I had a break with Daniela at the beginning of the week and we decided to go north and grab ourselves a Dipper; thanks to a very informative offer from Rui Marcão we were able to do just that and the above is the result. We were looking for some other species as well but sadly we blew out on all of them – not surprising really as the temperature was well over 40ºC/105ºF and it was a tad warm even for us.
At the Birdfair
At the Birdfair …
OK, for everyone who reads this blog or who may stumble upon it by accident please note that I’m going to be in the UK next week, principally at the British Birdwatching Fair. I’m going to have the same stand as always, Marquee 4 Stand 97, and sincerely hope to see you there!
I’m also going to be giving a lecture on the Threat to the Montados and what we can all do to save it, (Sunday 23rd August 15.30, Lecture Marquee 2), so I also hope that some of you will be able to make it to that also! I haven’t posted a picture of this as there’re plenty on this blog already, but please come along and have a chat at the Birdfair; see you there!
Fun for all the Family!
Well, this is something that Daniela’s been working on for a while now …. and it’s a real success! That’s what we think anyway. Why don’t you let us know what YOU think by sending us an email at info@retreat-in-portugal.com. We’d love to hear your opinion!
Loading-the-genny
Loading-the-genny, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
A wicked crew! Funnily enough there were no accidents and nobody lost their temper, though at times there was a glut of Chiefs and not nearly enough Indians … Great to have so many old friends here – and their kids – all at the same time, the best birthday present ever!
Des,-Greg-&-Jo
Only Des would think of donning body armour to load a genny into a van!
Loading-the-genny-2
Loading-the-genny-2, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
While everyone was over we finally sold the old genny – it’s gone for its future life to Guinea Bissau – but the question was – how on earth were we to lift it into the van? The above is the answer; props, wedges, blocks and jacks, bit by bit and watch your toes!
Smithy, Araby, Beetle and Kate
Four of my favourite ladies.
Party-People
I know I haven’t written anything here for ages – and yes, I DO feel guilty – but there’ve been extenuating circumstances and these people have a lot to do with it!
I was 50 earlier on this year, February to be exact, but I wanted to throw a party where Archie, Araby and Alexandra could be here so decided to keep it over till July. The above were most of the participants and we had a right hoolie – but of course blog writing went by the board during those two weeks and then D & I had a dose of this Swine flu so that laid us out for a week or so. Anyway, back on our feet again and scribbling ….
Archie-&-F-Albuera-trip-29.6.09
The best bit about having kids is enjoying Life with them – and that’s why I haven’t written anything for a while …. Archie’s been to stay and we took the chance a few days ago to pop across the border into Spain and visit a Napoleonic battlefield at Albuera, fought on 16th May 1811. It was a fantastic day; slightly over 700 kms of pure bliss on two wheels, and with Archie filming lots of cork trees flashing past! Something we’re sure to cherish for ever ….