Carl & Jaynes 2019 Adventure

After working as campsite wardens during the summer we take our motorhome onto the continent for the winter Read more

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Carl & Jaynes 2019 Adventure Traveler
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Day 47
Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 12:49 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Portugal Rio de Amieira 39.50189, -9.1417239°30’7” N 9°8’30” W
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Drive By Location. (Sao Martinho)
November 16, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
This morning we headed for the aire at Alcobaca in leiria, on the edge of town with all the services plus free shower block and electric. Not a space was to be had, it was packed with full timers and a couple if the vans must have had 12-15 kids running around. Not really our type of place so we put another destination into the sat nav. Only 40 minutes away but half hour into the drive we came through Sao Martinho do Porto a stunning small town overlooking a large bay with miles if golden sand. Just on the edge of town is a little parking spot so we have decided to camp down here for the night. This is what travelling is all about, finding little gems like this.Read more
Traveler View from the windscreen
11/16/19Reply
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Day 47
Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 5:20 PM
🌙 12 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Portugal Rio de Amieira 39.50042, -9.1503539°30’2” N 9°9’1” W
Salir do Porto
November 16, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
After a very peaceful evening,watching the sun set over the hills and the reflection of the town shimmering off the sea, this morning we headed 2 minutes along the coast to a place found on the app park4night. A cross between an aire and a motorhome park. Today is a bit of an admin day, cleaning the inside of the van, a bit of doby and some time to just do nothing before deciding on our next location.
This afternoon has a bit of a downturn. The day started bright enough but by lunch we had a few showers. All was well as it was still warm and I was sat out side under the awning reading until the wind changed direction during one light shower and started to blow the rain under the awning. In I went to continue reading as a really strong gust snapped the legs and fixing mounts and collapsed the wind out awning. #*@*. Luckily the canopy still retracts and we were able to stow it safely, but that's going to cost!
Rest of the day was spent doing not much except watch the weather deteriorate. Oh well there's always tomorrow.Read more
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Day 49
Monday, November 18, 2019 at 2:35 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Portugal Cruz do Facho 39.4282, -9.2208939°25’42” N 9°13’15” W
Foz do Arelho
November 18, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Only a 15 minute drive from the last location and glad we did. Great spot overlooking a large lagoon. Nice little town although it is uphill but within a few minutes walk of the site there are a few nice bars and resturants.Read more
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Day 50
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 12:00 PM
🌧 11 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Portugal Cruz do Facho 39.4282, -9.2208139°25’42” N 9°13’15” W
Foz do Arelho
November 19, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
Last night was spent watching the fishermen in the bay and the glorious sunset, while this morning Jayne cooked a full English (if you can call it that when it includes portugese sausage and spanish bacon) before taking a walk along the beach. We will be spending another night here, although the weather today isn't as warm or sunny as it was yesterday, however the location is amazing.
Woke this morning, Wednesday we woke , to glorious sunshine so have decided to stay here another day. Breakfast done time for a walk along the beach then maybe coffee and cakes at one of the beachfront cafe's.Read more
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Day 52
Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 9:19 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Portugal Cruz do Facho 39.42825, -9.2208239°25’42” N 9°13’15” W
Praia Foz do Arelho
November 21, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
So still here 2 days after we said we were going to move on. Its difficult to leave this place as it's just so chilled. The scenery is stunning and there's some lovely bars within a few minutes walk. We need to get our acts together and carry on with our exploring.
Today was another good day weather wise so we took a walk into the village for a coffee (and cake) then watched the sunset from one of the beach bars.Read more
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Day 53
Friday, November 22, 2019 at 12:31 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 50 m
Portugal Aqueduto de Óbidos 39.35857, -9.1557639°21’31” N 9°9’21” W
Obidos
November 22, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
After a night of torrential rain we woke to a brightish morning however it was pretty windy and the calm lagoon was seriously choppy, first time we've seen any sort of movement on the water since we've been here. Tess wasnt feeling too good either and had thrown up 3 times before we started to pack up. It was difficult to leave as the town is so nice and welcoming but we have so much more to see. So water filled waste emptied and off we went. Only half an hour or so down the road with a quick stop off at Pingo Dolce to replenish supplies.Read more
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Day 53
Friday, November 22, 2019 at 6:59 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 56 m
Portugal Praça de Santa Maria 39.36, -9.1583339°21’36” N 9°9’30” W
Obidos
November 22, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Evening walk around the walled town, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Sun is shinning this morning so moving on to do a bit of sightseeing, only a few minutes drive away but looking forward to a good day.Read more
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Day 54
Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 38 m
Portugal Sobral do Parelhão 39.27667, -9.13539°16’36” N 9°8’6” W
Buddha Eden
November 23, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Bit of sightseeing on our way to the next stop. What a fantastic place. 35 hectares and over 2000 statues and art works all set in incredible landscaped gardens. Wish we could park inside and spend more time here.
