Wednesday 9th November 2022

In stark contrast to yesterday evening the weather was beautiful this morning in Marvao. Here's the view from our parking place looking east over the border into Spain.

Just behind us is this makeshift dwelling.

It's hard to see if anyone is at home. Maybe a hermit lives here.

We've a much better view of the castle this morning.

This might give some idea of our sensational overnight parking place.

I decided to visit the village and the castle. Ann didn't want to come too as she reckoned it was too much uphill for her. I walked back past the aire.

There were quite a few vans there this morning.

I walked up this steep cobbled track.

Passing this sign I realised that there isn't a monastery here at all but instead there is a convent. I think christian religious orders don't go in for mixed sex institutions!

I entered through the double village fortifications.

Here's the main street.

Here's the village square.

All the houses look beautifully kept.

I approached the castle.

It's an imposing sight.

It costs 1.50 euros to visit the castle.

From the castle there are fantastic views in all directions.

The building itself is interesting but obviously highly renovated in recent times.

I guess this mural portrays people in traditional dress.

From the battlements the views are amazing.

I almost had the place to myself. There were just a few other visitors.

There's an old cannon.

Here's a closer view.

This castle is right on the border between Portugal and Spain and must have been involved in fending off the Spanish on numerous occasions over the centuries!

I knew that if it was possible to see the castle from the van it must be possible to see the van from the castle.

I wandered back down towards the village.

This nice garden is just outside the castle walls.

I bought some bread at the bakery......

......and some milk at the grocers.

Cork is big business round here. 

We left Marvao and moved on the fairly short distance south to the town of Arronches. We parked at the aire next to the river. 

The local cat soon ingratiated itself.

It made itself at home.

We walked along the river and soon came to this old bridge.

Beyond the bridge there is a boardwalk along the river bank.

There are some sheep grazing on the riverbank.

These stepping stones give access to the other side.

There are extensive olive groves all around.

The olives here are still to be harvested.

We turned round and walked back past the aire and then downstream. We saw this egret.

This is a pomegranate tree.

 I don't remember seeing one of these trees before.

Nearby the river flows over a weir.

Below the weir we saw this heron.

On the way back to the aire we saw this mother sheep and black lamb. Note her bell.

Here's the view of the river from the front of our van is evening.

Amazingly there is free electricity here so we are running our fridge and hot water on the mains tonight!

The cat was back. We gave it some leftovers from our tea. Probably a mistake as it took a serious shine to Ann!

Today we travelled 29 miles (47 kilometres). We are at: N39.1199 W7.2911

Arronches    Street View - before the aire was constructed