Travels in the Van 2023: Week Three

Campsite hopping and cycling Saturday 28th of January We’re headed into the mountains above Monchique, to the cutest little campsite with the promise of good cycling and hot showers. It has one single line of pitches on a curved terrace overlooking the valley. It’s idyllic. V ery pretty, simple and beautifully kept, a small immaculately clean pool (freezing) and the hottest showers we’ve had so far. We head off for a sunny climb on tarmac roads and see azure winged magpies and what I think was a mongoose. We stop at the Velochique cafĂ© in town for a late lunch before Richard heads off for one more climb and I find my way back to the van. We feast on three bean Chili and rice with all the right spices. After dark, there is an unexpected knock on the van door, this has never happened before. "Excuse us" There are two German men outside. I recognise them as the couple from Zambujeira. I had a conversation while I was cleaning my bike . "H ello, we’ve met before"