So I'm camping out for the first time on my land tonight, I guess it's about time after driving back and forth from Alpedrinha for the last couple of weeks.
I actually really like my rented base in the other town: it's a lovely area and a great set up I've got going, with access to electricity, running water, and a washing machine, but it is a 40 minute drive, which is just too much every day.
Camping out here is more uncomfortable given that I've got no leccy or running water but necessary if I want to get a better feel for the land, get shit done, and just reduce the amount of fuel I'm consuming - which seems ironic given that I've come here partly to live sustainably!
My temporary set up
I've gone for a simple tend option - pitched in the middle of my pine woodland to minimise the heat impact, and there was a pre-levelled area already waiting for me:!
I'm actually quite well set up - I've got a nice inflatable double mattress and 0 degree rated sleeping bag, I'll have to improvise a pillow as I forgot to bring one, but that's all part of the fun!
I've also got a portable 100 Watt solar system with decent leisure battery, so I can keep my lap top etc. charged.
And assuming I can find my toothbrush (I think I remember where I put it) the only other thing I've forgotten is my rechargable lantern, but I've got my trusty Petzl head torch to fall back on, so all in all it's OK!
Doubling up
Part of the problem with having two bases (I'm given up my other base for a while, I like it there, and having a legal address is very handy) is that I'm having to double up on numerous things - like kitchen equipment for example, to save myself lugging everything backwards and forwards constantly.
Although I am in the habit of not keeping anything on the land - until I can sort out some secure storage!
Dodgy internet connection (no DS9 tonight!)
One downside I have realised is that my unlimited Portugal Internet dongle only gets a signal up on one corner of my land, not the most convenient place, so I need to figure out how to deal with that, but in the meantime I've got 20GB on my UK phone a month (only £10 a month!) which is fine for several nights camping out a month as long as I don't watch videos.
Peace and stars and an insect chorus
For the most part that's what I've got ATM - it's so peaceful around here, no light pollution, great view of the stars and what I assume are crickets croaking away.
Even the dog-barking isn't too bad - you can't escape that ANYWHERE in Portugal, but it's minimal here, and I'll take that!
Tomorrow I can just get up and get on with it!
That's why I'm here - I've got a massive chores list to get on with - no real deadline other than the Fire risk in summer to meet for brush clearance, but I just WANT to get on with my to do list - just being here in a tent is already inspiring me to get my house sorted ASAP.
It'd be nice to actually be indoors!
It's almost 20.00 - almost bedtime - may as well give myself a shot at getting up at day break!