Rolling down to Porto

Associate3
Chris & Katie Russell
Thu 8 Jun 2017 18:16
I personally have very fond memories of Porto and was very much looking forward being there again. Katie, however, had spent a rain soaked week here with her mother and didn't quite see it in the same way but was looking forward to her visit nonetheless

We left Viano in a hoofing 22-25 knots of NW wind and set off expecting a fast passage but this was not to be and ended motoring the last 30 miles or so in cloudy skies towards our goal. We carefully negotiated the sand bar at the entrance and made our way into the Douro Marina, mooring alongside the same Dutch boat ("Passion") as before

The marina is quite far out from the city so following a comprehensive briefing and check in from the marina staff we got the bikes out and headed into town on the south bank

I found the Porto Cadiz roof top bar that I had enjoyed so much on my previous visit and we enjoyed tea (Katie) and my first White Port and Tonic for a few years. Please note that is only to be drunk in Porto- it is awful anywhere else but here it is divine........so just had to have a second one

We returned to the boat to receive an invite out to supper with a couple from a British boat we had met in Combarro - and the Dutch joined us

It was a street BBQ selling fresh fish and shellfish that was then served with salad on trestle tables in an open room. Delicious. The sardines were outstanding. Including coffee, water and wine this extensive meal was 135euros for 6 people (probably 140£ by the time you read this). The Taberna Sao Pedro is a must when you visit Porto
Into Duoro river across the sand bar
Amazing spread in Taberna Sao Pedro


We walked back to the boat to hear the news of the election exit polls. What a mess......we went to bed


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