I boarded the “Galicia” ferry in Portsmouth, bound for Santander. The “Galicia” makes its sister Brittany ferry from Rosslare, to the same destination, feel like a tugboat. There is nothing wrong with the Rosslare service, but “Galicia” feels more like a cruise ship.
The voyage was 35 hours with 2 overnights. We passed through a strait separating mainland France from the island of Ouessant (pop. 800), surrounded by treacherous reefs. This point marks the end of the English Channel and the start of the Atlantic – gateway to the Bay of Biscay. The pictures tell the story. Flat seas only ruffled by large shoals of dolphin diving under the ferry.
Disembarking “Galicia” early in the morning, I drove 450 km to Salamanca and campsite Don Quijote. I had been here before for 3 days during my summer trip and fell in love with this magnificent University town.
This time, I wanted to get to my destination quickly so I stayed one night to sample the, almost out of place, super cuisine of the campsite restaurant.
From Salamanca to campsite Costa do Vizir, through central Portugal, was a 650 km journey. Motorways were almost dystopian, with so little traffic. Temperatures around 32C.
The campsite is situated on the West coast of Portugal, midway between Lisbon and the Algarve. I spent 2 days walking along the beach, around the tiny port and the quaint village, with a library in a telephone box.
It was a short journey from Porto Covo to my destination, Turiscampo, near Lagos and Praia da Luz in the Algarve.
It would have been uneventful had I closed all the windows in the caravan before starting out – BUT, I left one unsecured and it ripped off the caravan, damaging the side and cracking a second window. I was soon to find out that a replacement single window costs €1,000 + shipping. Therefore, a piece of perspex and duct tape will be the better option for €15, as I don’t need to move the caravan for a year or so.
Sunset on my first day at Turiscampo.
Awe Des that’s of course not good news with your window situation 😱😱 but you’re right, you don’t need to spend so much money now when the caravan stays put. Lovely weather and great you’re safe and sound. By the way, the little library in the phone cell is in Germany too and you can take book’s and put some others in which you don’t want anymore. I think this is a brilliant idea. Enjoy the lovely weather.
Des:
In the honored tradition of the caravan living Irish Traveller. Seems a great venture you dearly deserve. Must catch up with you one of these days.
So glad that your safe and sound and yes 15€is far more reasonable ,beautiful photos thanks for keeping us up-to-date, look after yourself and relax and enjoy 😘