Nazare

Sat 28 June
We had a leisurely day exploring the town. Wonderful tiny little lanes with cafes, restaurants, shops. We fell across the large covered market - a huge array of fish, summer fruits and vegetables all at good prices. Managed a few purchases with a mixture of pointing and nodding and one word we have mastered - obrigato - thank you. We walked up the cliff path to an even older part of the town which has amazing views looking down on the town and the beach. There is a cable car going up which we took later on our last evening to see the lights.
Sun 28 June
Sprint qualifier race - straight into narrow medieval lanes below a castle - got thrown by the first two controls, then settled down to enjoy the rest of the race. The longer courses went into the castle, which we visited later in the afternoon when the racing was over.
Then on to a famous monastery at Alcobaca - not far from our house. Large and truly amazing walking through the church, various dormitories, refectory. The highlight was the kitchen with its massive chimneys and a huge marble table for rolling out the pastry. Gastronomy was a high priority here in the past. If monks could not fit through a small doorway to a bathroom they were made to diet.

Monday 30 June
Sprint final race at Praia da Viera (praia means beach).
Because of yesterday´s bad start I was in the B final. We started in a pine forest adjcaent to the town, then into tiny medieval lanes and suddenly out to a modern beach promenade - all in 1.3km! To my surprise I easily won the B final. Went on to do some forest training at a model event with Sue and Robert. Beautiful open pine forest, very like Santoft.