Ameixial

A ride around the local villages close to Monsaraz has us clocking up the kms and soon a pedal drama ensues on Nina's bike

The foot trap is useless and after some adjustment, and later pedal removal, she's back on the bike heading for home

New traps required though….

Tourist spotting goats..

Filling up at Luz we spot these guys setting up for a wedding behind the Aire. Very soon the top deck is full with revellers and the one van which quite rudely, in our opinion, didn't move for them is boxed in surrounded by guests 

We spend a couple of nights back at Alqueva near the huge dam and then manage to drift back down to Pomarao yet again…

Its like a magnet this place, perfect for us as its so unspoilt and out of the way

There are a few Brits still there who we have got to know on our recent visits and who we now refer to affectionately as 'The Last of the Summer Wine'

This early morning drama took 4 of us to oversee getting John's bike up the dodgy ramp on to his bike trailer (thanks Nina for this clandestine shot)

Ahh, the time just flies by….

Two nights next back at Mina De Sao Domingos (no surprise there then) in pouring rain then off to Ameixial in the hills 

Sherpa in combat mode..

Loads of these indicators but indicating what? Certainly not the easiest route through the hills

As ever the scenery is stunning and fragrances abound

They are big on Cork harvesting here and most of the locals are engaged in it someway or another

We are currently encamped on Andre's site at Messines enjoying BBQs and the usual mix of walks and cycling. The last of the rain has gone and the weather looks set to remain fine

Our well kept secret can now be revealed…

Emilja flies out in a week or so with boyfriend Richard (his surprise birthday gift to her) to see us and spend some time on the Algarve

Nina is so excited and has already tasked her with girly essentials to bring out with her...

Monsaraz Barragem

We cross the invisible border in to Portugal again and make camp on the terrace at Monsaraz yet again

Well, someone has to do it!

Ah Ha! We spot the village dog outside a cafe on a rare off duty moment

We get to see him later at the van begging for 'Markies' his preferred dog treat

Lunch at a different restaurant this time consisted of the usual bread/olives/sardine pate and a house salad, washed down with a jug of sangria

Next day we trundle down the access road to the small marina area next to the barragem where we stay for two very pleasant nights with Adrian & Helen as our Brit neighbours

We are soon off on the water for a mini-cruise, just the two of us (and our boatman) along to the road bridge and back in lovely sunshine 

Back at the glorified car park its getting quite busy as its Easter weekend and the locals want their fun just as much as we do

When they have all gone home we lucky few are left with tranquility, a few laughs and of course Vino Tinto...

El Rocio & Cumbres Mayores

Although El Rocio, our next destination, is only just over 40km away as the crow flies it takes 200km to get there. Its the other side of a huge National Park so we have to circumnavigate it via Seville as there are no connecting roads

When we arrived it was blisteringly hot and matched the scene before us perfectly

No tarmac roads here, the whole village centre is given over to dusty sand and horses are the order of the day

Spagetti Western layout with bars where the tables are raised to meet the height of your horse

You would love it here Keith, more birds than you can point binoculars at!

As there's no shade the van is ready for the Air Con when we return…

We push on northwards again but following the border on the Spanish side

We end up in Cumbres Mayores with an excellent Aire atop a small hill

A walk in to the village revealed a huge castle containing a football pitch apparently but alas closed today

Opposite the Aire is a helipad, thankfully not used during our stay...

Warnings for those choppers me thinks..

Its not long before we realise we are in the middle of an animal menagerie

You name it, it passes here at least once per day

Just a few metres from the van we are eyed up by the local populous

As ever Nina finds fascination with Ant behaviour and gets them performing strength tests with discarded peanuts

Look at this cute fella..

"Take me home in your van please"

That wandering horse again..