Good opportunity to talk about free camping and safety. At the very top of Portugal we thought we found the perfect spot to stay with others in a forest dune area near Marinhas. It was Sunday and it turned out all the locals packed up and went home and we were in a pretty isolated spot on our own. First day in a new country it felt like it could be dodgy. So we packed up and went into town of Esposende looking for some company of other motorhomes but couldn't find anything suitable so we drove out and found a great spot near some houses but quiet and on a nice little river. But it was dark and we were shagged so lesson one is if you see something you like take it anytime after "the witching hour" sets in. First time on this trip we have mucked up getting a good place and that only happened because everyone left the first place.
The other thing I'd say about safety is always park where you can't be boxed in and leave your keys in the ignition for a quick getaway if needed. In a lifetime of free camping I've only felt threatened once and that was outside Munich in a layby on a motorway when a couple of young guys had us almost boxed in and were checking out our van and what might be inside so I started her up and managed to get out of there. Ended up in the city centre and met a nice couple who invited us to stay with them so that all worked out well.
The first photos are the spot in the dune forest and the others where we did end up staying
