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

  3. Jo, I watched in awe, the transition from sunshine, wine sipping and gorgeous skies with sun setting and spreading it’s Beauty. The iridescent grasses, the shadows of anchors, the silhouettes of evergreen branches and cacti. . . Lavender pastel dreamy while striking brilliant orange colors stimulated my eyes and mind.

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  5. Oh Jo, I needed this stroll today, even though it’s Wednesday and not Monday, but that doesn’t matter does it? It still absolutely beautiful and so calming…and that is exactly what’s needed. But an Anchor Cemetery…so unusual, I’ve never seen one like it. I can just imagine how peaceful it must be walking there in the evening as the sun sets, taking in the atmosphere. Just beautiful…

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    1. I’ve just sank down in the armchair with a coffee and took a deep breath, Sherri. 🙂 Oh, to be there right now, but I’ll make do with wonderful memories. Hope you’re coping, hon. Here’s wishing you a fabulous festive season. 🙂

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      1. Oh I know that feeling…memories like that keep us going! Thanks so much Jo, I’m getting there, got my last post of 2015 up at long last…why does everything take me so long? I’m trying not to panic…getting there, and I hope for you too 🙂 xx

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  10. Beautiful scenery Jo! The light that time of day is always mesmerizing..I am commuting into the city right now and I swear the person next to me caught some glimpses herself. Thanks for transporting me – us – during this hectic time!

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  11. Oh wow Jo! You really captured the serene beauty and calmness of the beauty around you darling! That beach bar sounds like a good place to start and I would just go and lie down on the beach and listen to the waves. Thanks for this wonderful virtual trip and the amazing shots. 😀 ♥

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    1. Hello sweetheart 🙂 I really enjoyed featuring Barril because it was the most magical of evenings. I’m glad you could enjoy it with me. Hugs to you, Sonel. Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas.

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      1. I can see it was Jo. It sure is a magical place and I am glad I could enjoy it with you. 😀

        Thanks darling and wishing you and yours the same. ♥

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  15. I absolutely love that first picture Jo! It takes me back to my student days on the west coast of Wales, and walking along the cliffs where the trees were all bent over due to the continually strong wind. I know the anchors haven’t been bent by the wind, but they look as if they have!

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  16. What a place to linger Jo … especially on a gorgeous evening like that .. really really golden calming light . Seeing the anchors marooned or beached in numbers like that is fascinating … make fabulous compositions . I don’t know those colours work either Lol … super special skies x
    Happy Tuesday now !

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  17. Those anchors look both eerie and beautiful, and the skies… oh how I love the colors of the skies just before dark. Even in big cities like Jakarta sometimes, on very lucky days, people can see beautiful sunset — a nice and free feat for those weary souls. Beautiful photos, Jo!

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    1. So far as I know these are simply relics of a fishing history and nothing more sinister than that, Draco, but it’s quite hard to find any information about them. I don’t even know who started the idea or how long ago, but I am always drawn to them if I’m on that beach. It’s just a wonderfully atmospheric place, especially in the peace of twilight. Thank you 🙂

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    1. The name’s a little off-putting, Tina, but I love to see all those long abandoned anchors. It’s such a peaceful place in the early evening. Thanks hon, and to you too. 🙂

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