Jo’s Monday walk : a sunset stroll

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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!

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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.

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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!

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The path leads beside the railway tracks, through pines and rustling grasses.  The engine shed lies dormant, a rose blush on the abandoned boiler.

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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.

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Beyond the salt marshes, a pontoon spans the lagoon.  Late in the day, water and sky flow together.  I am in my element.

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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.

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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?

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Let’s start off with Geoff getting philosophical whilst out walking :

The Invisible Tree

Any guesses what this means?  You’ll be in Anabel’s good company, so don’t worry!

Meikle Bin

Amy loves the countryside, and those who help look after it :

Trails at Banff, Canada

‘A concrete quilt of memories’.  Isn’t that a lovely description?  Thanks, Jackie :

Cloud Gardens

Christmas in the heart of Strasbourg- what could be finer in Drake’s company?

Traditions and Serenity 

A woodland trial ending in waterfalls- perfection!  Thanks, Ruth :

Liffey Falls

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 :

A Montpellier Walk 

I don’t know why but this title makes me think of ‘Life with the Archers’.  Thanks Pauline!  I’m singing the theme :

Discovering Armidale

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 :

Sigiriya- Palace in the Sky

Wonderful, aren’t they?  Many thanks to you all!  Here’s wishing you a happy week.

166 comments

  12. Oh, I can see why you love that beach, Jo. So beautiful and serene, you had me hooked right from the start, sitting, sipping wine, the view. Thank you for sharing and a real tonic on another grey day!

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  14. “Beyond the salt marshes, a pontoon spans the lagoon. Late in the day, water and sky flow together. I am in my element.” Lovely writing, Jo. And a big thank you for the anchor cemetery.

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  15. The anchor images took my breath away Jo. Especially the third image in the post (second one of the anchors). I could hear the silence in that place, being interrupted only by the gentle sea breeze and blowing sand. So beautiful but so lonely. And the sunset lit skies with the silhouettes and reflections in the other photos…magnificent. You really knocked it out of the park with this post.

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  18. A superlative post Jo – have I said that before? That pink and gold anchor shot is sublime, and so are those last reflections in water shots. Stay calm if Christmas directs you otherwise! And have a wonderfully festive season.

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    1. You almost got there before me with your much appreciated comment, Meg. 🙂 I was busy being cross because I’d managed to publish one of my earlier edits and had left off the ending! I always fiddle on for ages tweaking and adjusting the prose. Serves me right! Thanks for your kind words, darlin’. And to you, too 🙂

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  20. Pingback: Space for reflection | Le Drake Noir

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