PSP Algarve Ride 2001

Daily Tails - DAY 9 - Sunday 14th - In which we say goodbye to new friends and finally get sardines!

Despite the best efforts of the local farmer with his shotgun and the farm dogs we had a bit of a lie in. Got up and helped sort out which bits should be where, both in terms of the new Clubroom at QPA and also whose bits of kit these are that have been left! No names, no pack drill, as it turns out that we leave something behind anyway!

Say goodbye to Lisette and finally get to order a set of boots from Zoe, as Jinny's seem to fit quite nicely. Turns out that Zoe is sending a youngster to England next week via a well-known international Horse transporter - might well know the driver who is coming to pick the horse up - will check!

Seems that the green box is now embedded in the mud and so to assist in the process of recovery, i.e. get out of the way, we depart on a shopping trip to the local supermarket, Pingu Doce.

On the way down we pass one of the hunters on his Honda 70, with his hunting dog in a trailer on the back and his shotgun across his knees. Hmm, seem to do things a bit differently over here!

Into Pingu Doce, another sight for sore eyes, good food and, aha! Drink at very reasonable prices. A quick stock up with, of course, Port (Red & White) and some nice Whisky which one can't get in the UK and a few bits and bobs like Mustard & Piri-Piri sauces, and of course the food for either lunchtime or the evening meal, to be decided once back at QPA.

Get back to QPA and find Elaine up and about - what time last night? Hmmm! Seems Matt might be coming to pick her up for a day out so she waits by the pool as we dash off for the promised Sardines & Vinho Verde at a beach-bar on Meia Praia.

Excellent lunch for not at all much money!!

A brief walk on the beach and dip the toes in that bit of the sea, amidst the odd dozen or so people there on what seemed like umpty-tump miles of beach. Back to the Marina for coffee and a brandy and finally back to QPA for a gentle doze by the pool.

It had to be done, so, with a mighty cry, our fearless hero throws himself into the pool. By jingo! It is cold! Quite takes your breath away, but after a minute or so becomes very refreshing. Slowly the rest of the party join in even though John does a very good impression of someone who can walk on water - seems to have become colder since we got in!

Watch Jinny having a relaxing? ride on her show horse getting ready for a competition later on in the week!
Matt finally turns up with the rushes of the last 2 days video which everybody greatly enjoyed watching and having a good laugh at the antics on the beach in particular.

Shirley and Alex meanwhile have knocked up a super meal (supposedly for 6 or so) and 11 of us sit down to finish off bottles of wine already opened from last night and of course the port as well. Much laughter and enjoyment all round.

And so to bed…. And a little bit later a quiet knock at the door. Elaine is off with Matt - Hooray we all go!