Waiting to go to Wales

 The weather here has become summer hot and the fact that we have removed the insulation on the boat does not help. We are still going out walking, though we wait for cooler days, The flowers have died back, leaving only the hardy summer blooms.

Not to mention the snails everywhere

We also discovered a lovely tiny little bar walking up the hill toSera da Pescaria. It appeared to be part of a small house and it served a very large glass of wine (from a barrel outside) and a beer all for 1 euro 50 cents.

It was at this bar that we met an American called Roger who has been living in various parts of  Portugal for several years, with his wife, Thine. We met him several times and, once lockdown restrictions ended, had an enjoyable meal with them in Nazare.

The boatyard became increasingly lonely when our friends Wolfgang and Birte's boat went into the water after a year spent completing a major refit.

 

They have recently bought an apartment in the nearby town of Alcobaca and are now planning to spend several months refitting that.  One day they drove us into Alcobaca and we spent a very enjoyable day wandering around the old town and the monastery.

We also visited the national wine museum on the outskirts of town.

We then went to see their apartment, which is situated at the top of a hill with stunning views over the town and valley.

Another trip out was to the town of Tomar, about 60 kilometres away, which we visited with our American friends, Roger and Thine. Perched above the town is Convento Cristo , a stunning monastery built by the knights templar, which boasts fine examples of Manueline architecture.

 

 

We then drove down into the pretty riverside town below for lunch in one of the pretty riverside streets.

I also  had my first ever go on a paddle board, thanks to my friend, Dody. I only got as far as sitting on it and paddling because I was concerned about falling off in the none to clean waters of the harbour. However, it was very enjoyable and I am keen to try again .

We will miss beautiful Portugal. It is a truly beautiful country with so many hidden gems and such lovely people who have made us feel so welcome..