Santa Luzia

 Saturday 17/07/21

We left Garvao on Thursday morning to try and find somewhere cooler to spend the day as we were only due at the house in the afternoon.  The forecast was for another scorcher so we headed to a nearby lake as there was some shade to shelter in.

Monte de Roche lake

The forecast was right and we nearly melted, swapping between Bokkie's interior and outside, under the trees when we got a bit claustrophobic.  The wind was very warm but, as long as we stuck to the shade, it was bearable. 

It was soon time for us to head off to the sit, an easy enough drive apart from the long farm driveway and entrance gate.  Bokkie managed but it was touch-and-go, always one of our biggest risks, even though we always check with owners to make sure access is ok.

The village of Santa Luzia in the distance

We've had the handover of the house and horses and have settled in quite well.  The heat is promising to break after today, at least for the next week.  The area is quite stunning, very similar to South Africa in terms of the climate, smells, plants and general appearance.  

Silke, Charmeur, Puppi, Branco & Galante

The horses are very friendly which is great (they are all rescue horses, so are just 'walking lawnmowers' and not to be ridden),  and they should be very little trouble as they are permanently outdoors and fairly self-sufficient.  

The house is a typical Portuguese white house (with blue trim), very basic inside but with lovely tilework in the bathroom and kitchen. Our room is actually separate from the main house, which is lovely.  The house is also quite remote, we can see one neighbour and the village in the distance but it is very quiet.

We're looking forward to our time here!

Bonus pic:

We told the horses we were in charge for the next six weeks and got the predictable response...

We don't speak Portuguese or 'horse' but we're sure we got some abuse as well as laughter