Castelo de Bode Lake  The dam that was constructed to create this 60Km long lake is located just 5 minutes from the Caracara Holiday Accommodation. Construction started in 1945 and was completed in 1951. The dam walls stand 115m high and tower over the River Zêzere. In early Spring millions of gallons of water are released each week from the sluices, which provides visitors with a fantastic opportunity to take some very unusual photographs.  The River Nabão that runs along the gardens of Caracara Holiday Accommodation joins the River Zêzere before the now larger river finally meets the River Tejo in Constância.       The Castelo de Bode Lake is the largest internal lake in Portugal and is surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees. At various points around the lake you can hire canoes, go on boat trips, try your hand at fishing or swim in the warm water. If you take the 10 minute drive to Aldeia do Mato Recreational and Nautical Leisure Park you can hire canoes, kayaks, windsurfers etc. It is also the base for a number of hiking trails that meander along the lake side.         One of our personal favourite places to visit is the tiny village of Dornes. Located on a small peninsular at the North end of the lake you will enjoy panoramic views of the hills surrounding it. Here you can swim from one of the fluvial beaches to the village itself or just chill out enjoying a beer or a cup of coffee in one of the small cafés. With less than 800 permanent residents within the parish it is certainly not going to be crowded whenever you go! The village also has significant links to the Templar Knights and the church, located on the top of a small hill, is unique to Portugal in its design.         This photo shows Kay and I enjoying a day out in our inflateable canoe close to Dornes