37:28.059N

007:28.119 W

To Mertola and back by bus

Pea soup fog when we woke so we all dressed in thermals for getting ashore by 9.30am to catch the weekly bus 25 miles north of here to the beautiful and ancient town of Mertola.  The sun slowly broke through the thick cloud during our 50 minute bus ride and we were soon stripping down to shorts and tshirts in the hot sunshine. 

We had four hours before the return bus ride so had a very pleasant time exploring the cobbled hilly narrow streets that all eventually led to the 12th century fortification at the top of the town.

We had a fine picnic by the castle with views up and down the valley. The River Guadiana meandered slowly a long way below us with a kayaker spotted far in the distance.  

Sadly the (brilliant) Museum of Islamic Art was shut for December but we did visit a Textile Museum and watched two ladies working on 100 year old looms. It was riveting to watch, Isabelle was totally absorbed,  and Harry enjoyed the mechanics of an old spinning wheel.  A real treat to see and all very well illustrated. 

Bol took some cracking shots with his good camera but they are not included here as we can't get our normal computer to connect to the Internet. Another time perhaps. 

We keep forgetting we are afloat as it is so still here on the River. We do however have "wood burning stove envy" having been on board the gorgeous 28ft Mew Gull whose owners having been living aboard for 15 years. Their wood burner is neat, efficient and hot, their immaculate saloon is warm and snug and we returned to Thursday's Child and immediately started pondering where we could fit one in!

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