August, 2016 - LISBOA, PORTUGAL - POST 2 OF 4

 We spent the day in Belem, visiting the Monastery and Tower.  The Monastery is one of the most impressive we have seen so far, with the best cloisters of any.  It is also the resting place of Vasco da Gama, the navigator that discovered the sea route to India, via the Cape of Good Hope.  The Belem Tower is the fort that once guarded the river entrance to Lisbon.

The Monastery.

Cloisters.

Interior of adjacent Cathedral.

Tomb of Vasco da Gama.

Riverside park fountain.

Monument to first plane to fly from Africa to Europe.

Belem Tower.

River view from the tower.

August, 2016 - LISBOA, PORTUGAL - POST 1 OF 4

We take two and a half days to explore the city and a day trip to Sintra.  Very good direct bus from the Marina to the old city, but lots of roadwork and very narrow streets slows progress in the old parts.  Not a place to tour by car.

Day one saw us take in a church, cathedral and the Castle of St George.  A full day including a very good lunch at a small restaurant in the old city, near the Cathedral.

Main gate off the downtown riverside square.

Riverside main square.

Church undergoing major renovation near the river.

The Cathedral.

St George, the dragon slayer.

The castle has the best views of the city.  Worth the climb and lineup.

A little wining.

A great lunch.

August, 2016 - LISBON (LISBOA), PORTUGAL - THE PASSAGE

After looking at the weather we decided to do an overnight passage to Lisboa, rather then stop at Nazare on the way.  Little wind, with the exception of  Cabo Carvoeiro and Cabo da Roca.  Cabo da Roca was a bit exciting as the change was very sudden and there were a large number of fishing boats in the area.  Had to get Sandra up to help adjust the sails and auto helm.

Entered the Targus River just before dawn and got some exceptional sunrise pictures entering the Mar da Palha.

We opted for the Marina Parque Das Nacoes (aka Marina Expo).  It is the farthest from the city center, but is quiet, close to bus, train and air trancport and well set up for cruisers.

We stayed 6 days and took in too much for just one posting, as you will see.

We enter in darkness and watch the skyline lighten.

The old fort juts out into the river.

The Explorers Monument, with a plane coming in to land.

The bridge marks the entrance to the Mar da Palha. 

Bridge Art.

 
We enter the  Mar da Palha. 

My best ever sunrise picture.

The commercial docks.

August, 2016 - FIGUEIRA DA FOZ

Up before sun up to catch the slack current at high tide.  Left Averio, in the fog, avoiding two freighters and a pilot boat coming up the river as we left.  At the entrance to the river we caught glimpses of two Tall Ships waiting to enter.  They were arriving as part of the Tall ships Rally.  Sorry to miss them, but time was getting short for us to achieve our plans for the season.

No wind, rolly seas.  Sandra suffered mild "Mal de Mer".

Arrived during siesta and tied up to waiting/fuel dock.  They did not take credit cards, so used up all our cash.  Decided to do laundry in the short time left in the day.

Walked the waterfront and across looo...ng boardwalk to the beach.  Circled back via linear park system, ending up at a huge outdoor market.  Too hot in the pm to be active, so we had a short siesta and went shopping.

The fort now sports a light house and decorative moat..

A band sets up for an evening concert.

Clock tower at the start of the beach.

Showers on the boardwalk, half way to the beach.

Umbrella rentals 2/3 the way to the beach.

Oasis, being developed for restaurants and other businesses.

The sea wall.

Fountain honoring fishermen.

Statue honoring the fishmonger wives.

Traffic circle statue and part of linear park.

The largest urban sand beach in Portugal