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The ones that got away this time

To record the places I wanted but didn’t manage to visit – for the future:

Spain Picos – Caras Gorge Walk, and Fuente De Cable CarBarcelona – Parc Guell Las Medulas – recommended by DonnaToledo, Avila, Segovia, Salamanca, Madrid, Santiago de Campostela and GaliciaPortugal..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Places

Forwards or Backwards facing – Douro Valley train journey

As I contemplated today’s activity, I realised that I was actually sitting outside the van watching the sun go down around 9pm, comfortably still in tee-shirt and shorts for the first time I think since last September, and how pleasant that was. It tops a day which demands the most lyrical..

Posted by admin in Portugal, The Good

Douro Valley N222 to Aire at Peso da Regua

Had a four-hour leisurely drive on the road N222, which I had read was one of Portugal’s great drives, for many miles from Porto up the Douro river valley. The road was perfectly fine, pretty empty, and the scenery was indeed stunning, so I recommend it. 28 degrees now, so rather hot. Had..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Places, Portugal

Lance & Lorraine – Gibraltar

Briefly met these guys from Gibraltar, who’d just bought a Ford van 2nd-hand from the UK and had driven it all the way through France, Spain, into Porto and heading back to Gibraltar within a few days. They’re going to customize it exactly how they want.

They have given me a..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Meetings - the non-work sort

Ans & Piet

Amazingly ended up on our selected Porto visit campsite and indeed the only pitch remaining, next to a Dutch couple I had met a month earlier standing at a campsite bus stop to travel into Granada. This coincidence was further compounded when we found them also occupying the table adjacent to the..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Meetings - the non-work sort

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world ….

Amazingly ended up on our selected Porto visit campsite and indeed the only pitch remaining, next to a Dutch couple I had met a month earlier standing at a campsite bus stop to travel into Granada. This coincidence was further compounded when we found them also occupying the table adjacent to the..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Musings

Porto & Camping Canidelo, via quick stop at Nazare

After 3 nights around Lisbon, drove up the coast stopping to look at the sweeping beaches and the massive surf location of Nazare, before spending 4 nights at the above camping to spend some time in Porto. And now Porto is up there with Ronda and Cordoba.

Got bus from just outside campsite,..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Places, Portugal

Sintra, Lisbon, Cascais

Stayed at a lovely resort west of Lisbon, Cascais, well-served by buses and trains, enabling us to get to Sintra and Lisbon from just outside the Cascais Orbitur campsite entrance.

Loved both Sintra and Lisbon. Photos say it all.

A snapshot of magical Sintra where we did the recommended..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Cities-Towns, Places, Portugal

To Setubal via Lisbon Airport

I was excited and looking forward to receiving the first official guest of my career break year, albeit the same person who accompanied me in getting out to Spain as part of my 18-19 annual leave and so therefore at that time not quite career break companionship material. I had determined from Park4Night..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Places, Portugal

Peaceful overnight at Evora … eventually

Stayed overnight at a campsite at Porto Covo, where not made particularly welcome by the main reception person! then inland to a free aire with good reviews at historic town of Evora. Whilst congratulating myself on how well all was ‘working’ at this aire – nice location, safety..

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Cities-Towns, Places, Portugal