We\u2019d parked strategically the previous night so we\u2019d be in the shade in the morning. There was no internet coverage where we were in the little village, so we got the starlink out to research our route for the day, and also upload my blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today was mostly a driving day. We took on another suspicious mountain pass. This road was steep and pot-holed, but there was a centre line. I wasn\u2019t sure about it, but up we went anyway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then we came across a village, built steep in the hills. This is always another source of anxiety, having to navigate their narrow cobblestoned streets. We haven\u2019t seen any other campervans or motorhomes for days! They certainly don\u2019t seem to take the same roads as us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The village wasn\u2019t too bad, but we still drove through it with a few expletives. It\u2019s when you are on a narrow cobbled street and it is steep and going around a corner I get worried. And the way the locals stare at us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyway, strangely enough on this mountain climb there were 3 villages we passed. The third was perched on the edge of the main road. And by main road, I mean enough room for two cars to pass without slowing or pulling over. It was still windy AF, just faster!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also don\u2019t like to stress Bertie out by running the A\/C on the steep uphills, so we were also sweltering. But Google had told us it would be cooler at the top. He lied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d researched that the town at the top was only at 29 degrees, rather than the 36 we were having below, but when we arrived it was still hot at 33 degrees. And that doesn\u2019t sound like a lot, but for some reason it felt oppressive. I think it was the humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So we hopped back in Bertie and headed downhill with the relief of the A\/C blasting. We went through a town called Paul, which was exciting for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With this heat it was either find somewhere and suck it up for the afternoon, or drive until 9pm when the sun goes down. Then I thought, what if I find somewhere with a pool? I started searching for campsites and found one in the town of Fundao with a pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But when we arrived, the man on reception was very grumpy and I did not get a good vibe from him. We had a look at the campground and it all had a weird vibe. There seemed to be a lot of permanent people here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it was 5pm and we were both tired, and the entire campground was in shade. And then I looked down and saw the sparkling blue pool below. It was either that or drive until late. So we decided to stay. And it was only 12 euros!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a tiered campground and most people were squeezed in up the top, but we chose a spot on the lower tier and we were all alone and it was quite pleasant. Apart from the tent people one tier above us. I wondered if they were living in the tent, an older couple, sitting there, no car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She came over and was trying to communicate with us, but neither of us know a word of portuguese, except for Ola and Obrigado (thank you). It was weird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyway, the first thing we did was put our togs and headed for the pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As I stepped in, it was freezing and I was convinced I heard a ssssss sound as I submerged. You know that sound when you pour cold water on a hot grill? Yeah, pretty sure I heard that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We spent probably a good hour in and lazing beside the pool, enjoying being cool for a change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then we went back to our camp and sat outside, enjoying being a bit cooler. Then the lady came back and wanted me to sniff her water bottle. I dunno what the heck that was about. Mike declined a sniff and she went away. Like I said, this place is weird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then we went for a walk around the camp to see who else was here. I quite like to see what nationalities are about. But they were all mostly Portuguese. We did meet one Englishman, but I think he is living here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then a couple tried to leave in their car. We assumed the barrier would open automatically, but it didn\u2019t. He looked a bit stressed, I tried to find a button to press, but there was none. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The grumpy man who checked us in pressed a remote control to let them out. Great. We\u2019re locked in here! I put the thought out of my mind and we headed back to our camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For dinner, Mike had a salad and meat wrap, and I had some left over baguette and some cheese. It\u2019s too hot to cook. Heck, it\u2019s too hot to eat! Then we finished with Mango and yoghurt for desert. Yum Yum.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We\u2019d parked strategically the previous night so we\u2019d be in the shade in the morning. There was no internet coverage where we were in the little village, so we got the starlink out to research our route for the day, … Continue reading