. R. Santo Antonio which we can visit by ferry.