Why is it when something doe’s not work that men always or often think of the worst option. A Dutch couple arrived on the pitch behind us and, despite plugging into different sockets failed to get a supply. The lead consisted of three male and female connections. The man asked me, Keith, if we had a supply, answer in the affirmative. Out came the meter, test each socket from the mains box to the caravan, all registered live, scratching of heads. At this point another Dutch man said to his countryman have you checked the trip on the van? A vague look, and then a dawning on his face. It was the trip. I suppose it is good for international relations.
Something for our older viewers. We heard that Cliff Richards vineyard is in the local area, the large sign at a roundabout was an obvious clue. Today, we visited hoping to be invited in for a sample, may be a coffee and a chat, no chance. We did visit and bought some wine, it is very nice. Might have to go back for more.
Today we made another visit to Silves, the more often that we visit it, the more that we like it. The title of this blog relates to the photo with the same heading. If you look at the photo you will see lots of motor homes, a building, and more motorhomes. The motorhomes stay there for free, we guess there are a hundred plus. The building is the local swimming pool and gym. It is a modern building with a gym, swimming pools, three, and a cafe, a coffee and hot chocolate 2 euros 45 cents, free wi fi, use of showers. There are two supermarkets within walking distance and.. a covered market selling local produce.
I am told that some locals object to the motor homes staying there, the local mayor defends it, saying it brings in money.
First, back to the journey from the UK. It took five days, 5th to the 9th Jan. Fuel cost,£333.63 sounds a lot, that is six refills. When you consider the weight for van, trailer and car is in the region of 4.8 tonnes, that’s not to bad. We did not pay for overnight stays on route. On that note, it is not difficult to find free overnight stops because people realise the economic potential. We spent one night on the car park of a service area, (see Sunrise at Santa Pollas)in company with five other vans, we ate in the cafe and filled up with diesel in the morning, at least three other vans did the same.
I am writing this Thursday evening. Yesterday the tempreture peaked at 25C, when I got up to make a cup of tea at twenty to seven this morning inside the van was 2.5C and frost on the ground. By eleven we were walking around in tee shirts. The locals tell us it is cold! Talking today to an ex pat it is suppose to get warmer from tomorrow on.
In Britain we like to complain reference taxation, why not. Here in Portugal the vat rate is anything from 6% to 23%, and those tax rates apply to food. Think about that one.
Pictures of our sun room, (could not resist slipping in the s word), awning or safari room, take your pick. Take note of the larder, or wine cellar, perhaps a combination unit. The table complete with posh table cloth and artificial flowers.
Cosy.
Firstly, a warning. Jan gave Keith an e-reader for Christmas, a much appreciated gift. Keith downloaded one book with the intention of repeating the process as required. Be warned. If like Keith you rely on a British provider to for your downloads, your out of luck when you are abroad. Something to do with copyright laws.
The good news. We had virtually exhausted our supply of the printed word and was having no luck in finding a new supply. A Brit neighbour on site gave us a copy a newspaper published in Portugal, in English and aimed at ex pats. Looking through the small ads we found one for a charity shop in aid of animal welfare. With the help of Jane, our sat nav, we found that it was only seven miles away. A visit resulted in the purchase of eleven books for the princely sum of 9 euros.
Happy bunnies or what? We can sit in the warm sunshine and read.
These large birds are common along the Med coast in both Spain and Portugal, enjoying a great degree of tolerance in both countries. This extends to their chosen nest sites, the nest being a metre plus in size. We have observed nest on platforms specially erected on the tops of pylons and poles, part demolished factory chimneys, palm trees,churches and supermarket signs. The list is endless. If you look at our photos there is example of the supermarket version.
As we have said they are large birds, but, not pretty. However to see several of them soreing on thermals is a delight.
They have ability to generate a loud noise by clapping together the upper and lower parts of their beaks, Jan says it sounds like a two stroke motor cycle.
It is Sunday evening and it is raining, again. We have had some good weather up until this weekend with cold winds and rain.
You have our permission to gloat.
I would like to tell all of you the in the UK that summer is on the way, or, at least the swallows and house martins. Keith is seeing them in increasing numbers.
We are based at Alcantarilha on the Algarve, a short distance away is an area by the name of Quinta Da Saudade. Its main attraction in birdwatching terms is a medium sized lake next to the sand dunes. The area to the east is dominated by a golf course and holiday accomadation. To the west is an area of old vineyards, almond trees and rough grassland which stretches as far as Armacao de Pero.
Every visit brings something new, at times it is difficult to take it all in.
Highlight so far! a pair of blacked shouldered kites.
Did you know that cork, the sort that is used in good bottles of wine, and other things, is the bark of a tree. The bark having been harvested the tree has a number painted on it, the reason? do not know. Several trees in the same area have the same number.
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