37:31.669N

007:30.772W

Entrance to the Rio Vascao

We are still anchored by the enormous eucalyptus tree which made a

wonderful den and Harry dug steps up from the river edge. We walked to

the top of the hill with its 360 views and looked down into the Rio

Vascao cutting its way west. It is a beautiful sight with reeds,

eucalyptus and canya? (like bamboo) on the river bank. We found bushes

of wild rosemary, lavender, mint and a methol-scented plant lining the

track.

Early afternoon when the flood began, only Harry and I rowed up a short

way in the dinghy as we realised we wouldn't be able to make the whole

trip to the terrapins and back before dark. We found the first wier,

beautifully built carefully from tiles and apparently dating back to Roman times.

We will have another attempt next week when the tides are opposite, i.e.

when high water is at noon so we can make a day of it (up on the flood

and back on the ebb).

We're delighted to have spotted herons, a kingfisher, egrets, azure

winged magpies, and could hear the 'cuckold' sounding similar to a

partridge, we need to establish what it is. There are apparently

hoopoes also.

In the day time the sun is hot, but the temperature plummets when the

sun goes down behind the high valley side, and these clear nights are

chilly. Fortunately Bol has managed to make the 'eberspacher' heater to

work so that has gone down very well, especially in the morning!

This sent by satellite so no photos xx