It's funny how just one mosquito can ruin a nights sleep…. Having loaded the bike I thought I would visit a nearby Honda dealer as I was having problems with adjusting the chain… it was done-up by a 73 year old with a long handled torque wrench!!!
I arrived in good time but like everything else in this part of the world; it's was closed closed.
So taking advantage of flat concrete surface - I removed all the luggage and panniers and set to work… all sorted in 10 minutes.
In the main, the roads were boring with a few good looking areas. Then having crossed over a hugh lake / inland sea, I then rode through miles and miles of olive groves - fabulous.
Soon enough I was passing into Spain - unnoticed…. Now it's time to head to the chosen campsite - I passed the location 3 times - it's just not there. Asked Gertie Garmin for another … that one looked like an untidy farm yard… move on Nigel. Give me another I said to Gertie…. Gates closed. Let try another: no trace. Bugger it - it's getting late and it looks like rain - found a good looking Hotel : how much !!!! Lets try another : shabby but cheaper…. and the Wi-Fi isn't working!!! Anyhow Spain 4 : Nigel 0.
So here I am sitting at a street cafe using their Wi-Fi and drinking strong coffee !!! Just in time as I hear a clap of thunder overhead…. Now heavy rain and a thunder storm….
Tomorrow is planned to head south passed Saville and try my luck with campsites!!!
Up with the sun this morning, SSS* sorted and all packed up by 8:30. I can highly recommend this campsite (see photo). Be care not to over shoot the road as the next corner in the entrance to the paid autoroute. I did, and when faced with the unmanned entrance, I did a U Turn rode to 200m back down the hard shoulder with the Garmin telling me I'm travelling down the wrong side the road! Heavy mist to start with.
The road were good again to - I'm so glad I elected now to use motorways. There have been lots of twists and turns, steep climbs and just plain empty roads…
The campsite now is big but it's so hot I opted for a cabin…. Not having to pitch the tent tonight is a bit of a bonus. No frills or extras but it has fridge, electric and a bed with a mattress. Washing done and dried. Routes sorted for the next 3 days.
Tomorrow I'm heading for the border with Spain. Reduced riding hours is working for me.
Spain/Portugal - Day 4
An earlier than usual start today as we now on Portugal time and the sun gets up an hour earlier here..
I checked out the ACSI website and found a couple in the area that I intend to ride to. I selected one and off we go…. Some good roads and some crap roads to Coimbra. The good roads were though mountainous vine yards with fabulous views (no places to stop!). The crap roads were through Coimbra itself due to shed loads of roads works.
Finally arrived at the Tamanco Campsite, owned and run by two Brits - it's brilliant - although out of season and so they only serve food Thursday to Sunday. Just my luck.
I managed to set up the tent in the wrong place - but it's only for one night (out of season!), and the owner said he would open the bar this evening, so all is not lost.
I must off and cook something… anything..
