Today we relaxed and went on a trip to the lagoons of Formosa National Park - a series of sand and mud islands across the sand dunes from the Atlantic ocean.
We embarked in tradional Portugese fishing boats gaily painted in blue, red and yellow and with Alissa our marine biologist guide explaining the ecological importance of the area, we headed down the main channel to view oyster farms.
These are farmed very differently here - in wire sacks tethered to floating bottles. Because of the high oxygen levels in the water, continually refreshed by the incoming tides, these oysters mature in 12 months - half the time other pysters may take.
Van Gogh, a Portugese water dog joined us and kept us amused. Traditionally
these dogs swim from boat to boat with messages for the fishermen.
Many of these boats were destroyed after the European Union took place as the fishing industry was not entitled to meet quotas so fisherman were paid to do this.
The islands have dwellings owned by yhe fishermen and new building is not permitted so they are sought after.
Following the boat trip we adjourned to the beach for a lunch of oysters, pippies, clams, sardines and sea bass cooked to perfection on a bar-b-que washed down with jugs of Sangria and finished with Portugese tarts.
A lovely relaxing day out followed by a swim and spa at the Monte Quinta suites, our home for 4 nights.
No comments:
Post a Comment