Crusing on the Duoro at Regua Portugal

Wednesday, June 18, 2025- sailing on the Duoro River in Portugal

         We were up early at 5:30 A.M. It was a light morning for activities, so we read for a time, then prepped for the day. At 7:30 A.M. we went below for breakfast. Good coffee, with mushroom & Cheese omelettes, accompanied by fresh lox and cheese, made for a great breakfast. I forget which friends we sat with, but each meal became an important part of the day, to socialize and get to know your friends better. Topside, it was chilly and in the fifties out. It felt great after the last few day’s heat. Terraced vineyards claimed most of the surrounding hillsides. Stately homes graced the slopes as well.

          The Carapatela lock is impressive. The  Lock of Carrapatelo, Douro River, Portugal is the tallest lock in all of Europe. Built from 1965-1972, its length is 313 ft., its Width 40 ft., The “gate” is Guillotine-Shaped and drops down to encompass the boat. Then the lock, lifted us 115 feet. This lock is referred to as the "BIG MAMA". “Big mama" is an understatement.” This was the biggest lock we ever saw. Great music was playing as we were raised  up 100 plus feet. It is always eerie, sitting inside of a lock chamber, while the water gently raises your boat. I am always impressed with the engineering involved. The lock also acted as a dam for the lower Duoro River. Before the dam, flooding had occurred below us, in the Porto region, during the rainy seasons.

             We passed on lunch, already feeling the “caloric sag” affecting us. The ship docked at 12:45 A.M at “Regua”. Above us on the hillside, sat a nautical history of wine making museum. That is where we would all head to. Like ducklings following mother Goose, we walked up the winding stairs of the hillside. It was 98 degree out and HOT !

              When we did reach the hill top, we saw a marker for the level of some of the epic floods of the Duoro. The marker still reached above our heads. The museum probably would have been interesting. It features all manner of pictures and implements, related to wine growing and the means by which the growers shipped their product to Porto.  But, our group got stuck behind a collection of turtles, that moved with less speed than their name sakes. Standing is not my forte, so Mary and I bailed out. A small tent, sitting atop the hill, provided us with sparkling water. We sat and watched the river flow by idly. It was both bucolic and restful.

            Afterwards, we clambered down the 100 ft. stairways, to the ship. It was a chore for me. Back aboard ship, we settled into the lounge for some very good cappuccino and cookies. We welcomed the air conditioning. Ozzie Nelson, the patron saint of all nap takers, called out to me. I couldn’t resist. We hit the sheets for an hour nap. It was the best thing we did all day

             The Seven P.M. dinner gong summoned us. A shrimp appetizer, cauliflower soup, fresh Perch in sauce and a lemon tart cake were wonderful. The red wine served, in large quantities, made all of us cheerful. The conversation was lively and fun. Everyone was having a good time, even dodging the odd barb or spirited repartee. It was a good way to end the day. After dinner every night there was some type of musical entertainment in the lounge. It was not for us. We retired to read, until we drifted into the welcome arms of Morpheus.

                                                          -30-

                                                        (608 words)

                                                  Joseph Xavier Martin