Our first obstacle was to clear the bridge at the entrance to the river, hearts in mouth we crawled along and were we glad when we passed underneath with what looked like to be less than a meter to spare.
The Guadiana river winds its way along for about 500 miles,only 40 miles of that is navigable. It divides Spain and Portugal and where we're anchored at the moment it's about 12 miles up the river and about 300 yards wide.
On one side we have Portugal and the town of Alcoutim, and on the Spanish side it's Sanluca de Guadian.
Of course there is not only a difference in language but also time. Spain is an hour ahead so when the church bells chime on the hour you get one extra dong from Spain.
They seem to have worked it out that Portugal’s bells toll about 30 seconds after Spain if not they didn't have this delay it could be a bit of a campanology massacre.
Sounds of goats and there bells, sheep and the odd turkey gobbling help make this a tranquil spot.The wildlife here is amazing, Storks,
Bee eaters, Kingfishers, Herons and Egrets, yesterday we went on a Turtle hunt
and just as we were about to give up there they were basking on a tree trunk.
We had been told they were in this little inlet that branched off the main river and it was best to paddle so not to scare them off.
Pat, Nick Red and Fynn
It was amazing paddling gently up the river, the only sounds were those
of the wildlife and the gentle disturbance of the water from our rowing.
Pomegranate and Quince trees line the shore as do Willow trees
and bamboo.
Further up stream there’s a dam holding back the waters
from the Lagunas de Ruidera which is a natural park in Spain containing 15 lagoons that are located above the La Mancha plain. Its area is more than 930 acres. The lagoons are connected by falls, small rivers as well as subterranean flow and the area is considered as the source of the Guaiana River.
Tonight is the night of witches so it’s supposed to be a party with September song ( Alan, Sabina Matis and Alexia) Vagabond (John and Linda) Meteor (Nick, Pat, Red and Fyn). Oh how I wish I had all my dressing up stuff from home, still we’ll make do with what we can find.Wow what a party, everyone dressed up in home made costumes made out of cardboard, bin liners and old clothed adapted to make you quiver.
We had a pot luck supper 15 adults and 5 kids all stuffed in the cockpit. Carol and i had decorated the boat in lights, cat's and bat's.Josh played one of his many whistes and he was accompanied by a new friend, a boat designer who played a funny instrument that originated from Cornwall that sounded like a Ukulele.
Group shots
This morning Sunday, we started the jobs we've been putting off, replacing the anchor chain and replacing the Duogen.
It turned into another party with everyone rallying around to help.