For The Love Of Port

Before the dams tamed the Douro River, we all know that the incredible currents and white water made it treacherous for the Barco Rabelos to make it down river to drop off the pipes of Port in Gaia. So, how did the boats get back up the river, given they did not have motors and relied on sails and oars?

Just checked Mayson's "Port and the Duoro" - the calmer stretches could be navigated by sail power alone. For the rapids, the rabelo would be a hitched to a team of oxen along the shore and dragged upriver by sheer animal power.

I think I even have a picture of it...allow me some time to find, scan and post it!

Thanks Steven, that would be excellent!