Whether the weather ...

Portuguese winter weather is variable, but gently so. It's never bitingly cold, but often cool, but when the sun shines, be prepared to strip off those layers! It's actually very amusing to observe the sight of Portuguese people, bundled up in winter coats and clothes while, at the same time, Brits are striding around in shorts and t-shirts.

We've experienced serious contrasts in weather with the past few days having been toasty warm, wall to wall sunshine, blue skies and sparkling seas. Then again, the rain will come, usually in short, sharp squalls that throw gallons of water onto the terracotta roof tiles of all the buildings, only to spill straight off onto the floor beneath as there are no gutters or downpipes.

In our first few days here, we were caught out by sudden rainstorms and they soaked us through. Anoraks are fine, but the water pours off you and soaks your trousers, so unless you want to wear over-trousers, shorts are better. Your legs dry quickly.

The sun is deceptive; with cool air and bright sunlight, one doesn't necessarily realise that skin is frying so the golden rule is, if you're out in sun, lard up! And when it's here the sun is hot hot hot - beautifully so and, if you find a patch away from the breeze, you could believe that it's summer.

Today's yomp over to Burgau left us sweating and tired - the heat is quite exhausting and it drains you as you make the effort to climb hills. Therefore, plenty of water - hydrate, darling! Then reward yourself with a cold beer and a lovely lunch before slogging back along the return path.

When evening comes, the coolness of the day rapidly takes over and you'll feel a chill that can catch out the unwary. A fleece or wrap should be deployed as soon as the chill starts. You may feel you'll weather it, but it rapidly sinks into your bones, particularly if you've had a hot day's sun.

All told, we've had more sun than cloud, not that much rain and temperatures ranging from 20 degrees C when we arrived down to probably 15 degrees C at the lowest for peak daytime. In the evenings, the heat falls away, particularly on clear nights. Our average daytime temperature has been about 17-18C, I would think. Not too dusty when compared to the UK!

We are never spending another winter in the UK!