Still in Portimao where we will be for a while. The Mastevolt charger loose connection has been fixed and I am waiting for a rigger to look the Selden single line reefing which has all the usual symptoms. I don’t think I would ever use this system again and am having horns mounted on the goose neck as a back up. It is interesting to hear how many people feel the same way about this system.

 

Noel and Sandie left for home and we miss them, especially when I am lowering the anchor. They are the most congenial company and I was very fortunate to have someone of Noel’s vast experience and knowledge on board.

 

P is hot and at times, windy, half tourist hell and half proper place. The vistas are splendid and it beats Lagos into a cocked hat. The people are so nice.

The marina is large and a Vespa would be even better than a bike, neither of which we have. The local fisher folk, splendid fellows to a person, waste no time as they proceed to and from their labours in the deep. The resulting wash that crashes into the marina keeps us hugely entertained as the mooring lines snatch at the cleats and our G n Ts splash onto the teak. Very glad I got backing plates to the mooring cleats fitted in place of the standard penny washers which were not person enough for the job

 

The Vinho Verde is cheap as chips and just the best. Macao lives!

 

Mary is heading back to the land of the formerly free and the home of the permanently frightened soon but I will remain here, alone but not forgotten – I hope!!