Peniche to Cascais
28 July 2012 | Cascais Portugal
Jackie
Peniche was, despite our initial impression a pleasant little town. We spent several days exploring on our bikes, following the coastal roads around the peninsula, finding out of the way coffee shops and generally relaxing.
It is surprising how quickly you can fall into a life where clocks don't need to be watched and food is eaten when you are hungry (often quite late at night – I don't know where all the time goes!!).
When we had our fill of Peniche we looked at the charts- where too next?
We decided on Cascais (sounded cashkaiy).
So we re stored all the bits of gear that seems to find its way out of its storage place and prepared to set off.
Just prior to our departure we paid a visit to the supermarket – buying 2 multi compartment boxes for Jackie to stash earrings and necklaces ( a girl has to have some bling!), then at about lunch time slipped our moorings again.
The sun was out, the wind very light so we started by motor sailing. The sea had a gentle rolling motion and we made our way along the uncluttered coast towards out destination.
As the day passed so a sea breeze set in and we began sailing in earnest. Full sail up and we started scooting along at about 6-7 knots.
We rounded the coast line and towards Cascais passing a magnificent lighthouse with waves crashing beneath it.
As the sailing was good, the angle of the boat not too steep and the fact we would not be in until sunset, Jackie went below and prepared bolognase sauce leaving it bubbling gently on the hob.
The sun began to set as we sailed round the final approach and into Cascais bay. A marina to the North looked very inviting but this time it was anchoring!!
As we slowed to an almost stop in the bay we chose our spot, being a little cautious we decided to anchor between a catamaran and a larger sailing yacht in the hope that if the ground holds for them then it will hold us.
Pete let the anchor go and it trundled its way to the sea bed. As there is only about a 1.5 metere rise and fall with tides there was not too much extra chain required. Jackie on the command gently put the boat into reverse and we 'dug in' the anchor. We held our breath and waited. Argonauta swung too and fro for a short while then steadied. We had anchored successfully!!
Within 15 mins of anchoring we were sat down to spag bol! Yummy!!
The following morning brought clear blue sky, calm seas and the chance to explore.
Pete pumped up the dingy – first time so far- and we set about persuading the small outboard to start. Following a good spray with WD40, cleaning of a rather rusty and oily spark plug and an arm breaking number of pulls on the start cord it burst into life -well burst is a little optimistic more like spluttered, groaned and chugged into some form of life!
We then positioned it onto the dinghy and set off for shore, motoring into the marina to 'sign in' with customs. The engine died just as we got to the mouth of the marina entrance so Pete gallantly rowed the rest of the way, cursing the engine and the cause which is probably fuel that has denatured.
Customs took our passports , asked where Islington is (Jackie's birthplace) then welcomed us to Cascais.
A short walk along the raised walkway by the town walls and we were in the town. We meandered around the shops having a slow and relaxing time. Jackie – desperate to sort out the now unruly mop of hair went into a hairdresser, established the cost was within budget and was treated not only to a hair wash and cut but a head and shoulder massage was included!!
Being unable to speak Portugese and the hairdresser no English the end result is a stylish but VERY short haircut- Pete has referred to it as an Annie Leonox style- oops, still it will grow!!
Day 2 at the anchorage was again a warm sunny morning. Pete decided it was time to swim from the boat. We both got ready and he went first, jumping into the clear green/blue depths. He surfaced and took a sharp intake of breath. It was cold!! - well we are still on the Atlantic. He made the most of his swim and bravely swum a complete circuit of the boat before getting out for a cold shower using the cockpit shower, which had somehow lost the pin that allows the shower head to work – another job for the never ending maintenance list!!
Swim complete (Jackie decided not to go as someone had to get breakfast- hee hee) breakfast was served. A full cooked one with sausage, egg and fried bread- so much for the healthy lifestyle but was the true start to the day.
We spent the day again tidying bits then wandering town stopping for coffee etc and returning to the boat for tea.
Day 3 and another clear sky.
The day started with Pete sitting for the second time since our move on board at the bow with Jackie using clippers to cut his hair.
We piled the bikes into the dinghy – using a rope and pulley system discovering that they both actually fit in the dinghy side by side and set off for shore once more. The engine again spluttered and died part way there but responded again with a second pull of the starter.
The day was spent exploring the town and cycling along the sea front as far as the path let us- we did get stopped part way back by the local Police who informed us we can not cycle until after 6pm- then then proceeded to leave us they cycled off into the distance (not exactly fair). We joined the traffic on the road and cycled back to town where we sat with a drink accessing free wifi – I have to admit it was in McDonalds!!!!
We had planned to stay ashore and eat out, but as the sun dropped so did the temperature so we returned to the dinghy and set off back to the boat. The engine behaved and we were soon back on board, rope and pulley system in reverse and the bikes were again safely stowed. With warmer clothes we set off again for shore, this time sneaking into a pontoon near the fishing harbour, mooring up between other dinghies and using the large tyre acting as a fender to wrap our chain enabling us to lock the dinghy and the outboard to prevent them disappearing.
On arrival in town we wandered the restaurants deciding on Indian for dinner. We had a tasty and leisurely meal and then continued into the town square where we had earlier in the day seen a large screen erected in preparation for the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
The evening was spent with a crowd of people watching the ceremony on the big screen. We secured a 'seat' on the edge of the flower containers ( the flowers were already dead honest), and soaked up the atmosphere. When it came to the athletes parading through the stadium the square became a mass of small groups cheering when their country appeared, we heard cheers for Swedes, Dutch, Norwegeins, Germans, Polish, Danes, South Africans, a big cheer for the Spanish, a reasonably big cheer for UK and of course a tumultuous cheer for Portugal.
The end of the ceremony was unfortunately drowned out by music from one of the restaurants who, we think was miffed that potential customers were choosing the restaurants near the big screen, but the fireworks were still enjoyed by all.
Again a slow walk back to the dinghy with Pete commenting he can't remember the last time he was out at 0100 with Jackie awake, and then back to the boat. The night was clear but it was still difficult to see Argonauta from the shore, so we aimed at roughly the spot and sure enough there she was, waiting on a smooth sea, no drama's , no hassle just a short hop back.
Day 4 – today – unfortunately we have woken to grey sky and mist. It is not cold but neither do you need your bikini on!
We have tidied up, had breakfast- this time a healthy one with fresh apricot, home made yoghurt and fruit and fibre with fresh made coffee (oh this is definitely the life).
The plan for the day, not sure, will go ashore pick up food for tea then just see what the day brings us.
We have 2 more days here at anchor(the good bit is we don't have to pay anything to anchor here so can recoup a little of our previous overspend), then we move on to Lisbon in time for Nathaniel joining us for a break.