Rua Serpa Pinto in Odemira
Curiosity often gets the better of me. When I discovered, on my visit to Vila Nova de Milfontes at the mouth of the River Mira, that ‘Ode’ means river and that the small town of Odemira is situated a small way inland … well, I was curious. The intention had been to follow the coast back down to the Algarve, sampling beaches along the way. Well, we definitely did that, but a small side trip to Odemira was called for.
One of the attractions, mentioned in my ‘Rough Guide’, was a riverside walk. That sounded appealing. I also knew that there was a boat trip connecting Odemira with Vila Nova de Milfontes, but sadly that wasn’t practical on our way south. There’s always time for a little stroll though.
This bridge was a good start point!
There were a few clouds, but not too many
It was quite easy to park, on rough ground down by the river, and cross over the bridge to this peaceful little path, which we had all to ourselves.
Now which one of Jude’s bench challenges would this one fit?
It’s a nice enough view, isn’t it?
Sorry, Jude- not a person in sight!
The riverside walk was shorter than I had expected, so there was plenty of time to saunter around the little town. It seemed to me so typically Portuguese. A mix of dilapidation and renewal. There was scaffolding up at several of the larger buildings. Freshly white-painted grandeur nudged sadly peeling properties, still awaiting their turn. In the small, ‘sell everything’ shops, life continued as it must have for generations. Just off the Praca da Republica, the main square, the coffee habit was indulged. Shopping could wait.
Such a typical Portuguese street!
The elegant town fountain
Before I know it, I’m passing a new-looking sculpture in a small square and a handful of modern shops. Rather incongruous, but part and parcel of Portugal today. In very little time I’m back at the river bank and the lovely bridge. Too soon?
The modern square
Our walk today was not at all taxing so feel free to stop en route for coffee. You’ll easily find an appealing cafe. I hope you enjoyed joining me. Later this week I’ll do a round up of those west coast beaches in the Alentejo, and then it’s full speed back to the Algarve.
If you’re in the area, Odemira is on the N393. Travelling south from Vila Nova de Milfontes, you hopefully can’t miss it.
Time to share this week’s walks. Thank you very much everybody. I’ve had a wonderful response. If you’d like to join in there are a few hints on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo. I never turn anyone away. Why would I? Let’s get walking!
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You know I love to start with Drake. This week he has some incredible views :
And Geoff was quick off the mark too. Blue skies in Tooting Bec?
Capital Ring : Tooting to Earlsfield
Our lovely Jude was lakeside walking this week. There’s a bench, of course!
Amy and Jude are sharing park life this week- thousands of miles apart. Great minds! :
Jackie took me to Bantry Bay. Some distant damp day memories for me :
Did I ever tell you that I love squirrels? Thanks, Becky!
Chipmunks, squirrels and a groundhog!
And how did Becky know I’ve always wanted to visit this place?
DON’T miss this one, or its sequel, from Pauline :
The magic of a dream come true
The Buddha Walk at the Crystal Castle
Don’t you love it when they breathe new life into a place? Many thanks for sharing, Kaz :
Travel Album: Distillery District, Toronto
There are few pleasures in life better than sharing with Meg :
Eurobodalla beaches: Congo beach south
And the landscape on this one is equally stunning!
Lastly, I’m extremely honoured to have this guy join us. He’s living a lifestyle many would consider idyllic (with the odd misadventure along the way)
Tampak Siring : Bathing in the Sacred Springs
Hope I haven’t missed anybody? This past week was tricky but I’m still here. The sun’s shining so you know what I’m going to do after coffee, don’t you? Happy walking everyone! See you next week?
restlessjo 
Oh wow Jo! What a beautiful little place! I love that bridge and the clouds, and the blue and white buildings! So gorgeous! You took amazing shots of the beauty there darling! Thanks for sharing and the lovely virtual travel. 😀 ♥
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You’re always so kind, Sonel! It was a pretty little spot and a nice change from the beaches. (you know what I’m like for the beaches 🙂 )
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Oh, I know. Don’t forget the boats. 😀
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I took a peek at your spider… and then ran! 🙂 🙂
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Whahahahahah! The Wolf Spider? Nothing to be scared of darling. They are harmless. 😆
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Apart from the Portuguese looking street – the riverside walk in Odemeria doesn’t or is that just me – you could have mistaken that for somewhere in the UK. Thank you for taking me on a lovely walk again this week 🙂
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The vegetation was a bit more exotic than here in the UK, Ting, but I do know what you mean 🙂 Thanks for keeping me company.
