Day 63 – to Zambojeira do Mar

Up the coast today, but only after a relaxed morning at Amado beach. Roja had found a friend, whose owners were three female students from Amsterdam. They had not been enthused with studying from home at the start of the lockdown last March, so between them, bought and built a van, and studied from the road. They’ve been away since. They have taken an AirBnB next week as it’s exam week, and they need some late night study. The University is asking them to return in January, but they are not so sure.

There’s a good atmosphere here amongst the surfers and the campervans, and a real mix of vans, from the luxurious new ones, to ones more than 30 years old. But it was Saturday, and many cars and other vans were arriving. Midweek there had been maybe 70 – 80 vans between the two large car parks, many more tonight. It was a good time to get away.

I found a completely deserted beach just south of Odeceixe; without surfers because of the steep walk down to it. Then round to Odeceixe beach itself, which was a little busier. You can walk between the two, but only at low tide.

I headed north to Zambojeira do Mar as it quickly became evident that vans were not welcome in these beach towns. Most towns forbid them even from entering the centre, and certainly from using any car parks. As a result, the few that were around, were parked discreetly in residential areas. I can see that vans are unpopular amongst residents, especially in the summer, but they need to be directed somewhere, even if there’s a charge for the parking; after hours supermarkets, or sports clubs for example.

At Zambojeira I found a discreet place, though the main car park was completely empty. I settled in to watch some sport, England South Africa cricket, and Wales and then France rugby. There was a really good pizza restaurant also, ideal for a take out.