Plus a gift shop that doesn't rip you off. There's a winery attached to the gardens and four bottles of their own sparkling wine for €11.Read more
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Day 54
Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 4:33 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 43 m
Portugal Agricultural company Sanguinhal 39.27137, -9.1631639°16’17” N 9°9’47” W
Bombarral
November 23, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
After visiting Buddha Eden this aire was only a five minute drive away. Not sure if there's much around but an ideal stop off after a days sightseeing.
After arriving and setting up we took a walk around the town, it's a uninspiring place, like many towns all over the world, it looks like it needs an influx of cash for regeneration. However unlike any town I've ever been to in the UK this place has a dedicated area set aside for motorhomes, with a drive over drain for grey waste, fresh water tap and a place to empty and wash the casette toilet. These kind of facilities bring people in and there were 4 of us parked up last night.
After a old school Saturday night spent watching tv and eating pizza with home made chips this morning we are sat outside the local intermarche doing much needed laundry before heading off to the next location.....wherever that may be.Read more
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Day 55
Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 1:37 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 37 m
Portugal Praia da Amoreira 39.12943, -9.3859939°7’46” N 9°23’10” W
Sea view Santa Cruz
November 24, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
After leaving Bombarral, washing laundered and a few items picked up from the intermarche we headed to Torres Vedra A Dos Cunhadas a little aire in the edge of a small town with services. We drove to the town and arrived at the aire feeling a little underwhelmed. It was nice enough but the views were nothing of note. So we topped up the water and headed to the seaside, again, arriving in Santa Cruz a little after 15 minutes of driving. No aire just off road parking on top of the cliffs looking out over the ocean. This afternoon we took a stroll around what is a really nice place busy with lots of bars, cafe's and resturants. We had to partake of the obligatory coffee and cake before making our way back to the van. The weather took a turn for the worse with light rain and a little wind. This evening will be movies and wine before either exploring more tomorrow or moving on further south.Read more
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Day 56
Monday, November 25, 2019 at 2:58 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Portugal Parque Urbano da Quinta da Marialva 38.63252, -9.155938°37’57” N 9°9’21” W
Santa Marta do Pinhal
November 25, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
The sun broke through as we left this morning heading towards Lisbon. There's a motorhome accessories shop that we need to check out for the spares needed to repair the broken awning. It's right on the edge of Lisbon and took some finding. They had 1 of the 2 items needed so it wasn't a total bust. Tonight's aire is just the other side of the river so we skirted around Lisbon to get there. We were so close and I imagine it's a wonderful city but was just too busy for us so past it we went.
Tommorw will see us head further south and back to the coast.Read more
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Day 57
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 11:27 AM
🌧 17 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Portugal Figueirinha Beach 38.48486, -8.9455338°29’5” N 8°56’44” W
Praia Da Figueirinha
November 26, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
Woke up to more rain this morning, last night's aire was ok for what it was, a place to spend the night, but with the prospect of a wet day and views of several blocks of flats we upped sticks and moved on. The drive was only about 30 minutes but we figured if we were going to be stuck indoors all day then we might as well be somewhere with a decent view. So glad we did. Parked up right on the beach with a lovely little restaurant and bar just few steps away, plus after a short while the sun came out and all was good in the world.Read more
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Day 58
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 8:00 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Portugal Figueirinha Beach 38.485, -8.94538°29’6” N 8°56’42” W
Praia Da Figueirinha
November 27, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Decided to spend another day here as it was glorious sunshine when we woke up. Took a morning walk on the beach so Tess could have some time swimming then did the typical touristy thing. Deck chairs out, shorts on book in hand and the morning spent soaking up the sun. Think the locals that strolled past thought we were mad as they were all wearing coats, hats and scarves.
