We arrived at Valado campsite at Evora and settled opposite a water point, electricity point and a large swimming pool which we both frequented. Very nice.
There is a new toilet block 100 metes away. Later I found toilets in a small lounge adjacent to our pitch just 8 paces away.
Best of all, no one used the lounge, which was set up for Wi-Fi. Since it is only just completed the management haven't yet published a fact sheet about the extra amenity. We have almost exclusive use of the facilities.
We used our awnings for shade for the first couple of days thinking it would be too hot to erect the Safari room. We soon changed our mind as we were plagued with wasps as soon as we started to prepare food.
After assembling the Safari room we found that spraying the area 10 minutes before setting the table, would free us of insects and there was sufficient draft passing under the vehicle to keep us cool. Outside the BBQ gave off enough heat to keep the little critters away, all in all it worked very well, much to the envy of our neighbours who spent much time and energy swatting.
One evening as I strolled around the camp site I came across this Englishman, who, with a small tent and his restored Mini showed us how to mix modern technology with no frills camping. I liked his Mini, not sure about his tent!
Wednesday 16th and still sunshine, we ventured into Evora centre, which is about half a mile from the campsite. We parked on a street leading up to the main square, which wasn’t easy, most of the streets here are too narrow for cars, so walking is a must.
We had lunch and then made our way to the Cathedral.
Parking here is for horses and trap only.
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We walked around the main body of the building and whilst Mary took a second look I climbed the 103 steps of the tower, from where you see the city boundaries.
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We seem quite relaxed here and have done little these last 2 days. it’s now Friday, the weather has changed from glorious sunshine to being overcast with an occasional shower. Still warm though, and promises to improve to 32’ by Monday.
The forecasters were right, the weather is improving. A drive out into the country is our theme for to-day. We drove south east and passed through half a dozen small villages, all painted white and consisting of a small Churches and a corner cafes.
Nothing else of interest other than their construction methods.
The small balconies rely on compression to stop them from collapsing, Ackroids hold them in position until the mortar dries. They look wonderful when the render is applied and painted. (Buyer beware).
The country side is undulating and anything but green, save for the trees.
Cork is a major export, and is stripped from the trees in rotation, it leaves the trunks a dull red in colour, I’m not sure how long it takes for them to recover?
The cork is collected and dried, then distributed for production into all sorts of arts and crafts.
Suddenly we see hills and make a beeline for them, what a surprise, huge lakes appear as if by magic, a marina, hour long boat trips, a restaurant and hotel.
A large vessel (not pictured here) took at least 100 people on board, we missed it by a whisker as we couldn't get there in time. It was agonising as we saw the boat cast off just a 100 feet away. I really fancied the trip. We stayed a while but couldn't wait for it’s return.
The weekend brought the National Portuguese Air Show which took place at Evora. We relaxed around the pool, Mary swam, I tried to take Photographs (in vain) only one shot in focus. It was nice to see the display from the camp site which is only half a mile from the airfield. No crowds, no fees.
We were told of a camp site called Beja, which was on our way to the Algarve, as we had spent a few lazy days swimming and sitting in the sun we decided to have a look. On the way to Beja we saw a Castle perched on a hillside which overlooked a small town. I met a couple there whose holiday purpose was to see what is known as “The Castle Trail” apparently there is a dozen or more of them. We were told, once you have seen one you have seen them all as they are just shells. I presume they were built to protect against Spanish invasions, as they are in alignment with the border.
It was reported that Beja camp site have an Olympic size pool, a football stadium and all facilities for just 8 Euros a night. We found nothing of any interest in the town itself, and the camp site was very disappointing, scruffy surroundings and although the toilet block was clean it is very old and built in the days when expectations were low. The site is large, but only 2 visitors were there. We had coffee next door at the football stadium, broken paving under foot concrete seats, dirt pitch, the sort of pitch condemned in GB in the 60’s. The reporter must have had rose coloured specs on, and could not see past the price? And where was the Olympic size pool?
On our way back we called at a lakeside campsite at Odivelas, it was too close to Evora for us to stay but is a beautiful site. The site seemed to wrap its way around a third of the lake which is much depleted due to the drought. At first we thought only a few campers were there, so big is this site, with know marking for pitches, campers had parked in shade behind groups of trees overlooking the lake and to my surprise I reckon there were at least 50 campers there and yet one camper could hardly see his neighbour. Dutch owned, Dutch run,and up to the high standard you expect from the Dutch, brilliant.
When we arrived back we were surprised to see this monster manoeuvring next to us.
We watched nervously, as we expected at least 100 kids to disembark. To our surprise a dozen middle aged Germans alighted. We were even more surprised to find no towels reserving the best places at the pool!
We decided not to part exchange our MH for this whopper!
When we were not being lazy enjoying the sunshine we would drive into town, our favourite restaurant was by the University, and provided excellent food at just 8 Euros, each time different but always tasty. Most of the students who patronised the restaurant could speak English and seemed eager to chat.
These students were paraded around the city obeying all the antics of the leader, part of a initiating ceremony as they were 1st year students, it seemed to go on all day.
Nice to be among inquisitive energetic young people who were eager for knowledge. The down side is, whilst still inquisitive, I am reminded that I am lacking the energy and youth, however, I thought I may depart this world in a trendy fashion by taking my last journey in this super duper transport?……. But not yet awhile.
28th September, time here has flown by and we are surprised that we have been here 13 days, time to move on! Spurred on by David and Irene who we met on site.
They were returning home to OIhao having visited blighty to see their family. David and Irene had purchased a bungalow on the camp site at Olhao and informed us that the owner of the site had some storage space at good rates. He offered to take us to the Faro airport and keep an eye on our MH in our absence. An offer we couldn’t ignore. We decided to visit the site as it is perfectly placed on the south coast and close to Faro airport. It was fortunately that the couple stayed overnight at Evora to break their journey.
