Adapting and adjusting...

Well Milo and me have been in Portugal for a week now and we are still finding our feet. I think spending so long in the Beast, just the two of us, has given to a lot of adjusting. Milo is so nosey and with so much going on he won't sit still. He sees everyone as a potential food giver so follows their every move. Also, having had practical silence for so long, every sound makes him jumpy. I'm also adjusting to being in the company of many different people on a daily basis having gone whole days previously just in the company of Milo. I think we are both doing quite well so far.

Yesterday we all went off for a walk on the beach at Saom Martinho. Max and Milo had a great  time splashing about. When we got back to the car Ali discovered she had lost her glasses. So we trudged all the way back to where they might have been dropped. And that's when Ali realised she was actually wearing the glasses we were all looking for. As compensation she treated us to the most amazing ice cream. I chose an extremely large waffle with chocolate ice cream and must admit I couldn't finish it.

Today, after a friend built a fantastic new barbecue, we decided to go to the shops and buy some meat. This was also to be my first driving lesson in Portugal. I have never driven a left hand drive car, but as Ali said after driving the Beast it can't be that difficult. To be fair I didn't end up in a ditch and neither did the oncoming traffic. Although I think I did drive like a little old lady most of the way. And Milo was a bit confused as he always sits behind me when I'm driving.

We are also learning to always walk behind the fishing rods on the beach after my previous entanglement. Oh and I've learnt to look out for the ropes mooring the boats rather than practically falling flat on my face...

Milo and Max...

Delicious...

The barbecue

Playing with robots...

Seems like I'm really beginning to fit in here. They've even named a cafe after me and serve me with a named cup. Not to mention it's only 90 cents. Also my Google is now reading in Portugese, so I will be fluent in no time. There is actually a little seven year old Portugese girl staying with us just now and I am so embarrassed that she can talk to me in English. I've persuaded her to teach me her language. Now I don't tell Milo to 'sit' I say 'centre'.

Milo and Max are getting on a bit better. Sometimes Milo actually lets Max walk past without barking at him. Gran seems quite fascinated with Milo too, probably his bright red coat. Milo spends most of his day trying to catch the annoying blooming flies in his mouth. That is when he's not begging anyone and everyone for food. His big sad eyes and constant drool seem to pursuade most people, so no doubt I will have a big fat lab soon.

Ali and I had some fun last night with her new robot toy. Not quite as rude as it sounds! She has bought herself a robot window cleaner, what with the amount of windows in the big beach house. You literally just plug it in and stick it on the pane. Then sit back and watch. Which is exactly what we did, just watched it, it was fascinating. It even has a remote control and won't stop until it clears every smear.

Every day I take Milo down to the beach. And every day I feel like I'm looking at a postcard...

My cafe...

Gran watching Milo...

The window robot at work...

Picture postcard every day... 

Day three in the big beach house...

This weekend has been really rather different to my previous lifestyle in the Beast. For one I've gone from one room, to more than I can actually count. So, as for just reaching to the left or the right to find my phone I'm now running up various flights of stairs and in and out of rooms. Milo keeps losing me, so tends to not let me out of his sight. Today has been a good day as Milo has only barked at Max once, so far. Ali and I took them to the beach together this morning  to show them that 'this is how we hang out now'!

Yesterday I took Milo down to the lagoon. This was to be a gentle stroll along the shore for us both. That is until Milo got the scent of food! The shore was full of fishermen and numerous rods planted in the sand. One poor fisherman had left a bag, full of his catch of the day, next to his rod. That is until Milo grabbed the bag and got stuck in. Made worse by me diving in to save the fish and just getting completely tangled in two fishing rod lines! Further down the shore I felt the angry stares of the men as I just kept shouting "sorry". We ran off and then unfortunately came across a family sitting down having a wonderful Sunday picnic... I really must learn the word 'sorry' in Portugese. We did find a lovely little  beach bar and I had a really nice coffee for just one euro. Think it might become my local coffee stop.

Ali cheered me up with a drink she had found on Google, which apparently helps stressful situations. Mainly consisting of Gin with strawberrys and peppercorns. It certainly de stressed me and the jacuzzi bath later was luxurious, although I learnt the hard way that you don't need so much bubble bath, I lost myself in that bath...

Milo loves his beach...

I love coffee...

I also now love Gin... 

Our journey to Lisbon...

Milo and me are in Portugal! Crazy journey that had me totally stressed out before hand and practically tearing my hair out. But the actual journey was reasonably stress free. Every airline representative had given me different pieces of information in regards to how Milo would travel. When in fact we both just literally walked into Manchester airport, up to the check in desk and handed over our passports. Milo was extremely popular whilst waiting in the queue and I must say very well behaved. Pip was able to wait with us until I had to take Milo to the excess baggage. Then there was an extremely emotional goodbye, with Pip and Milo, not me! Milo was then taken to the aircraft and I watched glued to the window at the boarding gate, quite hysterical that  they might drop him. I'm sure the other passengers thought I was either an avid plane spotter or a crazy nervous passenger.