Tomorrow we will try and find a parking spot in Setúbal as there's a market on.Read more
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Day 59
Thursday, November 28, 2019 at 1:04 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Portugal Adega da Herdade 38.37821, -8.7854438°22’42” N 8°47’8” W
Comporta
November 28, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
It was hard leaving our last beach front location. Free WiFi and a bar/restaurant a few feet away, not to mention the amazing beach. Anyway off we went passing through Setúbal. We parked up by the docks and had a wander around the large indoor market. All fresh produce and locally caught sea food. Shopping done we carried on to the aire in Comporta. Services carried out and off we went to explore the town. Nice, with some lovely quirky bars and resturants, however the aire, although functional, didn't have the views we are used to so we set off just 2 minutes down the road. Nice parking area and just a stone's throw from another amazing beach. Part of the afternoon was spent sitting in the sunshine with a beer watching the waves.
Tonight's meal was fresh tuna with pasta and salad. Delicious.Read more
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Day 60
Friday, November 29, 2019 at 12:02 PM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 41 m
Portugal Praia do Espingardeiro 37.85658, -8.7862537°51’24” N 8°47’11” W
Costa do Vizir Camping
November 29, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
After weeks of wild camping and Aires we decided it was time to settle for a couple if days so booked into a site. We chose wisely. As soon as we arrived check in was very good and when we saw the facilities it got even better. Pitches are nice and open with plenty of space, toilet block is probably the best I've seen anywhere. There's a pool, bar and restaurant all within a few meters of us. The day was spent doing laundry and tidying the motorhome then on the evening we took a walk around Porto Covo. Lots of development going on and some stunning properties. The town is welcoming with some great resturants and bars and we took the opportunity to dine in an Italian. Food was excellent as was the service and very well priced.
This morning I took a ride out on the bike while Jayne went for a jog around town. Think we have already decided to stay a few more days.Read more
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Day 64
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Portugal Cemitério Romano 37.95259, -8.8643637°57’9” N 8°51’52” W
Sines
December 3, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
So this morning we packed up ready to move on to our next port of call, water topped up waste emptied and then we decided to stay in Porto Covo for another couple of days! As we were all packed we did need a few supplies (mainly red wine and cake) so off we went to Sines. Lovely port town with a fantastic beach. Couple if hours spend shipping and watching Tess swim before heading back to camp.Read more
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Day 64
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 1:39 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 41 m
Portugal Barranco da Trave 37.85667, -8.78537°51’24” N 8°47’6” W
Costa do Vizir Camping
December 3, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Nice run out to so a bit of shopping and stroll along the front at Sines. Now back on pitch, Tess showered and time to chill in the sunshine with a cuppa and cake.
TravelerSeems to be a lot of wine and cakes happening regularly 😉😉😉
12/3/19Reply
TravelerI know, getting addicted to an afternoon cake 😉
12/3/19Reply
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Day 66
Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 12:42 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 47 m
Portugal Zambujeira do Mar 37.52512, -8.7761437°31’30” N 8°46’34” W
Zambujeira
December 5, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Finally dragged ourselves away from Porto Covo and headed to Zambujeira. We spent a week here in january and thoroughly enjoyed it so thought we would return. Spent the afternoon setting up in our own little suntrap before popping to the onsite bar for, yep coffee and cake.
Sat out on the evening and fired up the BBQ. We could be here for a while.Read more
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Day 71
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 1:15 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Portugal Praia de Nossa Senhora 37.52833, -8.7937°31’42” N 8°47’24” W
Villa Camping Zambujeira
December 10, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Still enjoying time here in Zambujeira, though to be honest we haven't done a lot. Weather has been warm and sunny so have been catching up on some much needed chill time. Today, after a brief spin out on the bike for me, we took Tess down to the beach for a swim then had lunch in one of the many cafe's before returning to park late afternoon for coffee and cake. This evening saw us sat in the bar in front of the massive log fire enjoying a couple of beers and socialising with some of the other people on park.Read more
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Day 72
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 12:40 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 45 m
Portugal Praia da Franquia 37.72603, -8.7802337°43’34” N 8°46’49” W
Vila Nova Milfontes
December 11, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
For our next next stop over we found a site in Vila Nova Milfontes and only being about half hour away we decided to drive over to take a look around before picking up a few supplies in Odemeira.
