We extended our stay in Nazaré to Wednesday as Tuesday's forecast was high winds from the north. Not good to be sailing directly into 20+ knots of wind. However, the delay meant we could visit the fresh produce market. Although not as big as some of the others we have visited, fruit including juicy cherries and strawberries, veg and a large sea bass were bought. Sticking to Sally's usual tactics of finding a busy stall, we queued behind 3 elderly Portuguese ladies in traditional dress of head scarf, shawl and apron over the skirt. We then witnessed much haggling, demands for produce to be reweighed and discussions over the cost! We just paid! 

The sea bass provided two delicious meals, firstly pan fried and the remainder made into a tasty stew similar to the one we ate on my birthday. 

Wednesday morning, we moved from Nazaré to Figueria da Foz,  arriving early afternoon to find both the office and fuel pump deserted despite the opening hours. Eventually the attendants arrived, we fuelled and moved to our berth. 

The shower facilities were good apart from the 10min walk to get there and another 10 back, the exits from the marina being at either end with facilities in the middle. 

Yesterday, Thursday, I was laundry maid using our small washer and defrosted both fridges whilst Sally and Simon went to the market, two mackerel purchased this time. We all wandered ashore, picked up a few more groceries and stopped for beers, coffee before returning to the boat. 

Wednesday and Thursday have been glorious weather, the wind died down and we had hours of sunshine. We have eaten our dinner of fried octopus (starter) and flash fired mackerel, in the cockpit and stayed out in the evening sun. Much more pleasant.

Today, Friday was a 06.00 start for the 60+ mile passage to Porto. The sea is flat calm, no wind so our engine is in action again. The visibility is quite poor so all I could see was sea, sea and more sea! A faint shadow of the land to starboard if I squint very hard. We are now topped up with fuel, berthed, all showered and enjoying Friday evening drinks in the sunshine.

We are planning to stay here over the weekend and Simon and Nigel hope to find a port (as in the drink! ) tour. 

Enjoy your weekend.

Catherine