Overland to and then a tour around Morocco. Winter 2016-2017

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Morocco.
Winter 2016-2017

Stage 24 – Palmones (Spain) to Lagos (Portugal)

We accepted the 18:00 Hrs ferry which actually departed from Morocco at 19:30 Hrs which as Spain is 1 Hour ahead made it 20:20 Hrs as we set sail!......

Then advised that the crossing would be 2 hours it was not far off 23:00 when we got to Palmones in Spain and made ourselves ‘comfortable’ for the night, only to then be back on the road for 07:30 Hrs Spanish time the following morning as the Sun was climbing over the horizon!

Then as we climbed the hills from Palmones and daylight came along we could see that there had been quite a bit of rain in this area, some of which was still draining away!......





While in this field of Solar Panels some of them seen to be undecided as to which way they should be pointing to get the Sunshine! ……



Through one of the small towns along the National Road……







As we pass an Automobile ‘Breakers Yard’ with a good signpost for their activity!......



Over the high bridge into Seville……





As we get near to Portugal there is this old windmill building with some small windmill sails in place on the wall instead of the much larger items……



Then we get to the sign and river bridge which is the Unmanned Border Point between Spain & Portugal……



While a few miles further on is this welcome to the section of coast in Portugal known as the Algarve……



As we come off the ‘Toll Road’ onto the Route National which in places has potholes in the surface somewhat similar to the roads in Morocco!…..











Old Olive crushing wheels for extracting the Olive Oil, now form the centre of a Traffic Island......



While we think this next one was a Water Wheel Power set up……



For some reason known best to TomTom we come to this Traffic Island the centre of which is just being built or remodelled…..



As we then find ourselves going through the centre of a town called Loule, which is famous for Carnivals!......













Next town was Albuferia……







Then across this bridge……





Then the river……





While after a couple more Traffic Islands in Lagos, we come to this place and find the road on the side we want to go along is ‘CLOSED’ and will be for the next 3 hours due to a cycle race in the town, so the campsite we were going to is ‘off limits’ and inaccessible, even though it was 200 yards further down the road that has no traffic going along the way we wanted to go……



So we manage to put the outfit into a car park on the left of the Traffic Island and take a walk down to the next Traffic Island that we wanted to make a left turn at to the campsite and find this Old ‘Retired’ Fire Engine outside the Voluntary Bomberios Fire Station……



Then just on 3 hours and 300 Miles later the barriers are removed and we can make our way to the campsite, while looking forward to a nice HOT Shower, something to eat and a good night’s sleep!…….

Good night!

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Morocco.
Winter 2016-2017

Stage 24A – Our first day in Lagos

We were invited to come and stay on an Ex Military Service Personnel campsite as guests of friends who were in the military so we took up their offer due to the condition of the campsite we had planned to stop at being a bit like a mud bath!......

After some breakfast we decided to go off for a walk to a part of the town and then along some of the coastal path with the following results, but firstly we had to pass by these Terrapins who were soaking up the sunshine in a small pool near to the campsite reception ......





The old Port Entrance Fort which is now a Museum……



While the view back was towards a part of the very large old town wall……



As we then made our way over part of the beach to go along the coast path, so just enjoy the views……















As we had to head inland for a short distance we pass the Bomberios Station who are all Volunteers here in Portugal……



Then it was back to the views along the coast…..













Interestingly we then get to a section of beach in a cove that has a ‘Sand Shelf’ that is around 12 inches deep and has a multitude of complete and broken shells buried in the shelf!……



Sections of this ‘shelf’ can be seen on the lower left and right of the next picture…..





Back inland as we come around what is now some private land on the coast to pass this now derelict building that has seemingly been like this for quite a number of years!......



While this nice bunch of flowers were growing a bit further up the road……



Coastal Lighthouse……









As the view down to the sea became more rugged……









As we then see this rock formation that looked like the head of a dog……





Long line of steps leading down to arches and blow holes by the sea……







As you stepped close to the edge of the pathway you could see the arches and blow holes down below, but you di begin to wonder how far underneath the sea had eroded the cliff face!......









Spotted this ‘Angler’ fishing from a high ledge on a rock…….