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ed eccomi, ancora a sognare con te, fra nuvole, colori, cieli lucenti, stagni, sase serene che sembrano vivere in un mondo di letizia e poesia…se davvero il mondo assomigliasse a queste immagini non ci sarebbero nè guerre, ne miserie…
un grande abbraccio molto affettuoso
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Ventis, you are lovely! 🙂 I just record what I see, and I was very happy to be in such a peaceful place. Big hugs to you 🙂
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Fab Jo. I’ve still managed some blue skies this week but not for much longer I fear… This week, Earlsfield to Richmond http://geofflepard.com/2015/10/09/capital_ring-earlsfield-to-richmond/
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Hope you’ve got your woolly muffler handy, Geoff 🙂 Many thanks!
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Ready to be wrapped up, Jo
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Jo the bridge in the first two photos is quite the eye popper. Love the perspective you have used.
Nice to have a bit of a break and not be slogging up cliffs or stairs or mountains. 🙂 Coffee sounds like a nice change.
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It must definitely have been a recent addition to this little town, Sue (the modern bridge). I didn’t check dates but I probably should have.
You’re right! An hour or two later we were slogging along last week’s walk at Carrapateira 🙂
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Loved this walk Jo nice and relaxing and time to take in all the views, bridges and benches and of course time to share a coffee. I’m sending you some sunshine today, enjoy… https://pommepal.wordpress.com/2015/10/13/early-morning-beach-activities/
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Most appropriate, Pauline! We haven’t got as far as sunshine yet, but we had such a beautiful sunrise this morning. With the biggest twinkling star hanging on in the midst of the pale blue. I was spellbound. Didn’t even reach for my camera. 🙂 Thanks, darlin’. Popping over soon 🙂
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Sounds like an Indian summer hanging around for a bit. Our storm season will be happening soon
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I just adore that “interesting structure”, Jo. The colours are amazing here with the blue sky and blue and white buildings and that gorgeous red bridge. I’m having a coffee and cake right now 😀
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I wasn’t too sure what it was, Dianne. Some kind of winding structure or well, related to the river, but in ‘holy guise’ 🙂 But very pretty! I’m still finishing my first coffee of the day. Cake? Maybe apple pie later 🙂
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Another fabulous walk, Jo! I love the curving lines of the white bridge.
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It seemed a little flamboyant for this sleepy little place, Jackie, but I do love this style of bridge. 🙂 Thank you!
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The place looks so beautiful !
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Very tranquil. 🙂 I liked it 🙂 Thanks for your visit!
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They love their white in these Portuguese towns don’t they? The little red bridge makes a wonderful contrast to all that whiteness….
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One colour suits all… you never have to worry what to wear 🙂
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I am so enthralled with the walking culture that you capture on your strolls. We are so reliant on vehicles in the USA that we seldom have walking paths (sidewalks, yes, but that is a completely different thing.) Even the narrow streets invite walking. Just lovely!
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I would struggle with the jump in the car lifestyle, Susan. I’ve been lucky to have the use of my 2 legs all my life and I’ve certainly used them. 🙂 It was a nice little laidback place, like much of Portugal.
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All that pristine white, and only one bit of peeling paint in the photos, although you suggest more in the prose. A lovely river walk, exuding tranquillity. I enjoy the sense of you meandering, and the thought of more beaches to come. Good start to my day packing – again!
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There was quite a bit of peeling but some was a bit dispiriting and I was being kind. I think I must somehow have transferred my restless spirit to you 🙂 Home again?
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I like the bridges and walking by the river is perfect, I’ll join you especially if there’s coffee somewhere 🙂
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And cake! 🙂
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It is getting very crowded in this café!
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Oh my, those bridges! Just when I thought it doesnt get better I see this red road bridge! Oh the views! What a walk! I’m gone in search of fresh air myself!
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If I can’t be beside the sea, I love to follow a river, Elena. Many thanks for your link 🙂
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Looks like a very relaxed place for a wander. The sculpture is a bit “je ne sais quoi.” 😕 I love the blue and white look, and the red bridge is quite charming. Those clouds do look rather ominous, but maybe we do just have enough time for a coffee outside before the rain starts. 🙂
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We can use one of those multi purpose umbrellas, Ad. There’s always a way? 🙂 🙂
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Any idea what the sculpture was all about? Not much shelter there. 🙂
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To be honest I paid the sculpture very little attention, Ad. I was distracted by flowers, benches and coffee 🙂
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You should be prepared for awkward questions, Jo. Flowers, benches and coffee are all very well, but…… 😀
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I prefer awkward answers 🙂 🙂
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I’ve just noticed how awkward the word ‘awkward’ looks. 🙂
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And feels 🙂 Let’s stop being awkward, shall we? 🙂
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If you insist. 🙂
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Sweetness and light from now on. So do I get to eat cake? 🙂
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🎂🍷
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Cheers!
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