Lockdown in Portugal
We wanted somewhere quiet for a few days before heading to Lisbon on just our 2nd motorhome adventure. I found Camping Serro da Bica in ACSI app around 20k south of Ourique so easy drive from Alvor where we had been for a few days.
So, we arrived 13th March for 4 days but very quickly the covid Pandemic really kicked in and ferries back to Jersey (home) were suspended. The site owners, Menno and Miranda from The Netherlands, had just 14 vans and caravans on site with many with no formal home to go to. They spoke to local authorities and agreed that we could all stay on site as long as we didn't venture out in our vehicles.
The site is just off IC1 in the hills above Rover Mira. There are walks around the river, countryside and cola archeological sites. Nearest village in a couple of kilometres but only 60 people and no shops. Terrific for dogs which is great as we have our 2 with us.
It has been surreal with sometimes a feeling of guilt as we have had such beautiful surroundings and wonderful hosts who could not have done more. They collect shopping lists twice a week and visit supermarket in Ourique for our supplies.
Some of us have been working on site painting, installing new pizza oven and various others little projects that they had or their "to do" list.
Friends now for life and eventhough some have now started to move on we will be here for a few more weeks. But, that's not really a hardship.
If you're ever in the area look them up. Very clean facilities, grocery van visit on Thursdays, great dogs walks and swimming, yoga by the river weekly, site drinks (happy hour) at 5 on weekdays and a pizza oven.
Finally, just another word for Menno and Miranda, fabulous people who restore some faith in humanity and could not have done more to make us feel welcome and safe.