MollyMotorhome in Spain 2021

 It is now Wednesday 28th (a week until we head home) and we are heading from Anadia following our Dam cycle ride, on up to the Douro Valley: The drive took us across bridges over large flood plains where the valleys were a rich lush and vibrant green colour. The large electricity pylons that often look like large metal soldiers marching across the landscape where being used as apartment blocks for the large storks. Their nests stacked up through the metal structures, as many as 10 on one pylon.   Having listened to a short Rick Steves Podcast recommended by Meg I had learnt that the Duoro river is famed for its wine production and more specifically Port (named after the Port it was shipped from 'Porto'). The steep sided valley to the Duoro River is a patchwork of vines terraced hundreds of years ago and still mostly managed by hand as the terraces are too small to be mechanised. The many Quintas (Farms) all use their own recipes for their port, usually a mixture of at least 5...

 After our cycle around Peniche we headed on Northwards to Caves Sao Domingos as Chris felt we needed more wine. Onwards through more of the spectacular scenery of rolling hills, Eucalyptus forests, Vineyards and orchards.   On arriving at the vineyard we had to work out how to get in. Due to Covid most places weren't open except for bookings, so you had to phone through to get reception for someone to come and meet us. Again Covid vaccination certificates were needed and Jack did a lateral flow test for them. We were then shown where to park and had water and electric hook up which was unexpected, but nice, as it meant we could leave Winnie in the motorhome with air conditioning as they invited us in for a wine tasting.  This cave was established in 1937 and been producing sparkling wines, old brandies, bagaceira brandies and Bairrada wines, so it was a bit different. Our Welcome pack consisted of a sparkling Rose, a White and a Red.    Inland the temperatures ...

 On Monday morning following our very relaxed stay at the vineyard we headed a few km's up the road into Palmela to walk one of the old windmill trails. The walk headed up a well trodden track along a ridge with breath-taking views south through the valley below filled with vineyards and olive groves and watched over by the Castelo de Palmela. In the distance you could see across to the sandbar of the Troia Peninsula where Matthew and family have enjoyed holidaying, and then looking north the view took us across the river Tagus to Lisbon - spectacular views in both directions as we walked along this old windmill ridgeway, some now derelict whilst others lovingly restored to homes. The track was edged with the familiar herbs of Rosemary, Thyme, sage, wild lavender, honeysuckle and fennel all sharing their scent in the Atlantic breeze. We walked on past the remains of old hilltop peasant settlements dating back to 11th Century with the only historic Muslim praying room preserved in t...