See if you can find that ‘Angler’ on this next picture!......













Bit of a diversion as we are then inland again and see this little flower on a quite large Cactus plant……



Some nice new Villas with quite nice sea-views, well set back from the cliff face……



We didn’t check out the website given on the poster to see if there was any prices listed……



While these two houses were more in line with traditional build in Portugal……



One of the many Hotel complexes set very close to the beach……



With a final look along the coast and a pair of rather tired legs from all the up and down climbing of steps and pathways it was time to head back to the campsite……



Good night!

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Morocco.
Winter 2016-2017

Stage 24B – Our second day in Lagos

After breakfast we took off using ‘Shank’s Pony’ (Feet & Legs) for a walk around the town, so sit back and enjoy the pictures......









Lone fisherman off out for the day……





The large Fish Market……



Someone remembers the hit TV series……



A few of the Tourist ‘Attractions’……



Small shoal of Mullet in the estuary that for some reason no one seems to want to fish for……



Further upstream we see all these smaller fish in the water……



While the Cormorant is waiting for them to swim downstream!……







Quite a few steep roads in this town!......





















Well well, it looks like we found that Pub!......





‘ALL YOU CAN EAT’ Buffet in Sushi!......



Interesting coloured blocks in the road……





Lifelike?......



Not sure as this mural was outside a workshop, if it depicted men getting ready for war or they were making tools……



The city wall which was very large not unlike the Medina walls around the towns in Morocco……







While for any Golfers suffering ‘withdrawal’ symptoms there is this miniature golf course that has been constructed on top of a car park, so you don’t break any windows when you ‘Tee Off’!......



While these guys underneath the car park might just help you find any ‘lost balls’!......





We think this was an old Toll Collection House as you passed through the town wall……













Good night!

[ssicarman]

The Algarve looks like a very nice area. I have been watching a TV show called 'A Place in the Sun' from your end of the world that features the area a lot. Seems to be popular with folks from the UK. Would be hard to argue with Palm trees in the winter.

Tried to check out the villa web site but it did not cooperate and would not show up.

[XCovlov70]

The Algarve looks like a very nice area. I have been watching a TV show called 'A Place in the Sun' from your end of the world that features the area a lot. Seems to be popular with folks from the UK. Would be hard to argue with Palm trees in the winter.

Tried to check out the villa web site but it did not cooperate and would not show up.

Hi ssicarman!

Correct, the Algarve is a nice area, however a lot of local (Portuguese) people find it very hard to exist due to the cost of living which actually rises during the Summer.

I also tried to access the website of the name that was on the 'Bill Board' and was advised that I was blocked as I didn't have the necessary permission!
So even though there were workmen on the property it could be that they have sold all the properties which I find a bit hard to swallow given the state of the property market over here.

But I ain't buying so it doesn't really matter.

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Morocco.
Winter 2016-2017

Stage 25 – Lagos to Castro Verde

Setting off from Lagos for the short trip to Castro Verde we come out a different way to the way we went in as this time we take the harbour esplanade passing at the end this block of flats with the interesting wall mural......



While the property by the traffic island is also ‘painted up’……



Then as we pass the Police Station we see this very large area that has been turned into an Aires for Campers that we understand costs €4/Night to stop at!……



Then onto the N125 which is the Route National……



As we pass a Gypsy Horse & Cart……



Over a large bridge that crosses the Bensafrim River……



Then after a number of miles rolling through the countryside with not a lot to see we get a nice view of the town of Silves as we approach it, then turn right and go around the outside of the place without getting to see anything else!......



As we pass around the town of Monchique we see another large area being used as an Aires by a number of ‘Campers’……



While after a few more miles we arrive at the Municipal Campsite in Castro Verde at which we stayed on our last return trip from Morocco and as this campsite has excellent facilities unlike the previous place in Lagos, then we can get a number of things sorted out while enjoying some good R&R, before heading off again further North ……

Good night!

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Morocco.
Winter 2016-2017

Stage 26 – Castro Verde to Estremoz

03:00hrs this morning the ‘Overhead Sprinkler System’ from Mother Nature started off and while it was too dark outside to see what was happening we were in for a bit of a shock when we and the rest of the campsite crawled out of bed and opened the doors!

