Well, it’s long, isn’t it?
I had no idea that it would be so long! But then, I’d only ever seen it from the sky as I flew over the Algarve. I knew it to be a part of the swish resort of Quinta do Lago. Not my usual stamping ground, but curiosity impelled me to take a closer look.
Parking alongside a selection of resplendent villas at Vale do Garrao, I descended some steps and followed the path around the salt marsh in the direction of the sea.
The villas at Vale do Garrao
Sure enough, there was the beach
Not too many people to share it with on a January day
I plonked myself down for 10 minutes, to enjoy the gentle warmth and the glinting sea. Then it was time to head off along the beach, in search of the bridge.
And there it was, bridging the gap across the lagoon.
In the far distance, Praia de Faro
And on the shoreline, a riot of colour
The bridge stretches all the way back to the beach
But now we’re in elegant Quinta do Lago
From the map it looked as though there was a footpath to where the car was parked. Otherwise it would be a long walk back along the beach. Following the path, I was surprised to discover a large saltwater lake, with pedal boats tied up for the Winter.
The lake and the country club
Back in the land of unaffordable housing
But the flora and fauna are free
And the bird life in the marshes
The colours of nature, sublime!
It just goes to show that you don’t need a pot of money to enjoy the Algarve. The beauty is all around you and it’s free. The walk took just a couple of hours and the sun was beginning to dip as I returned.
Flying home, I didn’t see the foot bridge, but I did get a hazy shot of the road bridge out to Praia de Faro. It was a little cloudy, so not too sad to leave!
The road across the Ria Formosa to Praia de Faro
And from another angle
restlessjo 
Very nice bridge. It blends in nicely with its surroundings.
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I’ve admired it from afar, Milka , so it was good to see it close up 🙂
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Wow! That is quite a view Jo and I just love that bridge. You really took some amazing shots hon. Thanks for the lovely trip and for sharing. I truly enjoyed. 😀 *big hugs*
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It really is a beautiful part of the world, Sonel. I don’t have a return trip booked yet so am existing on memories 🙂 Thank you. Have a great weekend.
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I love the photo looking back at the bridge! What a beautiful place to visit! As usually your photos are great!
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Thanks, Tonya! It was such a lovely afternoon. Another happy memory 🙂
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I love the bridge, the ocean, beach and gorgeous riot of orange color! I feel very at home in that environment. It’s very similar to the California coast. I am sure you had a wonderful time taking these beautiful photos, Jo!
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It was a picture perfect afternoon, Debbie, in a lovely setting. What more could I want? 🙂
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Yet another excellent, EXCELLENT! photo journal posting. Love your images esp. your reflection shot. I wouldn’t mind the long walk if those are the sceneries I get.
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Rommel, you’re very generous 🙂 Thank you! It does make it easier when you go to lovely places.
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Thanks for sharing your adventure Jo.
Looks lovely.
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It was, Ruth 🙂 I’m feeling nostalgic again.
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Who is the happy looking gentleman? Hubby? Your nose is taking you to most wonderful places. This has been a nice trip again, Jo 🙂 I kept going back to #8 several times 🙂
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Yes, that’s Michael! I’m not at all good at taking his photo, but now and then he blends well with the scenery, Paula. 🙂
Thanks, hon. Have a happy weekend.
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😀 Yes, he blends nicely 🙂
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Beautiful! How fun to be relax on this wonderful beach. 🙂
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It was so quiet, too, Lisa 🙂
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Looks like a good place for a January walk, Jo. I’m off to check if I have any crocuses this year- I think the squirrels have had them
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We have just a few crocuses hiding in our front garden, Sue, but there are lots coming out around and about. So beautiful! 🙂
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They certainly are, there are some on a roundabout near here, and they make you feel bright just looking at them…
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Looks like the perfect way to spend a January afternoon.
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It was, Debbie 🙂 I’d love to be back there now, but that would be greedy.
