Day 15 Castle plans and a double whammy
The day began with the prepping of the sardines for the evening meal. Johnny and Zak did the honours while ginny got the entries up to date in Charlie's travel journal.
They say the best laid plans oft go awry. We set off in two cars for the castle explore, leaving Michelle behind to study. We were only about 10 minutes down the road, when sliding over to the kerb to allow an oncoming car safe passage, our car went slightly too far and caught a rock buried in the side of the road. An enormous bump told us all was not well and Johnny pulled over to find that both tyres on one side were flat. The wheel itself was not in good shape either. We phoned Britt in the forward car to turn back as we pulled off the road. As Britt was the principal driver when hiring the car, she had to contact the car hire company. They were terrific, contacting a towing company and organizing for the replacement car from Lisbon airport. how lucky that we had opted for the highest level of insurance cover.
We waited roadside while Michelle drove down to take back to the house anyone that needed transport. I stayed with Johnny to wait for the tow, which took just over an hour after Britt sent to the company our coordinates. In the peace of the roadside we listened to all the country sounds. The roosters crowing, the swish of wind in the trees, the church bells ringing periodically. The weather showed us all its changing moods, from brilliant and welcoming sunshine to angry and petulant rain filled clouds. Curious locals glanced at us as the occasional driver and cyclist made their way past, with a cheery "Bom Dia". A short red dog marching with some purpose down the road gave us a wide berth as it tritt-trotted by.
Finally the tow arrived and the Jeep scooped up. We headed off to the pharmacy. We suspect our glorious little granddaughter may have passed on her cold to me and her mum. We left the pharmacy with everything imaginable to address a headache, sore throat and blocked sinuses. Curiously, the throat spray warned that it should not be taken as a substitute for a healthy diet????
We headed back to the adega for lunch and a revised plan for the day.
The guys back at the compound were busy entertaining the kids and generally exploring the surrounds. By the time we got back it was time for lunch and then rest. It was actually wonderful not rushing around. When the kids woke the hot tub provided a lot of entertainment. Peg took up her sketch pad and we later saw the most amazing render of one of the olive trees. Britt, suffering a bit with the cold that some of us had caught, snuggled up with a blanket and took a rest in the garden. Johnny took a well deserved nap and I got to read some of the book I brought along for the trip. A Garden In Lucca was the perfect read. It was the recollection of a couple of Americans who decided to sell up and go to Lucca, Italy to restore a house and plant a garden. I should have had a nap too but it was too good a read to abandon. I was not totally indulgent as I was also tasked with checking the proving dough Gin and Zak had made for the focaccia they planned for afternoon nibbles. There has to be enough heat to rise the dough, but not enough to dry it out. God knows what they were thinking leaving me on watch as I'm notorious for forgetting to check the kitchen.
It was also an opportunity to teach Charlie how to take photos and I think he did a pretty good job.
Before we knew it preparations for dinner had to begin. The nibbles were set out; olives, cheese, salami and of course olive studded focaccia. Meanwhile, the broccoli greens were washed and chopped, the BBQ racks were oiled and the sardines placed on a bed of salt to dry them out. The potatoes were boiled and "smashed" ready for roasting with herbs. The wine (red and white) was selected and the banqueting table set up.
Just as Johnny was about to put the sardines on the BBQ, another storm rolled in and the food was cooked wearing Britt's weatherproof gear on the deck of 21. The table was a thing of joy to see as the food arrived and we took our seats. It was a great dinner! Mamma Cat and the little persian look-alike cats that have made the adega their home, joined in the banquet, cleaning up the left overs that were set out for them in the tractor barn.
This was Perry's and Michelle's last night with us as tomorrow at 8 they will set off for Lisbon and the flight to Italy to spend some time with friends before the trip home and work.
