Days 40 & 41 – It’s not the places . . .

Destinations can be chosen. Routes planned and mapped. Attractions added. Collectively they evaporate in the mists of time. But it’s often the personal interactions that remain firmly embedded in the memory the longest.

Geert, being one of them. In addition to his on-site duties, he makes himself responsible for every incoming and outgoing visitor. So who comes in, must go out. Our turn next. Geert instructs us to wait. He drives ahead. Clearing our pathway. “Come, when I phone you. Don’t hesitate” We obey. We do just that.

There are few trips we’ve undertaken where a memorable human intervention, or two, has failed to materialise. Cepo Verde Camping provides another such occasion.

Day 40 – Family owned and situated in the high mountains of the Montesinho National Park, it’s going to be our home for two nights. With the temperature hovering around the low 30s, even at 5pm, there’s nothing better than to end the day poolside for a couple of hours. Let the zig-zag effect wear off. So that’s just what we do.

Day 41 – Scoot is not considered as being part of that black leather family normally associated with motor biking. So shorts and T-shirt the much preferred by fair-weather 2 Cheeses. To catch the summer breeze offers that necessary feel-good factor.

There’s a castle and mask museum in Bragança. An easy 13k feel-good jaunt. However, it’s Monday. Like Sunday, a day of rest. We arrive to find both are closed!

A walk along the outer ramparts eases our frustration
The shop next door clearly influenced by its closed neighbour.

The upside – saved on entrance fees. So, we do what’s next best. Go walk the streets. Search out something of interest. This’ll do.

A smartly painted terrace, proudly displays its replaced (we hope) washing machines.

Our evening is spent on a different terrace. One that overlooks the site’s fabulous pool.

No. Mrs S is not holding a cheese straw. It’s a chair leg!

At the payment till, we exchange a few words of thanks with Telmo, the owner, for his lovely site and its facilities. “Would you like me to show you around?”

Telmo, an ex HR lawyer, inherited this three hectare site from his father, just under twenty years ago. Since then he has steadily developed the terraced land. Each year’s profits used for improvements.

We are made to feel special. Quizzical faces look on as the Royal Couple are taken on safari.

Telmo proudly explains in detail how he has improved the visitors’ experience and what future plans he has in mind.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *