Molido Portugal

Sadly it's time to leave Cesantes. I strike camp, ha ha, that's a joke! I have no more idea about packing up the awning than I had putting it up. I fold up the integrated poles and bundle up the fabric, there's no chance if will fit back into the bag, so I chuck it into the van and pile the land buggy on top, both were originally on the roof. Bike on the rack, hitch the trailer after loading the kites and I'm set and ready to say my good-byes. Belen (who's camp site it is) gives me a hug. We exchange words, her's in Spanish, mine in English, neither understanding a word, but the sentiment was clear, I had enjoyed my stay and I feel her family had enjoyed having me stay.

Well here's a thing. Before leaving A Gore I got talking to a couple of kiters and quizzed them about kiting locations in Spain and my list is:

• Molido

• Viana do Castela

• Esposende

• Mortosa

• Obidos Lagoon

Taking a last beer at the bar in Cesantes I bump into Anna who was in the group at A Gore. She is there for the kiting festival in a weeks time. I was tempted to stay, but really, I'm not going to be on the water and watching competent kiters will only make me feel my own incompetence. Anna confirms, in perfect English, Moledo should be my next stop.

The drive is roughly 90mins, I never recall exactly how long it takes, probably double Google's estimate, but I'm in no rush. The Spanish/Portuguese border is the river Minho and Molido is in Portugal, I go straight to the beach. At the tiny bar I enquire about the kite school and I'm taken back to the road and directed to Martin who is ambling towards me.

Kite Control is the name of the school and Martin works out the back of a van. The wind was blowing and due to pick up the following day making me sceptical about going out. Martin insisted the wind would be good and messaged me a couple of times in the morning, we met

at 12:00. The wind was already mid twenties and due to gust over 30kts. In the past instructors have cancelled lessons with winds like this, but Martin was unperturbed, he's from Argentina you know. The wind was cross/on shore and we carry the gear upwind through the forest emerging near the mouth of the river opposite the old fort. Walking onto

the beach the wind was blasting the sand like paint stripper. Anything on the ground was immediately submerged in sand which lashed any exposed skin. We rig a 6m but Martin has assessed the situation and goes back for a 4m kite, while I shelter in the forest. Finally we are ready to go. With short 10m lines the kite thrashes about above my head, 'like a mosquito' Martin says. So body dragging it is, first without and then with a board. In the waves it is hard work. Finally I have a go at getting on the board, but my kite control isn't good enough and we call it a day. Coming onto the beach I was amazed to see I had drifted 500m downwind and was back at Martin's van.

In the morning I take a trip to Caminha a pleasant and well heeled place. The cafe opposite the courts has great pastries and the shops are good. I wasn't impressed with the £17 for mossie repellent and cream!

The following day the wind was due to be as strong but later a good 5kts lower. Martin says we should use the flat water and lower winds on the river and we meet at 9:00. Here you are looking out through the mouth of the river, Spain on the right, Portugal to the left, with the fort round the corner. Some difference in the state of the water.

Fabrice is to be my instructor. He is unimpressed with my kite control and we do some exercises before even getting in the water. Then body drags with and without the board and up wind. Finally a couple of water starts which Fabrice appeared happy with.

We go for a beer when Fabrice tells me about his life; summer in his van, winter in the alps.

The next day Martin insists the wind will be lighter on the beach. I say it will be pointless me going out with anything less than an 8m kite. Martin agrees, we won't go if the wind is strong. Again 'Windy' is suggesting 24kts with gusts to 30kts. On the beach Martin feels the wind is too strong for an 8m kite, we should use a 6m. This is not what I agreed to but Fabrice carries on. I get up a few times and have a good run (you can watch the video) and my up wind body drags help me to recover my board each time. Fabrice says it was a good session and lots of positives in difficult conditions.

Let's have a beer.

So now I hear how bad Macron is and how Fabrice would like to be president and change the way things are done. He is nothing if not passionate about his beliefs.

I don't see things changing much at Molido, the wind is strong on the beach with waves and although I sort of managed, I need more time on the board rather than recovering it. I also need to get to Porto to meet Ellie and Oli, so I pack up and head south.