Porto

We had a pretty rough ride the 12 miles from Póvoa de Varzim to Leixoes as there was no wind and 2.8 metre waves so we rolled our way to our anchorage in the Porto Leixoes. All the reports said it was ugly and industrial but we found it really interesting. Massive Cruise, cargo and Container ships coming and going. Fishing vessels, pilot boats, customs boats. It was all happening and we had a great view tucked up in the corner of the ports in our sheltered anchorage. The only problem was the next day someone dumped a pile of rotten fish in the harbour and we woke up to a really horrible smell of rotting fish all of which surrounded the boat.

We then went into the marina for one night as we were meeting my mate Burkey who came to visit for a few days. We then had a lovely sail to an anchorage in the Doura river by Porto, 4 miles away. We nearly missed the entrance as we were enjoying the ride and chatting too much.

Dropped the anchor at low water with 0.8m below the keel and went ashore for a lovely fish meal. The anchorage was ace, lovely and calm, only a slight current, and our super Rocna 33 anchor held like a dream. Thanks again Keith Harrison.

The next morning we decided to drive as far up the river as we could. It was amazing, right into the middle of Porto, dodging all the tourist boats, close up to the to the Dom Luís I Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. We couldn't tie up because it was all tourist boats so we just bobbed by the bridge for half and hour getting in everyone's way. Our mast was way to high to go under it.

The place was absolutely buzzing, visit Porto it's ace.

So after our trek up the river Douro we went into the centre of Porto after leaving the boat in Douro marina. Walked across the top of the Dom Luís I Bridge where the trams share the road with pedestrians. What a beautiful lively city.

Great night out in Porto with my old mate and my son. Then back to the boat for a few ports. Burkey declined as he has an aversion to port from a previous life.

Burkey left Monday morning, then Neil & Jo came for a visit in the evening as they were in Porto on their first holiday without kids. 

They are cycling from Porto to Lisbon and that's where we are headed to next. So we have decided to have a race. Their itinerary is 7 days long and what with No1 working, only traveling by day and the predicted lack of good wind I think it could be a close one. On your marks, get set, go.

 Number 1 is back. We've really missed her. She brought back loads of boats bits, thanks Nick.