Murky Marvao

Although we reached the heights of 17 degrees at one point on the drive down, the average has been 9.5. Bit warmer than Bournmouth though as I understand there were snow flurries in the New Forest last evening. Marvao where we are staying for four days is the highest village in Portugal. The downside being its now up in the clouds, or so I thought. Having dropped down to Castelo de Vide where the event centre is, we discovered that everyone's weather in this area was drizzle and poor visibility. Our host promises better for tomorrow. The training area 12k to the north west was a bit scrubby and I hope they are keeping the better areas for the races tomorrow and Sunday. Marvao itself is a wonderful fortified hilltop village, with stunning views (so we believe) all cobbled single track streets and alleyways, steps etc. Getting the car around it without scraping something has been challenging. So the only thing to do this afternoon is adjourn to the local hostelry with its log fireplace and a beverage or two. The hospitality of everyone we have met, both on the journey down and the places we stay has been wonderful. One small example was at a roadside petrol station and cafe where after ordering drinks we were offered some hot snacks free of charge! Just had two coffee and two donuts total cost 2.48€. Did I mention that at one point on the way down through Spain diesel was less than 1€ a litre!