Arriving in Lisbon was a bit scary, as I couldn't find him for about half an hour. Everyone kept sending me to different areas and I was beginning to panic. I was stopping anyone in a uniform screaming "where's my dog?" Then he just appeared at a door all quiet and feeling very sorry for himself. I think he was in a mood with me when we got in the car. Luckily I was met by Ali and her hunky friend who helped pile us all in.

We arrived at our new home, the big beach house, quite late and he got to meet his new best friend Max. Well not quite best friends yet, more like annoying little brother who keeps following him. And Milo has taken to barking like a crazy dog at poor Max whenever he comes near me. Early days yet but I'm sure they will eventually be best friends.

Spent today with Ali learning how to care for Granny, inbetween me and Ali testing out the new trampoline in the garden. I think Gran recognised me and I think Ali wet her knickers on the trampoline...

Milo and Max...

Praying they don't drop Milo...

My new bedroom...

Testing the trampoline...

Are there any Portugese Princes in Portugal?...

Just over a year ago I started writing my blog, or as I like to think, letting other people read my diary. I've written 184 entries and have just hit 100,000 views. I'm really rather impressed and remember right back at the beginning saying to Pip "hey 3 people have read my blog!".
I can't believe that just a year ago I was working in a job I hated and living in a three bed house I struggled to afford. My life was same old same old every day and I was heading nowhere. Haha now I have nothing, quite literally and have never felt better. What I do have is Milo, my family, my close friends and an absolute bundle of precious memories and moments that I will cherish and reflect on forever. I feel no less of a person for possessing so few possessions. And as for not having an 'address' it doesn't really change who I am.

So now my next chapter in my adventure of life begins. On Friday Milo and me both fly off to Portugal to live. It's a little bit scary and a little bit exciting. I've been staying with sister Pip since I got back from Ireland last week and have been trying to squeeze my life into one suitcase. Not an easy task but if I managed to get a three bed house into the Beast I'm sure I will manage. Talking of the Beast my heart is breaking. Sadly I have to sell him. Mainly for financial reasons. I'm determined he will go to a good home and am requesting first refusal on the opportunity to potentially buy him back.

On Friday night I will arrive in Portugal and really don't know what to expect. I know I'll be with good people so that helps. It will feel odd living in the same location long term and seeing the same view out the windows, luckily I will have stunning views. I'm sure Milo will settle in ok given time. And, hopefully, fingers crossed I might meet a Portugese Prince Charming...

Feeling quite proud...

My chaotic life...

I'm going to cry buckets losing my Beast... 

Goodbye Ireland, farewell my friends...

It's my last night in Ireland, as tomorrow I board a ferry back to the UK. I can't believe how fast these  last couple of months have passed. I sat last night looking at all my photos, of which there are hundreds, and reminisced back to day one. I must say the travelling aspect was so much harder than Scotland last year, but the people I met certainly made up for it (for sure!). Maybe I will return one day as there is a whole chunk on the top left hand corner I have yet to explore. And there's certainly many places and people I would love to revisit.

I think my Portugal opportunity came at the right time for many reasons. Mainly I've run out of money! The cost of living over here is a lot higher than home. Added with the fact I had to do most of my shopping daily and in village shops didn't help. Also, even though I've gotten braver it's still quite difficult to wildcamp in Ireland. Overhead barriers I appreciate why you're there but I still hate you.  Then there's Love. The big 'L' word. Looking for Love. It didn't happen. And I know that's down to me. Some people say 'I never win the lottery' but they never buy a ticket. Well I think I tried to buy too many 'tickets'! I haven't given up on my happy ever after and I still believe my soul mate is out there somewhere. I've just got to look with different eyes...

Last nights camping was a personal hell on earth for me. I needed electricity etc so headed for a local campsite. It was heaving. I forgot it was bank holiday here. The owner tried to find me a space but in all honesty I wish he'd turned me away. He squashed me in between some parked cars next to the tent area. Then tried to charge me extra for Milo. Then shouted at me for having Milos pegged lead too long. In fact he seemed to patrol the whole site shouting at people. Also I've never seen so many children in one place, I appreciate they were having fun but my God they were loud. When they all eventually fell asleep that's when the parents came to life. It was a long night so me and Milo got up real early, and not so quietly, Milo ate all the leftover bbq food and then we left. We spent the rest of the day at Dublins Saint Anne's Park and on the lovely Dollymount Strand from where I can practically see my ferry...

Just a teeny weeny selection of some of my favourite photos in Ireland

Lisdoonvarna...

Near Poulwirren...

Cong...

Dingle...

Looking glum but loved Tracht beach...

The Beast, without whom,  this could never have happened...

