The October 2018 Night Sky
Welcome to the October night sky. This month shows that the long hot days of summer are over, and the cool nights of autumn are here. The gas giant planet
Moving home – safety and security considerations
Portugal is a great place to live, with friendly people, good climate, good food, wine and superb countryside. It is also the fourth most peaceful country in the world. In
Pirates of the Algarve – part 2
Forte de Nossa Senhora da Rocha Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, Lagos Fortaleza da Arrifana After the Restoration of 1640, and in the face of Spanish attempts to reconquer Portugal,
Pirates of the Algarve
The stunning Algarve scenery of tree-covered rolling hills, golden shimmering sands and a deep blue ocean has attracted many foreigners to trade, to settle or to spend their short summer
The September 2018 Night Sky
Welcome to the September night sky. This is the month of the Autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. It will mean
Rural fire safety for off-roaders and campers
The recent tragic fires in Greece that resulted in the death of over 80 people in a busy tourist resort have led to a renewed focus on the importance of
Castro Marim: The Original Home of the Knights of the Order of Christ
José Saramago, in his usual disparaging way, wrote a measly four lines about Castro Marim. He stopped here only to look at the beautiful archangel Gabriel in the town church,
The August 2018 Night Sky
Welcome to the August night sky. This month is great for seeing planets in the early evening. Over in the west, the planet Venus is still visible high and bright
Living with rural fires
By the time you read this article, the critical fire period will be upon us. Let us hope that we do not experience the tragic fires of last year that
The July 2018 Night Sky
Welcome to the July night-sky. The gas giant planet Jupiter is still well visible high in the southwest in the late evenings. It can be seen shining with bright steady