Fai Tira Blog Monday 21/09 

Fai Tira still in Leixoes near Porto 41:11.14N 8:42.29W

Well this is Leixoes. Just as I sat down to write, Pete said try not to be too negative about Portugal

I suppose that I am just a bit conscious of my recent comments, and that they might not have seemed all that complimentary, but they’re not directed at Portugal generally. That would be very presumptuous. I haven’t seen anywhere near enough of it to be able to make such a judgement. In any case I’m sure that it wouldn’t be difficult to find places that are beautiful, inspiring and easy to become attached to, but Leixoes aint one of them.

I don’t know what it was, but before we left Viana do Castelo, I can remember thinking that Leixoes isn’t the most glamorous sounding name I’ve ever heard. I think also, that my opinion may have been influenced by some of the comments in the pilot book.

I was looking for some positives about the place, in order to boost my enthusiasm. The only one I came across was the bit that described it as a good place to use as a base, from which, to explore Porto, not the greatest of accolades!!.

Anyhow back to me trying not to be too negative. Like most of this coastline it has fantastic beaches, stretching for many miles and, at this time of year, almost deserted. Trouble is, for a long time now, I’ve grown out of my childhood fascination with beaches.

                           Nice beech cold sea

Our habitual exploratory tour of the town happened fairly late in the day, the priority being cleaning and sorting out a way to make the poling out of the genoa more efficient. We were pleasantly encouraged by the downwind performance of the boat yesterday, but are still very much aware that it will need to be improved in lighter winds.

Probably the most important happening was the fixing of the A.I.S It came about with collaboration and help from our fellow blue water travellers David and Susan. During a recent conversation (over a drink of course) A.I.S’s had been the topic of the discussion, with us both singing their praises.

When David became aware of our problem, he quickly suggested that we plug our transponder in to his supply, and bingo it worked. With this new information, Pete was able to sort out the problem, which was just one of power supply.

So that’s a relief then, now it’s back to plan A with both of us able to sleep at the same time, on our way across the Atlantic (joke honestly!!).

Well what about this walk round town then, well we found the supermarket, and once back on the boat, I decided to make some bread. Turned out to be the most exciting part of my day.

Pete’s adventurous instincts got the better of him later (It might have been the two hour siesta that revived them). So he took himself off for a walk to see how long the beach was, finally stopping when he reached the oil refinery, where he also stumbled on a church and lighthouse while also having the good fortune of witnessing a glorious sunset on the way back.

                               The Light House                                                                            The Little Chapel by the sea                                                        Chapel with Oil Refinery next door

                                Sunset from a bar                                                                          Seagulls watching the sunset                              The sun had gone westward.  We will be following in a couple of weeks.

Tomorrow I’m off early to the airport to collect Dee, my wife. She’s with us for the next ten days or so.

Do some sailing and visit friends in Faro

No you’re wrong!! It’s not the only reason for the cleaning!!!

Bye for now. 

Pete and John.