The 9:15 RyanAir flight was on time and I picked up a Peugeot 208 diesel from Europcar at Porto Airport and was on the road by 12:15. At many places along the main A1 and the IC8 there was evidence of forest fires.

In Figueiro dos Vinhos, where I stopped for some groceries, the extent of the recent fires was plain to see. All around where Karen Whitehead has her house there were no trees left. It must have been terrifying for her and her neighbours.
The cafe wasn't open at the river beach even though it was 30c. The water had dropped by about 6 inches and was not running over the top of the dam.
The shower tray had been sealed, great, but the boiler cut out after a few minutes of running tghe hot water. A cold rinse again (like in August) and a dash to turn off the excaping gas in the kitchen.
Paulo and two builders, Carlos and Rui, arrived just after 7.30am. The work was explained and Paulo left. I also left to go the the bank in Avelar to collect some cash. This had been previously arranged through Santander Totta in London. "Não", said the bank assistant. But we got there and I got the cash.
Back in Pedrogão Grande, I called in to say hello to Carlos and Fernando at Esfera Real Estate before meeting with Paulo for a few minutes.
Cabril Dam
Pedrogão Pequeno
Alterations to the loft
Alterations to the wine cellar (adega)
Kitchen Door
The builders didn't waste any time removing the door, bricking it up and rendering it. The outside will be painted to match the current scheme and the kitchen side will be tiled. |
Praia Fluvial do Poço Corga
The shade under the grapes at the river beach was very inviting as the temperature was about 30c. I took some tea with me and a magazine.
Later, when I was about ready to go to Sammy's, I met an English couple visiting the river beach. They had sold up everything to come and live in Portugal. They had bought their house from Fernando.
Got to Sammy's by 6pm and his lane was like driving through a sandy beach. Very dry and dusty, throwing up clouds of dust behind and over the car. Sammy's father and brother were there, as was a couple from South Wales and their daughter. Sammy's children but no Anna, who was visiting her mother in France. A lovely evening and great pizzas. Find information about Sammy at http://www.livinginportugal.org/en/