The weather is better in the morning. There is still a little breeze, but the sun is breaking through the clouds. I decide to drive into the town of Porto Covo, as I need some provisions. I would also like to find a hardware shop to get some bits to fit my solar panel.
I drive down the road and end up in the town centre. It is very small, much smaller than I had imagined. I decide to keep driving to the next town, Vila Nova de Milfontes.
The road is terrible, but I eventually reach Vila Nova de Milfontes. I stop on the main street and have a quick look around. There are some shops, but not a hardware store. I take a drive to the headland. The views are nice and there are some motorhomes free camping there. Over the river I notice some really nice looking spots where there are some more motorhomes. I drive out of the town, over the bridge and take the rough road down to the river. It is a really nice spot. I spend a while there, before deciding to head back into the town. I park up at a supermarket which is away from the town centre. I get some supplies. I walk around the whole town trying to find a hardware store. I get some cheap bits in a bazaar shop. I really want to find a hardware store to get the solar panel fitted, before it gets broken in the back of the van. I decide to drive to the next town, Cercal.
The road to Cercal is bad, but I eventually get there and park up. Cercal hasn’t enjoyed the tourist income of Vila Nova. I walk around, and just as I am downhearted and ready to give up, I walk past a good looking hardware store. I tentatively go in. When the old chap serves me I ask if he has a hand drill. He gets the message and comes back with one, only €8. I ask for drill bits also. He is low, but has a set of wood, metal and masonry. I expect a big price, but that’s only €10, bargain! His English is good, but I thank him in Portuguese. I return to the van quite chuffed.
I drive back to the river side spot in Vila Nova. I get to work drilling the holes on the panel frame, and mount the brackets well. The alloy is easy to drill into. Hopefully tomorrow I can fit the panel, which will be fairly straight forward, once I get me and the panel onto the roof.
I take a walk along the beach, and walk back past the other restaurant. The wind is onshore and the sea rough. I hope to spend some time staying here. I will be worth stocking up on provisions though, as the road is terrible.
