OCEANRANGER: July 2007

BEACH TIME

There were vets asleep on this beach. Whales were sighted stranded at low water. June was on the verge of swimming and a muslim lady from Kidwelly was spotted on the beach.

Labels: Is this a vet asleep on the beach?

CABO SAO VICENTE

When we rounded Cape St. Vincent the visibility was too poor to see anything of the Cape or the fort.

SALEMA

We met up with Duncan`s friend Walter in Salema. Cliff and June are staying in his appartment which has stunning views over the Atlantic. Salema is a small Portuguese vilage west of Lagos.

LAGOS

We have now arrived in the Algarve and the weather is very hot. English tourists everywhere. So different from west coast of Portugal. We have met up with our friends Cliff, June, John and Tegwen. Eating and drinking too much. Lots of beach.

ARRIFANA

Arrifana is a transit anchorage between Sines and Cabo Sao Vicente. Beautiful sunset and beach but next day the weather changed for the worse. We woke to rain and grey skies and needed waterproof gear again. Accompanied by many dolphins and even a whale blowing near the boat.

SINES

Rounding Cabo Espichel we entered the fishing harbour of Sines

. This is the birthplace of Vasco Da Gama. Canaries are very popular pets in Portugal.

SINTRA

The ancient town of Sintra was well worth a visit. The town is dominated by a Moorish castle which is set on a spectacular precipice. There are several royal palaces which are open to the public and transport is of the old style. The Quinta Regaleira is an old house with wonderful gardens full of folleys. Thoughts for the future!

VASCO DA GAMA LISBON

The tomb of Vasco da Gama lies in the Monastery of Jeronimus, Belem, Lisbon. There is also a wondeful sculpture of Portuguese explorers and poets on a sculpted prow of a ship on the River Tagus - Palvaodos des Cabrimentos.

LISBON

Lisbon made for an interesting day but was not what we expected. It was dusty and hot but the public transport worked. Some interesting sights and even the occasional Cloche Merle for light relief.

CASCAIS FOR LISBON

Rounding Cabo da Roca brought us into Cascais. This is a lovely marina in a lovely town where everything is accessible. Good beaches and good transport to Lisbon and Sintra.

OUR LOCKER HOLDS MANY SECRETS

First mate discovers another secret around the watermaker. Fortunately she fits in and the master confines her there when she misbehaves. Geoff Wheeler note the cap.

FISHING POT BUOYS

Here is an example of a relatively well marked pot buoy. Not all are as well marked. I would not sail off the Portuguese coast at night close in because there are dozens off every harbour even out in deep water as we discovered to our cost. Because of these I would be very reluctant to sail at night. It is really like sailing through a mine field. The greatest concentration is often right in the harbour entrance!

OFFICIALDOM REIGNS IN PORTUGAL

Officialdom and beaurocracy reign in Portugal. Here the police enter the marina at Nazare to pounce on yet another innocent arrival before he has time to tie up the boat even. On arrival in every port and anchorage we have to report to:

1. Police with ship`s papers and registration.

2. Customs with passports and ship`s papers.

3. Marina office with ship`s papers, registration and passports.

4. Fill in and sign the same form in triplicate at each station.

Perhaps the UK has something to learn! No chance of illegal immigrants here.