Shock horror! This morning, the world’s greediest dog, Mr. Melek, didn’t eat his breakfast. Clearly something was not right. Theories abounded ranging from him drinking from a muddy puddle to me giving him a few potato peelings last night, which when I checked this morning are not good for dogs. He seemed alright apart from his lack of appetite and hungrily gulped down more enticing tit bits, like bread and apple, so we decided to wait and see.

As we set off from our crowded aire I nipped in to reception to pick up the bread I had ordered last night. The bread shelf was empty and apparently somebody had stolen my loaf! The reception staff were profusely apologetic and refunded me my money, but clearly someone hadn’t been playing cricket.

We headed off to Tavira’s LIDL only to find there was nowhere to park Basil. We have found in Southern Spain and Portugal that the car parking spaces have canopies over them to protect cars from the fierce summer sun, but it also means fewer places for motorhomes.

I checked on Google Maps for other LIDL’s on our route and programmed in a stop at LIDL Loulé. When we arrived we found that they had a dedicated area for motorhomes. One cheeky motorhomer had parked up, got out tables and chairs and was soaking up the sun, partially hidden behind his vehicle. The general crowding and abusive free camping on the Iberian peninsular coasts has to be seen to be believed.

Having filled Basil’s cupboards we drove inland for 40 miles to Camping Serro da Bica (37.5672808, -8.2646554) which is €16 on ACSI. The Dutch owned site is a complete antidote to the coast. In the middle of the Portuguese countryside, miles from the nearest village and with a delightful river a short walk away. Basil has a large pitch and the whole site only holds about 20 vans.

The Dutch owners gave us a comprehensive introduction to the site and we have since been on a splendid walk in the surrounding hills. I am told there a kingfishers at the river and sometimes bee eaters are seen on site, so I’m looking forward to some birding action.

Note: Melek has eaten three quarters of his dinner tonight and so is hopefully on the mend.