Friday 12 September: Praia das Furnas

 It’s forecast to be hot and windy. We decide to try the beach on the other side of the river so make a picnic and walk off through the town to the small jetty. It’s a family business ferrying people across the River Mira which has been going since the 1920s, a long time before the bridge was built further up the river. The boathouse is also the home to 22 cats! A short and scenic crossing and we walk around the headland to a stunning beach. It’s low tide so the waves are gentle and we can walk around the cliffs further down the shoreline. The sea is refreshing. As the day proceeds the wind gets stronger and we head back returning on the 5 o’clock ferry. We walk through the town and buy some local wine before tea, showers and beer. We’re out to supper tonight at our favourite restaurant of last year. I hope it will live up to expectations. 

Later: probably surpassed expectations infact. A truly wonderful meal surrounded by Portuguese. Delicious baby squid to share then tenderloin steak in garlic for me and pork and clams for Simon. We even have a bottle of Vincentino Syrah that we’d enjoyed last year. Basil and lime mousse to share before coffee and acorn liquor. Such a lovely evening. We feel sad to be leaving tomorrow but probably good to move on to new adventures  








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