Covilha

0 miles

The forecast today was always marginal but the reality was worse. It rained all night and there was no let up over breakfast

A unanimous decision was therefore taken very early that we would camper the first leg and hope that the weather would clear

Nigel struck camp in the torrential rain and we then moved off to the local supermarket to stock up for the next few days. Living can certainly be cheap here and there were many reasonable bottles of wine under £2. A round of 5 coffees came to only 3 euros. The same as only one cup in Neros.

With the rain not clearing we carried on to the top of the first big climb of the day where we dried the tents in the very strong wind on the side of the mountain. 

The rain stopping and a window in the clouds gave us hope of getting back on the bikes so descending to the nearest town Manteigas we pulled over to get our bikes ready and gear on   Then the heavens opened again. Waiting a further 15 minutes it just got worse and any thought of cycling today was abandoned

The drive up the Zezere glacial valley initially showed how great this climb may have been, however as we got to over 1500m we hit the cloud base and could only see 30 yards ahead in driving rain and wind. The decision not to ride sadly proved correct again. 

Portugal has not been kind weather wise –  last week the temperature here was over 25. Having been planning this trip for over a year you try to think of everything but there are some things you cannot control. Fingers are crossed for tomorrow when we may make further adjustments to our plans as the weather remains unsettled, although we are now descending from the high mountains of Portugal 

Unfortunately the internet connection is poor today so no photos yet.  Now updated see biscuit games below which were followed by some serious cards.