14th June – Porto
We had a really lazy short downwind sail from Povoa. The surprising element was the occasional large swell (3 metre’ish) that blotted out everything around us. Anyway, it was something of an achievement to sail into a port under our own means that we last visited with friends probably some 20 years ago.
A visit to Grahams Port had been laid on, and we were ferried up by electric tuk-tuks. Grahams, so we found out during the guided tour, is now actually owned by another port family, Symingtons, and is now just one of their stable of brands including Warre’s, Cockburns, and Dows. That was a bit of a surprise, probably even more so if you are an aficionado of the product. However that did not inhibit the tasting, nor the inevitable purchase of a couple of bottles.
In addition, there is a superb restaurant adjoining the cellar, with a terrace that overlooks the town. The views are fantastic, and there was even a guessing game as to whether a fair sized yacht motoring up the river would attempt to pass under the next bridge. (Fortunately it turned back). The meal and wines were exceptionally good!
The city itself is so varied. With some buildings dating back to the 1400’s, there are others that have just been let go in very close proximity. Many are for sale, probably defying even the most imaginative estate agent’s description. On a hot day, we had firstly a walking tour and then a ride round, again by tuk-tuk.
One needs more than a couple of days to really appreciate this city.
Freebooter 
Your adventures sound so exciting – God Speed xxxxx
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