Although we've seen enough of Ferragudo for this trip and should be moving on, it's convenient to stay one more day. First we are waiting for some e-mails about ferry times. Second we have a restaurant reservation to have a nice meal together before we leave N+G, who are staying in the Algarve for a few more weeks, and start our homeward journey. February ferries are limited and it boils down to St Malo on the 13th, Santander on the 11th or Bilbao on the 9...

Patchy cloud and sunshine today, but mostly sun. Nick W arrives with a small bucket contaning a bright red starfish about six inches across. We have some of last night's steak in sandwiches for lunch then amble arond the camper area and into the square for coffee and wifi. Later we return to the little Italian bistro for another lovely, simple meal.

We wake to a beautiful, bright sunny morning. The low sun lights up the colourful buildings of Portmao on the other side of the river. Gulls plunge into the oil-calm surface of the harbour to catch fish and a cormorant runs and flaps across the shoreline scrabbling for lift in the cool air. We have our 'fat-boy' breakfast/brunch at 11:00 sitting outside in 18C. As we are eating a small crested lark runs around our feet obviously familiar with humans and ...

We were planning a 'fat-boy' breakfast, egg, bacon, sausages etc. but we're all full from last night so we decide to have it for supper tonight. After servicing the vans we set off towards Ferragudo, not knowing if the camperstop is still there. Talking to others the Algarve is really tightening up on free stops. Anyway, if it's not in use anymore there is a huge aire across the bridge in Portimao. Near Almancil we stop at a camper shop to see if they h...