Cascais

Now in Cascais, and I need not have worried for that time there was no bucket required. We have crossed the only bridge over the Atlantic Ocean and have rounded the westernmost point of Europe. The weather is hot and sunny, and Cascais is just idyllic - you would love it. Palm trees and prettily painted buildings surround the coast. We are at anchor too which has been excellent (thought berthing in the marina is extortionate at 30€ per night) because Dave has had to do quite a few jobs on the boat. Suffice to say that we have needed to send for spare parts for the cooker and toilet.

The town is small, the pavements are decorated with patterns of cobbles and the locals are very friendly. Brightly painted and highly decorated buildings are interspersed with palm trees and three small sandy beaches are crowded with holiday makers . Although it is quaint, it also has one of the largest shops I have ever seen. Jumbo by name and by nature. Massive. It holds the record for being the only place you can cross the Atlantic Ocean via a bridge.

One sunny afternoon I entertained the anchorage with my ability to get into and out of a hammock with grace and agility. Not. Dave tied one end to the fore sail, the other to the mast then stood well back as I swung uncontrollably in the string bag between. The swell of each passing boat nearly caused me to flip over the side, the genoa ropes being the only things I could grab hold of to slow down the increasing speed of swing. Dave didn’t notice this difficulty as he had left me hanging there while he went to fix and refix the cooker. Again, it has been spared the float test but only just. We have ordered two new burners and pipe work so hopefully it will be like new soon and we can use it again. Dave has been working really hard and I have tried to help!

Just to help with the finances the toilet has decided it needs attention too. The inlet valve is broken so that has had to be ordered too. It took two days to service and the smell was as delightful as you might imagine after 15 years of use. Lovely. They will be sent to Lisboa as that is where the next stop is down the river.

We have had great weather, although the coast is usually foggy. Meeting some very interesting people and enjoying their company as we sail and in the harbours.

Love from Dave and his motley crew.