Vila Nova da Barquinha

 Friday 03/09/21

We managed to get ourselves into quite the holiday rhythm in Milfontes and decided it was time to get moving before we melted into complete inactivity.  We seemed to keep busy cycling, walking, swimming, reading, eating and sleeping but really needed to get moving northward to make our next appointment.

Once I start eyeing boats...

and Toni starts eyeing the houses...
It is time to move.

We want to try and visit Coimbra and Porto on our way to our next sit as we skipped them both last time because Toni had hurt her toe and we decided walking through cities was a bad idea at the time.  (Now she's bruised from a bicycle fall...seems to be a pattern developing!)

We're in the town of Vila Nova da Barquinha which has a stunning parking area next to a park alongside the river Tagus.  We had to do some food shopping, buy new tyres for my bike and pick up some diesel along the way and, with some mis-directions from the satnav and a few of our own, we found the day's driving to be quite wearing.  It is much warmer in the interior but we certainly have a lovely spot to spend the night.

Bokkie has a nice parking spot, shade from the sun and a fountain nearby.  Bliss!

The view of the river

The park is lovely and is full of artwork

Even the buildings have a message; possibly something about chasing money comes before a fall??

Tomorrow we'll try for an early start and see if we can get some space in the Coimbra campsite to explore the city.