Further north, more castles and a surprise for Bobbie

We left Porto after breakfast, early, and headed north. A storm had blown in and it was pouring as we headed for Guimares. When we arrived it had subsided a bit so Bobbie, Carol and I headed up the hill to the President's residence and the castle. Hans and Judy opted to attend mass at the local church.

The residence was a restored palace from the 1400's and was really great. For once it felt as if people really used the building. Then and now. We toured the museum and then up to the castle where we once again climbed to the top of the ramparts and played soldier.

From there we saddled up again and headed for Almarante where we futilely attempted to find the monastery and the bakery shop. The monastery for its dramatic tiles and the bakery known for it nasty shaped pastry (they have this fertility thing going on). It was Sunday and most everything was closed as well as there being no police on the street to ask questions. So without success we had lunch, sacrificing two small birds and a goat-really.