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I love your love of bridges and taking me across them with you! And I love that last villa – unaffordable maybe, but I want to live there!!
Jude xx
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Not the sort of place where you chuck bread at the ducks, Jude, but beautiful to look at. 🙂
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I like the colours of the sky!
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The clouds were milling about a lot, Andrew, but it was such a pleasant afternoon. Around 19/20C which suits me very nicely in January. 🙂
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It looks like a long walk! The lake, flowers, house, water… are all so beautiful and peaceful. I feel like I was there… Thank you for the tour, Jo! Happy weekend 🙂
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Shame to get on the plane at the end of it, Amy. I think I’ll delete that part 🙂
It’s a walk I’d planned to do for a long while and we finally made it. Happy weekend to you, too. Has it warmed up for you yet?
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It has been over 70 F, 85 F yesterday. But a week ago, it was 20s and 30s. Can you imagine 40 to 50 degree difference in one week 🙂 Crazy!
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Certainly bizarre! Ooh, I’m imagining 80- bliss! 🙂
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Looks grand – could do with some of that ‘gentle warmth’ right now 😦
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Aye- it’s a bit nippy still, Robin, but nice and bright here today 🙂
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Enjoyed your walk from the comfort of my chair Jo, a lovely photo essay. The weather looked a lot better than it did last January in The Algarve 🙂
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We were very much luckier than you, David 🙂 A bit cloudy at times, but warm. I think they’ve had their share of rain since but I don’t check on the weather when I’m not there. Just makes me even more restless! Spring’s almost here. Have you been out counting crocuses yet?
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Did spot a couple of crocuses popping their heads out at the end of the street yesterday morning. They will certainly be enjoying this spring-like morning today. It’s beautiful out there 🙂
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thanks for taking us along! i loved the photo of the broken fence w/sun’s reflection on the water; seeing the landscape was great, and that white egret – ah, what a pastoral beauty of a view!
long walks are a great tonic for the soul, even if all we have to do is walk beside you in cyberspace! thanks again! z
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Your company is always good, cyberspace or not, Lisa. Many thanks for joining me 🙂
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Lovely bridge and photos too. Love the one of the sun glistening on the water. I’m a real fan of using the bright orb in shots. 🙂 probably because we don’t see it enough. 🙂
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I’m never too far from the beach when we’re in the Algarve, Sue, even though I love the country scenery too. 🙂
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I would give anything to be taking that walk right now, but since I can’t, thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures! Happy weekend, Jo!
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D’you know, I would too, Jill 🙂 But I just walked back from my t’ai chi class and it was bright and cheerful, if a bit on the chill side. Spring is definitely coming. Crocuses abound! Hope you have some good weekend plans, Jill, or simply relax. (I know-after you’ve caught up on all the jobs!)
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I’ve always wanted to take a t’ai chi class. Ah, spring, I can’t wait! We hit a record breaking high of 76 degrees this week, after snow last week.I’m looking forward to the return of my hummingbirds. 🙂
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Must be fabulous to have hummingbirds nearby! I’ve only ever seen them in captivity.
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What a gorgeous walk Jo, I love this kind of entertainment, the best possible kind 🙂
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One of many happy memories, Sherri 🙂
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Lovely 🙂
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I’m all for free long walks in beautiful foreign places, Jo. This looks like a particularly long ramble through lovely and peaceful scenery! I wish I had been along. So you’re enjoying a winter break in the Algarve? Have fun and hugs. xxx
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Hi Cathy 🙂 No, I’m back-tracking! I took so many photos when we were there in January that UK events overtook me and I ended up posting about the museum and York. I fancied a couple of sunny posts while I’m waiting for Spring to arrive.
Lots of crocuses about in the UK now so might not be too long. Have you still got snow? 😦
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Our snow is finally melting now, Jo. We’re supposed to have temps around 60 today and tomorrow, so maybe it’ll melt away slowly but surely. I just hope we don’t get any more!!
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