37°07.8'N 008°36.1 W Friday 2nd October
1 of 4/5 updates! Go back---Algarve

We were recommended to try a place called Alvor, just a short way along from Lagos, up a winding estuary. Typical, we went up at low tide, lots of sand dunes either side. The chart was not reliable and the area prone to silting - we passed a dredger on the way in. We grounded twice, luckily just into sand and got ourselves clear again with no problems.

A good recommendation, we have really enjoyed a few days here. A small town, a bit touristy, but in a nice way. Lots of lovely little restaurants and shops and a very sheltered spot. We even went so far as to have a meal out in one of the little places, sea bass for me and sardines for R. Everywhere are these massive barbecue grills and all the fish is done on these. It really can't be done better.

But we realise now we really are in Algarve, holiday location. Everyone speaks English. And the further east you go the more like the "Costas" it gets. I prefer to have to try the local language and not find English football games being broadcast on satellite TV in the cafes, along with the English beer and the retired Brits!

Talking to some old hands at this cruising game, we think we may get the boat lifted out at a place called Olhao, near Faro, and fly back from there. Working on that now.

Portimao

On from Alvor to Portimao, partly to get an internet connection (haven't found an unlocked one for over a week). So here now, R is lighting the BBQ, have just had a skype call from Marion & Roger, back from the rest of their cruise, and working on what to do next. We think the lift out at Olhao is on.