Sunday May 1 on the River

We spent all day on the Douro River. Weather was disappointing early, overcast and cool. But by noon the sky had cleared and it was beautiful! Although quite windy at times. The highlight of the day was passing through three locks. These are amazing feats of engineering. The biggest one was the last, the Bagauste Dam which raised the water nearly 100 feet! 

Early in the day, we passed by mostly forest, with few houses. As we progressed up river, it became hilly, dominated by terraced vineyards, with an occasional view of a “Quinta”, or vineyard Estate. 

By 4:00ish we ended our day with a stop at the small town of Pinaoh. We left the boat and hiked into town, found nothing of interest and hiked back. (Things seemed to be closed because it was Sunday). There were four other river boats docked there for the night. 

Tonight was the night for the “Captain's Dinner”.  We enjoyed scrumptious tenderloin of beef (or octopus if one was so inclined), with chocolate desert. All this paired with Portugese wines, of course. 

We had dinner with new friends from Kansas, Cynthia and Jayne. We have shared most of our meals with them – they are great company! 

Tomorrow we continue up river and visit our first Winery Estate. We will end the day the Portugal/Spain border, which is as far up river that one can go. There's another dam there, but no lock....so that's the end of the road.

Wine estates are called "Quinta"

Moving away from the lock

Another ship

Time for Lunch

Our cabin

 

Our Ship at the dock

 

Moving away from the lock - note the height of the lift! This one is the highest - 100 feet!

Inside the lock