Over the past few days Josh and I have gotten to take in some local sights and mingle with some of the lovely people residing in Alvaiade (where we are living) and Vale do Cobrao (where we are working). Friday, we launched the noon weather balloon, then headed over to Foz do Cobrao to find a pretty spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. We walked down to a little dam in the River Ocreza and picnicked on rocks along the riverside.
After lunch, we embarked on a hike along the River Ocreza to the Portas do Almourao. This afternoon, a fire had broken out on the ridge; you can see the smoke in the picture above. While we were on our hike, a bucket helicopter was flying overhead to put it out. This area is prone to wildfires, and the response to this relatively small one was impressive. Thankfully, it was not close to our instruments and appeared to be in an area away from people’s homes.
Later Friday, we spent the afternoon and evening with our Vale do Cobrao friend, Felicity! We lounged in the sun by her lovely pool with an awesome view of the project instruments.
Felicity also graciously welcomed us for dinner to try out her new Uuni woodfired oven (https://uuni.net/). We had so much fun learning how to use the thing. We did end up with flames shooting out both ends at one point, but we learned quickly and made some beautiful and delicious pizzas.
She also shared wine, homemade mango sorbet, and amazing tales of her worldly journeys. And some Rosie time!
On Saturday, there was a pig roast and gathering of the land-owners on whose land our instruments are sited, the community members of Alvaiade and Vale do Cobrao, and the scientists on the Perdigao project. Turn out was great! We had a dialogue with some interested community members about our activities here.
While direct communication was difficult for those of us not able to speak Portuguese, the locals were very friendly and inviting… and happy to hand us a beer! It was a nice way to make connections with the people around us.