Hanging out with homies...

Last night I met up with friends from my home the Wirral. They moved to live in Westport over three years ago and love it. I can see why. I headed over from Cong and had a little wander on the Quay, having parked up the beast on the waters edge. It's a lovely place there and Milo got even more swimming done. I met up with my friends at their local haunt the Helm where I got to try the delicious 'crab lollipops' from the menu. I would go back just for them, they were so tasty. I didn't stay too late as I received an urgent message requesting I send details of Milos weight and measurements. It's not easy trying to tape measure a sleepy Labrador in a van.  Still no definate travel plans on how to get to Portugal as yet, just exploring all options.

I'm now in the process of driving towards Dublin to catch a ferry back to the UK on Tuesday. Not quite sure where I am just now, I saw a lovely spot by a canal and stopped to ask the farmer if I could park up. I think I'm near Begnagh. I've got into the habit of picking up other people's litter when I wildcamp. One because I hate to see litter on the ground especially if I'm camping there. And two I don't want people to think I left it there. So I do get some funny looks, me wandering round with pink marigolds on and a big black bin bag.

I think Willie Daly, the matchmaker, has been distributing my phone number again. I've had some quite funny calls recently. Most starting the conversation with "is that Mary?" Or "so 65/72/74 is too old for you?" And "will you write to me?" Bless. I'm going to miss those conversations.

Now I've just finished another book and I'm lying on one couch fanning Milo with a newspaper on the opposite couch, poor little fella, wish we had air conditioning. Doesn't seem so long ago I was covering him with a blanket...

The Quay at Westport...

My homies from the Wirral...

Lollipop crabs...

Books I've read so far... 

Milo and me head to Portugal...

Odd blog tonight. Not quite sure what goes on in 'my' world sometimes. It's very much like that saying 'life is like a box of chocolates'.
I've been thrown a curve ball and after mulling it over for a bit I've come to a decision... Milo and Me are going to Portugal, hopefully, fingers crossed, all being well. Not sure yet if we will travel over in the Beast or fly. Still working out the logistics.

The opportunity comprises of me helping to care for Granny, some general housework and being a gentlemans chauffeur. Granny is someone I know already and is someone I am extremely fond of. Housework is actually one of my guilty pleasures. The gentleman is a friend of a friend, who 'temporarily' needs a chauffeur, which to me sounds quite sexy! Me driving a dark sleek sports car, peaked cap and leather gloves etc haha. Knowing my luck will be more like battered white van and tatty overalls. Still all makes for an interesting blog. And, on days off, writing 'the' book!

So having scoured England, Scotland and Ireland in search of someone who can love me, as crazy as I am, why not try Portugal? I do believe life is a journey whether we stay in one place or move around. I feel extremely blessed that my journey has allowed me so much freedom and variety.

On a sad note I will miss Ireland, the people I have met will be treasured memories for Milo and me. The beaches will always be sand between my toes (and in every nook and cranny of the van!). Tonight we have gone inland towards Cong and are now chilling in the sunshine listening to the breeze in the trees...

Is that Portugal I see?...

The house I want to buy...

Found some dog minders in Cong...

Overhead barriers, URGH!...

My knight in shining armour...

Having left Galway and feeling so guilty for not spending 24/7 with Milo I think I've over compensated him. He's now exhausted as I've had him swimming like an otter and running like a whippet for the last few days. We spent the first night quite close to Galway in Spiddal Mobile Home Park, a lovely quiet location off the beaten track. I even got a random marriage proposal followed by a copy of The Farmers Journal to peruse.

Next day we headed off towards Lettermore Island, the road was so scenic, crossing numerous stone built bridges connecting each island. I drove until the road ended, literally and then back. Heading back I stopped at an isolated house by a lake and went to knock on the door. It seemed nobody was home although all the windows were open as were the doors. After shouting a few hellos a lady appeared from some field at the back, ever so friendly. I asked if it was ok to park up and she said that was absolutely fine. It was such a gorgeous spot, the lake practically lapping the wheels of the Beast.  Milo swam loads, on occasion joined by a swan.

Today we headed towards Carna looking for a beach. I somehow ended up on Mweenish Island which is the best mistake I've made recently. The beach I found, down the smallest single track lane, is breathtaking. It's like a little tropical paradise. White sandy beach, clear blue water, rocky little coves and practically just Milo and Me. I made up a small picnic and spent all day there. At one point my dream nearly came true... I was sitting on a rock looking across the bay and a man on a horse came galloping across the beach towards me... Alas he was accompanied by about six more riders he was taking on a trek across the beach. He did stop and told me I was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen on this beach. Milo just barked ferociously whilst his pupils looked on bemused...

Poulwirren near Lettermore Island...

Back door view...

Last nights sunset...

Mweenish Island, waiting for my knight in shining armour...

Just Miloandme...