Obidos

Posts are usually done on the hoof, grabbing WiFi where we can and then moving off somewhere

This time its much more relaxed as we've spent the last few days at Casa Azzurra, a charming small private Aire run by Belgian Ronny

Superb hot endless showers, toilets (if you need them), washing machine (€4.00) & dryer and the usual servicing facilities including electric

€4-€7.00 depending on your requirements per night

Theres a nice pool (beyond the grass in front of the house) and Ronnie even does errands to the supermarket too should you require anything

Thats around a fiver for the lot, can you Adam & Eve it?

(No 10 Rua da Cumeira, 2510-194, Tras do Outeiro, Obidos, Portugal)

(N39Deg23'33.59" W9Deg10'10.05")

Short of coming to fetch you Tim & Sue, I can't do better than this for your intended winter stay

We decide to walk the 5km in to Obidos which was completed quite quickly really and noticed these twigs planted for growing on we think. Not a clue as to their identity but will surely find out soon

A 'Des Res' Nina singled out...

The Holy Grail, basking in sunshine

Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra Church

We love these quaint little back streets, seen here from the rampart surrounding the old village

Even the modern town has its character houses

a Tourist with wind blown hair...

Local favourite Ginja, a Portuguese liqueur 

One of many little side alleys

Next day and we take to the bikes again

After a shortish ride I go it alone and seek out some daft off road trails

The bizarre shot above is of the convincing hole that I quite cunningly wedged the front wheel in at speed. The result was worthy of a Fred Karno sketch with me somersaulting over the bars, and given my feet are anchored to the MTB pedals by cleats, the bike came with me too

Much blaspheming and pure shock to be honest gave way to seeping red stuff and a battered pride

Boys and toys…...

My reward for this event was the view later across the lagoon at Lagoa de Obidos

Cascais & Sintra

Its time to leave the Algarve and start our slow journey northwards

But not before visiting Silves for the last time and enjoying one of Nina's signature dishes...

Gambas steeped in garlic with lemon rice..

Up at Barragem do Rocha we discover the delights of 'Chicken Maria' at her roadside 'rustic restaurant'

Slightly un nerving was the antics of these runaways just a few feet from their mates being soundly barbecued for our pleasure

Next night, another barragem, and these boys guarded us overnight. I have to say they were the most well behaved patient dogs we've come across in Portugal so far

We stayed a few nights at Barragem do Roxo taking a gruelling ride the next day in stupid heat

I had the brainwave of carrying 5 litres of water back from the Intermarche on the bike frame between my legs, very much a 10km circus act..

We stay a night at the Pego Do Altar barragem, again in stupid heat and BBQ our favourite fish, Dorada. Next day we call in at Alcacer do Sal and discover its run down but quaint back streets

 

These guys are everywhere here

We travel through Lisbon and along the coast to Cascais and a superb spot beyond overlooking the sea

Two nights here watching the waves roll in and the surfers searching for that dream wave..

 The young German couple with their cute baby next to us were one of many we've seen this past few weeks taking time out from busy lives and making the most of 'pre school years'

That 'Reggie Perrin" moment...

We came to the coast to cool down, how pleased we are that we visited Seville last month and not now

Next day the bikes are out and we take the orderly cycle route back to Cascais

Waiting for 'Skippy and that helicopter'

Next stop is Sintra, on recommendation and we stay at the local football training ground

We walked a fair distance in to Sintra to discover a hive of tourist shops and not too much of anything else really

Free mineral water for all...

View of the castle which on inspection turned out to be a long single continuous perimeter wall

An abundance of poppies here brighten the place up

I'll go for Nasturtiums here...

Sintra….

Worth a visit but be prepared for the tourist prices on everything…

The pottery is in abundance elsewhere and loads cheaper from the pottery houses. 

There's too much cashing in going on for our liking here...