How do you prepare for every eventuality in Africa!  Sitting in the bar in Lagares, Paul and Shelley's friend Rick asked if  I fancied joining him for lunch today.  'Where are you thinking of going?' I asked. ' A little restaurant in Chaves' he suggests - 'it's very nice!', 'I know that place' I say.  - 'It's about 150 miles due North of here.  How does that work!!'.  Rick has recently flown his Europa plane over from the U.K. and has invited me out for the day.  Travelling just under 1/3 of   Portugal in an hour, we set off in a light aircraft, to find this wonderful restaurant in North Portugal.  Allowing me to fly the plane on the way back, you never know when you might need some flying skill in Zimbabwe or Tanzania!!!

Yes the plane looks like Gromit - Love this plane!

The Douro river

Will he get that this is not the runway!

Flight lieutenant Rick planning the home journey!

 

Some of you might think that I have left for Africa already... but actually I'm in Lisbon Zoo, Portugal.  I spent a few hours walking around and reflecting on the fact that in 3 weeks time I might actually be seeing some of these animals in their natural surroundings! (I don't think McDonald's or the cafe will be around the corner).   I'm taking a few days to unwind, prepare, and think things through before I get onto a plane to Tanzania, and take the 8 Hr bus journey inland and start the adventure I've been working on and talking about for I don't know how long! (apologies for those who have had to endure my hours of rattling on about it and thank you for your patience). 

So this is the start of the Blog.  There won't be much appearing for a couple of weeks, but keep dropping in and keep in touch!