The rain had brought with it Dust from California and dropped it over various parts of Portugal including all the units on the campsite in Castro Verde!......

This was the view of the roof of the ‘TinTent’ as I cleaned up one of the Solar Panels! Note the covering on the Skylight……



While the view from inside the ‘TinTent’ looking up at the Skylight produced a view that looked like looking at a sheet of sandpaper!……



When I then went to take a look at ‘Flamenco Red’ after washing the Moroccan sand and dust off 2 days ago, I thought for a minute that it had been for a ‘mottled’ re-spray!……



As we finally after around another 90 minutes of doing a partial clean up got on the road again……



As we pass a Gypsy Cart with 2 Horses that looked like they were on their own, but as we got closer we could see a lady holding their reins……





As we get on the other side of a town called Beja we pass this Portuguese Windmill with its sails furled......



Passing close by to the town of Evora……



We find ourselves taking a ‘short cut’ that involves negotiating a road that is very similar to a couple we have been on in Morocco that has numerous potholes in!……





Interesting village next, as the speed limited is very well controlled for passing through which it needs to be as the road is quite narrow for nearly the entire length!……







Next place is called……



While we have never found out just what the circular building is or what it is used for!......



Past a sun bleached Blue and White Portuguese building……



Not much further and we are entering the next campsite which we have stayed at on a number of occasions on our way back.

Tomorrow we hope to take a trip to a place called Olivenza which is just over the border in Spain.
It used to be part of Portugal but was claimed by Spain during one of the wars and stayed there, however it is supposed to be a very nice town……
We shall see?

Good night!

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Morocco.
Winter 2016-2017

Stage 26A – A side trip to Olivenza

As we departed from Castro Verde one of the Portuguese people on the campsite suggested that we might like to make a trip to a town called Olivenza which is now in Spain but was formally part of Portugal.

So as it was a place we had not visited we decided to go and have a look……

As we got there we could hear loud music and some people were moving quickly up the road so we parked up quick and joined them to find this……

A Carnaval!......









As we moved off from the Carnaval procession and into the centre of the town we come to what we think was the Market which was closed, possibly due to the Carnaval taking place……



While a bit further we see this monument and fountain that has been erected to all the victims of terrorism……



Turning left we see the town square, which was more rectangular shaped, but also had intoxicating music being played quite LOUDLY! ......



Then at the top end we saw why. There was another Carnaval ‘Team’ there from a place that looks after both mentally and physically challenged adults and in their Carnaval Costumes they were having a great time along with their helpers in dancing to the music!
Both my good lady and I got to dance with this mentally challenged lady who was really enjoying herself and I have to admit we enjoyed it to while the smile and hug that we got at the end from the lady said it all!……



The city plan of Olivenza!……



While next to the main square was this smaller one……



Then I noticed the Seats around the square that depicted various children’s book stories……

Winnie the Pooh!......



Snow White, before she met the Dwarves!……



As we then went off up a side street towards the Castle……







The city Cathedral which I will come back to a bit later……



A pair of Dancers……



Immortalised in front to the Tower of Homage, while the entrance to the Museum is over in the left corner……



The other side of the entrance to the Museum……



Inside the Museum/Castle yard……



Inside the Reception for the Museum and Castle visits which depicted we think the life of the founder of the Museum who was a bull fighter and quite wealthy, while all the displays were in Spanish with no translation……





We then made our way to the……



And commenced going up the 17 ramps which were surprisingly easy to negotiate, but due to some steps both at the start and top were not suitable for wheelchair users, even with assistance…..





A room in the tower that was all of the first floor…..



The view across the town which was rather misty……





The outdoor concert arena……



Next stop after we came back down was……



But the pictures from that will be hopefully uploaded tomorrow as there was a lot!......

Good night!

[ssicarman]

It's a shame that it was such a grey day. Interesting looking town still. The stones in the plazas and some of the streets were well done.

[XCovlov70]

It's a shame that it was such a grey day. Interesting looking town still. The stones in the plazas and some of the streets were well done.

It was a shame, you are correct, as the views no doubt would have been superb.....but the town was still very nice and well laid out with some really interesting features...