2 – 3 September 2016

Roadtrip with the Munchingers

Reunited with the Faiths (still minus Michael who remained in Lisbon to sort out his passport) in Portimao we decided to take a trip together to explore places a bit further inland. With Ursula as our nominated driver, me as navigator and the boys sat in the back talking incessantly about cars and engines we headed into the hills.

We stopped first at the town of Silves where after a quick visit to the market we climbed up to the red stone castle at the top of this town where we found storks nesting on its walls as well as on the roof of the cathedral.

We climbed back down passed roof terraces and steep streets to the very dried up river and old bridge at the bottom.

Next stop was the village of Alte with its bright murals and pottery.

We discovered the fontes which formally provided water for the village mills and wells. Everyone took a paddle in the slippery water.

It was so hot – this old dog was panting in the shade.

Ready to cool down we headed to our accommodation for the night at the Quinta do Freixo, an old farm whose mill was coverted into a gorgeous B&B. It was only our second night on land for 3 months. Best of all it had a pool and we spent the late afternoon in and around it!

It remains between the four of us what Ursula said to make Stefan laugh like this!

Because only mad dogs, Englishmen and Germans hike in the midday sun, on our second day we set out to climb the Rocha da Pena, a limestone peak promising and delivering views of the Serra do Caldeirao.

On the plateau we found evidence of but no sight of wild boar and had time for a photoshoot!

On the way back down we found harvests of olives, pomegranates and figs.

Before we returned to Portimao we had lunch in Faro and a walk around the old town entered by the Arco da Vila and housing the cathedral

but far more interesting backstreets and views over the sand islands which make navigating to Faro on the boats almost impossible.