Sunday September 23, Barril de Alva

Fire ravaged countryside

Last night we were talking with Jean Pierre about where we were going today, we had decided to go inland and see more of the mountainous area. We had the map out and he said we must go to Barril de Alva, a great campspot off the tourist trail that has the best restaurant next door serving traditional Portuguese food, he had spent a week here several months ago. Seemed a very good destination.

Said our good byes to Jena Pierre and Claude, it is interesting how you develop friendships on your travels. It was back onto the toll roads as we headed south on the A24 to Viseu before heading east on the A25. The navigator had a wee hiccup as we took the first off ramp which saw us heading west on the A25, not east so another 7 kms, and an electronic toll booth before being able to take an off ramp and return. We have realised that it would be just about impossible to travel through Portugal without using the superb toll roads as the alternative roads are very minor and very slow.  Nothing has appeared on my credit card yet since registering, will be interesting to see how much it all costs! It was a great drive, once again very little traffic and we travelled through very wide open lands. We exited the motorway onto the N17 heading south west with a scenic road bordering the National Park. Just amazed at the huge areas that have been hit by forest fires, there are skeleton trees everywhere and can see where a few house have been burnt but surprisingly most of the towns are okay.

This road was wide enough but the surface was rather rough in places as we bumped along. But really enjoyed pottering along and passing through so many small towns. We have been very surprised by the very well looked after homes, many quite grand structures. Stopped at a Lidl in the town of Seia and had a good stock up as yesterday we could only buy what would fit in our paniers on the bikes. It is amazing how cheap food is in the Iberian Peninsula.

Once we turned of the main road for Barril de Alva, the roads became very bumpy and a bit narrow in places. We did enjoy the change of pace and passing through so many small villages. We had read that the town we are going to was hit by a bad forest fire last year and we could see the effects of it over the hillsides we passed through. So many dead trees although there were many firewood merchant yards full of charred logs.

The temperatures were soaring and we hit 35 degrees, thank goodness for aircon in the van. The road followed the Alva River and we crossed it and came to the restaurant and campsite. Great location but unfortunately the restaurant had just closed for two weeks while the owner was on holiday. Drat, I was looking forward to a meal out tonight. There were free electric hook-ups available and we very quickly plugged in and had the fan running on high. Time for a wee siesta for the remainder of the afternoon. Wandered down to the river, a beautiful spot and so pleasant as the sun was going down. We sat outside with some barbecued pork steaks and a salad as the evening cooled down, perfect.

The toll roads are superb

Would love to see inside this house!

Beautiful evening on the river.