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 have a water pump for N+G's van as they are having problems with their water system. The shop is shut for lunch, so we leave them there and go on to check on Ferragudo. On the way we take a short detour through Almancil where there is a church which is completely decorated in blue and white tiles, but as we drive through there is no sign of it or signs for it.

We pass many orange and fruit stalls but only one of the usually more common girls-in-white-chairs. Nick wonders if daughters coming of age are given a plastic chair and told 'it's lemons or lipstick if you want to earn your keep my girl'.

Approaching Frragudo we see the tall brick chimneys that are our landmark for the camperstop and then we are at the entrance.

Good news! It's still there and there are fewer vans than last year so we get a prime spot on the edge overlooking the town.

We spread out enough to secure a space for N+G who phone to say they have their pump and are on their way, and they arrive just as we are about to go into town.

Then the fun starts. Nick W is manoeuvring to park but gets stuck in soft sand. Confident he will get out they send us on our way, but when we get around to the quayside we can see they are still stuck. Ali walks back, then phones Nick to call him back to tow the beached motorhome out of its ploughed field.

After a couple of goes Mary*Lou has rescued Margo in front of an audience including a bloke from Liskeard.

Back to town we go with Grete. In the harbour cormorants line the gunwhales of little open fishing boats and shoals of sardines shimmer as they nibble on the algae below the waterline.

Having missed out time in town we decide to abandon the sausages etc for supper and go to a lovely little Italian restaurant. The food is excellent, various pasta dishes and deserts, and the house wine is only €8/bottle.

The harbour lights all twinkle on the water as we make our way back and the air is still warm at 15C.