Portimão

After breakfast we headed over to the marina. We had a further few issues to resolve - namely one of the heads(loos) needed attention and the pressure switch on the fresh water system was leaking. So we headed off to the boatyard and they could come on Friday. 

We therefore meandered into town and had coffee and Portuguese cakes at Cafe Isabel-sitting outside at a lovely table. We then explored the streets and shops before ending up in the lovely sardine restaurant area by the bridge. We had a delicious fish lunch - octopus, mackerel, baby squid, sardines and large squid were all on the menu. It was fabulous and we left all very full with some left overs to take with us.

 It was a very hot day and sadly by the time we got to the market it was closed. So we had a ice cream to cheer us up and returned to Stormbird with some provisions found in a small supermarket.

 We did not want to stay so we upped anchor and headed west and anchored off the beautiful cliffs at Point de San Jaeo Arens -off the Praia de Yeu. The cliffs and caves looked stunning and inviting. So we headed off in the dinghy and paddleboard to the beach and had a swim. It was very refreshing - i.e.. b cold getting in. However once in we got used to it and felt better for it. It was great and we felt as if we were actually on holiday!!! Stormbird watched from her anchor still being blasted by strong winds, whereas we were sheltered by the cliffs.

 Supper was an assortment of salads and cheeses washed down with some organic red wine followed by Vin Santo and cantucci biscuits which Francesca, Isabel and Rosanna had made. It was good to be out of harbour and we were rocked to sleep at anchor. It was also a super moon. We saw it rise from the horizon gradually as a big orange glow - larger than normal and it seemed in its shape to have a smile on its face. It then continued to rise getting bigger and brighter. Quite a sight and a special way to see it at anchor.

 We went to sleep bathed in moonlight to dream of another great day at sea.