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

    1. Thanks, Ad. 🙂 Pitch black still and raining here in my little corner, so I need my memories. The anchors are ‘roughly’ fenced off, to keep people from clambering all over them, but it’s still very easy to get the shots.

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  7. Jo these photos are fab , they appeal to all my senses and transport me to the Algarve. I so wish I’d gone to Barril. You could frame one of these, although its hard to choose. I love your new theme, is it one you have to pay for honey?

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    1. Thanks, sweetheart! Next time, huh? 🙂
      It’s my same old theme, Gilly, but without the sidebar. I find if I don’t put a caption on the photo it comes up much bigger. How, or why, that should be I really don’t know but I like it. I used to like my captions too but it’s a small price to pay, I reckon. 🙂

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  8. Much as I love that Anchor Cemetery and I am very happy you took us back there during the golden hour, those last three images are the best (for me). Stunning clarity, light, stillness, serenity and colour. I am guessing that it would be tricky to negotiate your way back if you lingered longer on the beach, but it sure would be lovely to see the sun go down behind those anchors. Lovely language in this one Jo, though having read some of the comments I see you have been a little frazzled today. I’m hibernating. Wake me up after Christmas is over 😉

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    1. I’m inclined to agree, Jude. I could have lingered and lingered, but a certain person was wanting his supper. 🙂 I managed to find the tick box though, so you don’t have to be discombobulated. The paving slabs back across the ilha are a bit uneven and I’d probably end up swimming (or in the slime if tide’s out 😦 ) in the dark. I would have been game on my own but… well, you know, don’t you?

      Funny old day! I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself in this last night, then was adjusting the prose to a better version. Sadly when I pressed publish I backstepped a stage or two and lost some of the best bits and all of the ending! Cross doesn’t describe it! At that stage I thought ‘stuff it’- I needed to get the post out and get on with the day. 🙂 Fraught in town but peaceful in the blood donors. I’m getting there slowly. It’ll be me outside shouting ‘Merry Christmas’ if you’re not good!

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      1. I’m avoiding going out unless it is absolutely necessary, but mainly because of the weather, not the crowds. I’m used to crowds here and there are no shopping centres so people only come for the markets and local shops. I want some foodie gifts for the family, the grand-kids get cash and a token gift so my shopping doesn’t take too long. 😀

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  11. Confession…I know nothing about photography, but something seems different in the photos. Not that your photos aren’t always spectacular, but these are unbelievably stunning. I love the anchor shots. Well done, little lady! 🙂

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  14. Jo it is not too often you take us walking at sunset. Gorgeous photos but I am afraid you would not have been able to take me away from the anchors. So fascinating! Imagine if they could tell the stories of the boats they have traveled with over time.

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