The site wasn't for us with a lot of long termers set up, more to the point while walking around the site Tess was attacked by a bloody great Pyrenees Mountain dog. Luckily I managed to get between them before it got to her and Jayne was able to pick her up. No real damage done and the German owner was very apologetic.
The town was ok with plenty of shops bars and resturants and the views over the estuary were stunning. Still back to the drawing board to figure out our next move.Read more
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Day 75
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 12:07 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Portugal Largo da Liberdade 37.31639, -8.8028637°18’59” N 8°48’10” W
Aljezur
December 14, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Big decision leaving Zambujeira it's such a lovely spot. Still we have much more to see so headed south about 45 minutes drive to Aljezur. Parking spot next to the main Street with a little market and bar across the road. Took a walk up into the town, something we didn't do last year when we past through. Had a great lunch at one of the cafe resturants before finding an indoor Christmas craft market.
Loads of cyclists passing through the town but can't find out what was going on.
Tomorrow we will head further down the coast towards the Algarve.Read more
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Day 76
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 12:17 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Portugal Praia de Salema 37.06775, -8.8251937°4’4” N 8°49’31” W
Salema
December 15, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
So we left Aljezur thus morning heading for Salema. Stayed there for a week last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Less than an hours journey and we pulled up on the aire and chose our spot. Only 1 other van there. Within 2 minutes the sliding door opens of the German van and out pops a scruffy looking dog which proceeds to wander around the site crapping everywhere, owners showing no interest in picking up. It then walks over to our van and starts barking it's head off, still no response from the owners. After a quick brew we took Tess for a walk on the beach.....No that's not happening massive no dog signs everywhere. The bars and resturants that we enjoyed so much last year all shut. Back to the van to find a Dutch van has arrived and has his generator running full pelt. Time to move.Read more
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Day 76
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 1:38 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Portugal Praia da Boca do Rio 37.06701, -8.8100137°4’1” N 8°48’36” W
Praia Da Boca do Rio
December 15, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Not stopping here either! 🤬
Only a couple of kilometres from Salema this beach car park was awesome previously. Arrived and parked up to be greeted by 2 bloody great dogs wandering around. And the German owner standing 50 meters away screaming their names, their recall was pretty crap, while they took no notice at all. Car park was busy with some real trampy looking people who had bikes, boxes and all sorts scattered around. These people make it hard for others by breaking the rules and creating such mess in what is a stunning beauty spot. Time to move on....Again!Read more
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Day 76
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 3:55 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Portugal Ribeira de Espiche 37.0901, -8.3278337°5’24” N 8°19’40” W
Praia did Salgados
December 15, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Jayne had found a paid aire called parque Da galé about an hour away so off we went. Nice drive over but when we arrived the place was packed. It looked nice but was well over subscribed with vans so close you could lean out of the window and shake hands with your neighbour. There was a brit who had stopped to top up his water and we spoke to him breifley about places to stay locally and got some good tips.
Just a couple of miles on we came across tonight's stopover. Now this is more like it. Large area with a few motorhomes on but not crowded but a short walk through the dunes is a great beach with nature walks close by. This is so much better and has been worth the messing around today.Read more
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Day 77
Monday, December 16, 2019 at 3:00 PM
🌧 11 °C
Altitude: 218 m
Portugal Gorjões de Baixo 37.14524, -7.9561637°8’43” N 7°57’22” W
Sunshine Motorhome Park
December 16, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
Arrived at sunshine motorhome park to spend a few days with old friends Andy and Jayne. Weather was awful last night with heavy rain and high winds. However woke this morning to blue skies and sunshine.
Andy and Jayne took us to the locaĺ restaurant for lunch and then we went for a walk around Fuseta.
Still haven't decided where we want to be for Christmas but need to make our minds up quickly now.Read more
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