I make no apologies for taking you back to Barril beach today- one of my favourites in the Algarve. As long ago as June 2014 I was promising you a sunset visit to the charismatic Anchor Cemetery. This November I finally made it!
That last run up to Christmas can be quite stressful, so I hope you can take just a little time out to enjoy this with me.
We’ll start at the beach bar, sipping a little wine, while we wait for the sun to slide down the sky. The waitress is starting to tidy away. It’s the end of her shift, but she motions for us to take our time. The last steam train arrives and departs. Anyone lingering will have to walk back across the causeway. It’s not far, but you don’t want to leave it too late. The shadows stretch and begin to gild the anchors. It’s time to take our stroll.
They lie so tranquil and calm. I’m sad to leave them, but I don’t want to walk back in the dark. Just one more look!
The path leads beside the railway tracks, through pines and rustling grasses. The engine shed lies dormant, a rose blush on the abandoned boiler.
It fascinates me that, looking west, the sky darkens with contrast, but looking east, pinky lilac hues remain. I wonder that the camera takes all in, leaving me to make sense of the images, and revel in the drama.
Beyond the salt marshes, a pontoon spans the lagoon. Late in the day, water and sky flow together. I am in my element.
Moments later I’m back on dry land. The car awaits, beside the new asphalt path, leading back to Tavira, just 10 minutes drive away.
These images bring the evening back to me so clearly. I hope that you can find a little stillness and calm in all the Christmas madness.
Once again, I owe huge thanks to all of you who walk with me and share my walks. If you would like to join in at any time please just click on the logo to visit my Jo’s Monday walk page. Pop the kettle on time?
………………………………………………………………………………….
Let’s start off with Geoff getting philosophical whilst out walking :
Any guesses what this means? You’ll be in Anabel’s good company, so don’t worry!
Amy loves the countryside, and those who help look after it :
‘A concrete quilt of memories’. Isn’t that a lovely description? Thanks, Jackie :
Christmas in the heart of Strasbourg- what could be finer in Drake’s company?
A woodland trial ending in waterfalls- perfection! Thanks, Ruth :
Jaspa knows the way to my heart too! More wonderful waterfalls :
Going Loco at Brandywine Falls, British Columbia
Much more fun than tea and toast! It always is with Yvette :
Walk with Jo (Farmville Bubble Tea)
A familiar looking door handle, but I’ve never been to Montpellier :
I don’t know why but this title makes me think of ‘Life with the Archers’. Thanks Pauline! I’m singing the theme :
Denzil revisits his past and offers up a caption competition too :
Langdorp : A trip down memory lane
Certainly one of my most exotic shares, I think you’ll love this one from Lee Ann :
Wonderful, aren’t they? Many thanks to you all! Here’s wishing you a happy week.
restlessjo 
Beautiful walk.
LikeLike
Thanks a lot! I love it too 🙂
LikeLike
OMG, where are all those anchors? What beautiful photographs, and yes, they had a very calming effect on me, thank you. I shall join you on all your future walks, and catch up on the ones I;ve missed before.
LikeLike
One of my favourite Algarve beaches. I couldn’t believe my eyes the first time I saw them either. Glad you like them 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Jo, for taking us on this interesting sunset tour. The anchors are great. Your photos are incredible. 🙂
LikeLike
It’s such a beautiful place at sunset, Jet! I love looking at the photos 🙂 Thank you for your company.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m just getting back to WordPress after a long break and you are the first site I go to… Your posts are even more of a pleasure to read than ever. I’m so glad to be back and joining you on your walks, even if it’s from thousands of miles away.
LikeLike
It’s a pleasure to have you along! Thank you so much 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful photos!
LikeLike
Thanks a lot! Merry Christmas to you 🙂
LikeLike
I’d love to get loose on those anchors – mono abstract magic – I am salivating
LikeLike
I can just about imagine the results, Scott! 🙂
LikeLike
Jo – u can. Bring us back here any time! Gosh -just love the warm feeling of the changing light and sunset romance – but those anchors are the best! Last year I loved this walk and this time you gave us even more views- and not sure if you know but anchors are very dear to me – just live them and we have some family that were in the navy – but also as a symbol of what they do just tugs at my heart – they stabilize ! Hmmm anyhow – the photos are fantastic as usual – xxoo
LikeLike
It’s going to be a hard act to follow, Yvette. I love this post! And I’m glad that you do too 🙂 I’m sitting beside my Christmas tree wondering where to walk tomorrow, and the sky behind me has been going through all it’s colours from deepest blue to pale. Just wisps of cloud. It’s a rare clear day here. I think I might have the urge to get out and about but there are Sunday chores to do. We’ll see! Anyway- sorry for rambling. Thanks a lot 🙂
LikeLike
oh thanks for looping me in on the pondering for your next walk… hmmmm – now I am really wondering – I will be back to check on it and int he meantime, have fun sitting by that tree 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sending you some Aussie sunshine to warm you up Jo. BTW I had to chuckle about the reference to the Archers with my last Armidale walk. I’d forgotten all about them but yes I used to follow them religiously back in the 1950’s. Are they still going? https://pommepal.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/farm-walk/
LikeLike
Aren’t associations funny? No, they’re definitely a thing of the past, Pauline 🙂 Thanks for the sunshine! No farmyard smells, I hope? 🙂 It’s clear and bright here this morning. Most unusual! 🙂
LikeLike
Actually I like farm yard smells better than perfume. I guess it is all association…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jo, the bigger pictures look fantastic! What a beautiful sunset. The anchors look both eerie and beautiful at the same time.
LikeLike
Thanks a lot 🙂 It really is a superb setting for a sunset.
LikeLike
You take us on so many memorable walks Jo but this one is outstanding, the shapes and that lovely soft sunset glow it gives a feeling of serenity and peace to what can be a very stressful time. Thanks for sharing it with us.
LikeLike
I should maybe rest on my laurels over Christmas, Pauline. I haven’t a clue what Monday’s walk is going to be! 😦 I think I’m over most of the stressing- for now, anyway! Now, who can I get to cook Christmas dinner for me? 🙂 🙂 You’re always a joy to share with, Pauline. I hope you and Jack have a wonderful Christmas, and many more to come! 🙂
LikeLike
Time to take a break Jo you have done so well. Maybe a walk from the table, groaning, to the armchair in front of the fire…
LikeLiked by 1 person