The Flying Lentil The log of Festina Lente, Sigma 38

Today was just great!

We left the Lagoon of Faro/Olhao soon after dawn , after another couple of days anchored there. To begin with there was not the faintest  hint of wind so we pottered on at 2 knots under engine vainly trying to tempt something – ANYTHING – onto my hooks, but with my usual lack of success. Gradually the wind built until we completed the 25 mile passage to the River Guadiana with 10 knots of breeze , a flat sea and brilliant blue sky. Light weather sailing when you are not in a hurry is lovely.

Coming alongside the little marina inside the river was tricky . The  flood was rushing in at 3 knots necessitating a ferry glide in through the entrance , then a sternboard in a very confined space ( with steerage and tide thats 6 knots astern !) before coming ahead once more into our berth.

The idea is that we take Festina 20 or so miles up this river ( the border between Portrugal and Spain) – but we thought we would take stock first in this little border town. To our delight we find that it is exquisite . It was completely rebuilt in mid 18th century after a flood or somesuch and the buildings are wonderfully elegant and unspoilt – and best of all it seems to have been left alone by tourism – or at least by British tourism .

I know , I know , what are we if we are not British tourists. However , sitting sipping a drink in a  corner of the town square , shaded by a lemon tree loaded with fruit  and with not a single British voice within earshot – it felt like we had come back into Portrugal , in complete contrast to Villamoura which feels as if it is part of Torquay. All of which is strange considering just across the river we would be back in Spain.