Along roads you don't plan - Part 6
This is part 6 of a travel story from one of our customers. They were on the road for two months with the Outbase ID. Buzz through Portugal.
From Porto - to the Douro and beyond
We leave Porto behind and head toward the Douro Valley, detouring through the mountains of Peneda-Gerês. Every Portuguese we speak to looks up glossily when he mentions it, "So beautiful!" The sky is still dry, though the weather forecast threatens rain and wind. Today we want to do some mileage. When we enter the route into the GPS, a warning appears: forest fire. A bit of a scare.
In the small village of Chaos, we load up the car, buy fresh strawberries and find Delta coffee and hot rolls in a tiny, cozy bakery. The people here in the north are open and cordial. Perhaps their attitude reflects a slightly more comfortable life?
We drive past flowering heathland, reservoirs and terraced vineyards. Occasionally there is a smell of scorched wood in the air. Once we even drive through a string of smoke. We become inspired by the vineyards, as art led over pollarded trees - ideas for our own orchard.
In Chaves, we reach the official starting point of the legendary N2. A brightly plastered pole marks the start. Along the old railroad line, ecopistas (former railroad lines, now bike paths) meander through nature reclaiming its place. Near Santa Marta, we find a spot among the grape vines. Local cheeses, the best strawberries and a sunset behind glass - the Buzz already feels like home.
Along the Douro - terraces, port and storm nights
The next morning we are awakened by a tractor among the vines. In Peso da Régua, we visit the port museum and later treat ourselves to lunch: squid, lamb, orange rice and a crème brûlée that leaves us silent.
The N222 leads us past steep hills and vineyards. The predicted rain stays away for now. At Quinta do Travesso we park among the grapes, shower in a former pigsty and taste an illegal but delicious port - no label, just cash. At night, a storm rages over the Buzz. Roof down, lights out, cozy inside.
Adventurous detours and mountain paradises
On a tour of the estate, we learn about hand-picked grapes, traditional foot-stomping and the value of small scale. We travel on through Pinhão, admire the tiled railway station and have lunch high above the Douro River.
A wrong turn unexpectedly takes us north - no regrets. The view is breathtaking. Soft fado sounds through the speakers, the valley bathed in afternoon light.
Via Lamego, we headed toward the Serra da Estrela. The road winds through chestnut forests and sleepy villages where traffic lights turn red only if you drive too fast. Over a rough trail, we reach Quinta da Gil, an off-grid retreat run by a Belgian-Dutch couple. Showers outdoors with mountain views, homemade bread and homemade olive oil. An evening under the stars, and the next day a tasteful candlelit dinner and conversations in their kitchen.
The following day we read a novel in the sun, take a walk and share stories with Alex and Saskia about their dream in the mountains. With a touch of wistfulness we leave - Portugal has once again won a place in our hearts.