The work at the Adega continued unabated as like a couple of unruly teen agers we took the car and nicked off for the day. While we were out Pat and his tractor came by to clear away the gardening refuse, Britt set to work putting in a succulents garden to fill in the space we had made. Wil cut off some dead branches from the fruit tree only to discover that it had been attacked by termites. this led to more severe pruning as well as spraying and then burning off the affected wood. When we got back, britt was an interesting red colour as in summer heat she had moved on to pulling out more spiky plants. Will smelt like he had taken up smoking as he had been stoking the termite fire for a couple of hours.
We on the other hand, drove off to Obidos, a medieval town where a castle wall enclosed the whole place. It seemed to cover the whole hill top as we drove towards it. This place was fully set up for tourists with ample car parks. We climbed the hill up into the fortified wall entering through an enormous and tiled gateway, followed the tourist trail past souvenir shops to the castle proper. An incredible amount of work was going on building all sorts of stages for the performances and displays they had planned for the tourist season proper.
The most interesting part was the curtain wall itself,. We could walk around the whole perimeter but with the height, the steep steps and the absence of a handrail, we climbed up to a few vantage points, took in the views and then came down to ground level. In one of our explorations we came across a huge siege tower that had been placed against and external wall. rather than taking the main tourist trail back we took the high road behind the houses and there were some lovely views to be had from there. we found a place selling bread rolls with chorizo and bought a couple of these to have in the shade.
From here we continued our circular route, to reach the coastal town of Nazare. Though a world renowned sur spot with waves measured at 30 metres, on this day it was gloriously sunny and the sea looked benign. We peered over the wall at the front and a sheer drop could be seen below, down to a huge sandy beach that seemed to go on forever. There were many tourists also taking in the sights and of course where there are tourists there are stall holders. There were also locals who rush at you and whether you want them to or not help you to get in or out of a car parking spot, for a price.
Before setting off for a short cliff walk towards the lighthouse, we has a look at the church perched on top of the cliffs, near the market. as with most of the other churches we had seen in Portugal, they were gilded and decorated with flowers. Such a serene place.
The day was bright and sunny and the sky clear so from the cliff tops it seemed that we could see forever. Nazare was a holiday destination, and as well as the huddle of hotels and apartments on the hills that surrounded the sea front, there was also evidence of a huge building campaign going on. This was a place to see.
As we drove through the countryside, red flashes from the wild poppies growing across the country caught our attention. Soon whole fields will be full of them. We returned to the Adega by 3.30 as Britt and Wil wanted the car to run some messages. This included going to the "everything shop" in Tomar, to get an assortment of things, overalls (for the olive harvest), sand to fix the pool stairs, windscreen wipers for the car, a bottle capper for the olive bottling ... and of course dinner. This could only be bought from the "best chicken shop" in Tomar. I went with them whilst Johnny stayed at the Adega to continue to stoke the termite fire.
Our last meal of the trip at Casa Adega was on the terrace as we watched that last light fade from the sky. Theo made an appearance and begged for some chicken. A nightingale called an end to the day. I will miss life at the Adega when we pack tomorrow for an early morning return to Lisbon. Sergio will be picking us up at 9.20 precisely.
