A weak low pressure system between Portugal and the north coast of Africa brings overcast skies and a bit of rain. But worse, at least for sailors on Portugal’s south facing coast, is wave action from the south, rendering nearly all of the open anchorages untenable.

Oso at anchor inside the Alvor breakwater along with two friendly Dutch cruising boats
Onshore checking out the breakwater
Beautiful beach stretching all the way from Alvor to Lagos

Thank goodness for Alvor, a ria somewhat protected by a pair of breakwaters. While very shallow, there’s enough depth for Oso just inside the entrance. So we spent a few comfortable days hiding from the rain, recovering from some sort of cold or other illness, working on a few boat projects, and eventually exploring the walking trails around the ria.

Not too bad for bad weather!

One of Alvor’s many boardwalk paths
Grilled sea bass- yum!
Working on the bilge pump switch and bilge alarm