Jc came back from early dog walk to report that he had found out about the water refilling system and the loo emptying. It seems the pikey vanners, all 150 odd of them have lifted the manhole cover by the water fountain in the children's playground by the car park. This gives access to the water tap feeding the fountain. You then use a plastic hose to cover the spray nozzle of the fountain and feed this into your watering can or 5 litre water bottle.
The chemical toilets are emptied in another manhole which can be lifted if you carry a metal hook with you. We were not impressed with the way these probably normally respectable people fleece the city of Silves of their water supply. Thousands of gallons must be taken and in a country where there is little rain and presumably at times a water problem. So we opted to go to a campsite for a fill up.
We had bought a Daily Mail a week earlier and there was an article About the Algarve in the travel section. It included a piece on Cliff Richards vineyard which is in Guia close to the now defunct camper van dealer. We decided to go visit. We phone them to book a " TOUR" at 2.30 and because it is midday we have time to find a beach for a for a walk and lunch. Headed straight into Albufeira and wiggled our way around the beach and finally found a gorgeous secret place between Praia de Gali and Praia de Evaristo. A tiny beach and small secluded sunbathing areas in the rocks. We disturbed a naked couple who were as surprised as we were.
The driveway to the vineyard, as they call it, has two brick pillars holding the gates. We are now old hands at getting through brick pillars but I decide that today I am just not in the mood.
We go 400 yards back down the road to the Algarve shopping centre and park up. Unfortunately not in the shade, so we opened up both big hatches and left the front windows open a crack. Not ideal, but with our front hatch broken, that is all we could do. It was 20c in the van and 22c when we got back 2 hours later. The dogs were fine. We could never have left them in a car, and I can't imagine what happens in the summer.
Cliffs vineyard was interesting although the tour as such was not possible as they were bottling. It was just a talk and a wine tasting which was very enjoyable.
Booked in for the night at Albuferira camping. We met the neighbours pretty quickly having tried to use our electric fire and blowing all the fuses for the 4 vans nearby. So retired to the camp restaurant for a good supper accompanied by Karaoke. "We're all going on a summer holiday!!"
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Albufeira
No comments:
Post a Comment