RV with Keith & Chris

The weather is excellent so we head off northwards again but just as far as Camperstopmessines

Having discovered this little gem of a site last year we were keen to return soon this trip

Andre the co-host can't do enough for his guests and we are surrounded by his fellow country mates from Holland who make us welcome.

One of two BBQ nights sees us pushing the €15.00 Continente bucket to its limit (and my patience at times)

When the sun goes down its a cosy place to huddle together and sup our collective way through 2 bottles of Jagermeister with our dutch neighbour Aad

The hangover lasted 2 full days…..

We spend 6 nights here in peaceful harmony as its 4km from Messines out in the wilds pulling in a group walk, a 55km ride to Silves and a group sunday lunch at a nearby village

This was the local 'Goat' dish which was superb..

These guys are Hans and Chou (probably spelled incorrectly, sorry) who invited us over to their table

We spent the rest of the afternoon with them back at the site and we really enjoyed their company and slant on life…

A couple of days later and we are in the company of Keith & Chris who have flown out for a week to Alvor and we frantically catch up on the Goss sat in our van on what can only be described as a tank training ground. I say this because the rain had arrived (none for the previous 6 weeks!) and the site at Alvor was just shocking with the mud

Despite the rain we are soon off on our refreshment adventure around the local bars..

Prost!

The sun come out and all is not lost, only the tourists...

Some job..

Keith directs us down several of the well laid out boardwalks that dominate the beach area

We agree to meet up next day as they are suckers for our motorhome babbling and we set off to Portimao for a nice long walk

Here's Ray Mears prior to departure..

and his long suffering wife Chris LOL

This was the view from our first coffee stop of the day

Keith had told us of a 'Killer foxlike dog' that stalked the area near their hotel

This was it 'in action'

Nuff said

First oasis was shut

Clouds that were brought here by 'the Brits' I swear

Empty..

Portimao in the distance

Caterpillar residence that can cause havoc to dogs that get too close. They get respiratory problems we are told

Hi Hank...

A day late but happy St Patrick's Day!

A short taxi ride back to Alvor and the hungry trekkers seek out an evening meal….and more beer

We settle for Vino Tinto instead 

and a full on steak meal in one of the numerous restaurants on the main street

Because we can, we sink a few more beers later in yet another emporium and very late in the day return to our respective dwellings…Keith & Chris's a luxurious hotel nearby and us our trusted van sank firmly in the mud of the local Aire..

We had a really great two days with you guys and look forward to hooking up again on our return in the summer.

Bon Vacances!

Barragems

We spend the next night up in Serpa on the municipal campsite. No frills here but there are super showers and some WiFi at reception for €8.00. A nice walk in to the town revealed quite a lovely place to be at sunset

Still a little chilly at night but a nice cool beer in the town square on our own rounded off the day

A short time later en route back to the van we were rewarded with yet another stunning sunset

Next day and we are back to wild camping having reached the barragems south of Monsaraz

No fancy filters here, just point and capture nature at work….

That sign again atop the huge Alqueva Dam

Some aqua slide I bet when the sluice gates open

'

'Immense' kinda covers it...

Next day the dusty bikes get an outing

Spring is definitely here and the land is beginning to smell and look gorgeous 

Next up is our favourite haunt of Monsaraz and we get here early to secure a great spot for the next few days

Chill mode..

The weather has turned and its a stunning place to be right now

How can you possibly refuse this mutt a tasty treat?

Just when you thought it would all be the same as last year, a new shop opens

We HAD to go in...

Yes that restaurant again..

Grinning tourists...

Rather obviously we both had the same meal again and were not disappointed

Portuguese braised steak, garlic fruity rice and a baked potato in cream cheese

Go on, enjoy your Pizza tonight...

All food and no exercise makes Jack a fat boy…so next day we set off walking down to the nearest barragem and discover an ideal spot to park the van in a few weeks

Half way 'home' and the view of Monsaraz

Later that afternoon Nina shouts "there's a drone"

Always a drama when I'm indisposed so eventually rush out expecting to see an American missile in flight. Its actually a film company's airborne camera shooting a soap scene we think

On location, in Monsaraz, about 30m below us. 

Today's excitement…

  

We spend the next few days drifting down to the Algarve as we'd had a call a few days earlier from friends Margo & Clara (from Canada) to say they were here on vacation again and so lets get together

They pick us up and we go for dinner in a little village near their apartment in Guia. After a very pleasant afternoon together 'sorting out world affairs' we are all exhausted, especially Clara bless her, Margo's Mum, and we say our farewells for another year

Happy holidays Guys…..

We had a great day