Jo’s Monday walk : Salt marshes at Fuseta

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It’s that ‘betwixt and between’, Christmas time and the New Year.  The weather has been atrocious in so many places and some people will be spending it mopping up and repairing their homes.  I haven’t managed too much walking lately myself, but I do still have some happy memories to share.  Shall we take a little salt marsh stroll in the Eastern Algarve?  Nothing too strenuous!  At day’s end, we can even linger by the beach awhile.

The sky is blue, and that’s a good start!  I’ve taken you to Fuseta before.  It’s a little off the beaten track, but beloved by campers for the beachfront camp site.  New development unkindly overshadows the distinctive fishermen’s homes.  Prime location is key, after all, but the fishermen pursue their livelihood as they always did.  The settlement dates back to 1572, and the fishing boats still cluster together in the mouth of the Rio Tronoco.

Approximately 10km east of Olhão, you turn off the E125 and follow the narrow road, over the railway tracks and down past the river mouth to the shore.  Except in high Summer you will find ample parking beside the camp site.  With the sea on your left, walk between the fishermen’s houses and the new apartment blocks facing the sea.  The salt marshes open out where the road ends.

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It’s a distinctive landscape, and habitat for all kinds of birds.  I’ve grown to love it’s oft times, unkempt appearance when the tide is low. Spears of sunlight glinting on high water will reward my patience later.  Coots bob gently on the surface, while their longer-legged friends peck, and choose.

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Paths lead between the salt pans but you would be ill advised to follow any that are not obviously well trodden.  Cyclists zip past, some with a smile and a wave.  Looking back, houses randomly dot the marsh borders, and in the distance the new builds gleam, whitely.

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You can follow the cycle track all the way to Olhao if you wish, but I did promise you a shorter walk, so I’m meandering back, on the main path across the marshes.  I know of a good bench or three, where you can watch the locals play boules and still keep an eye on the sea.IMG_1198

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You’ll be wanting a stop at the beach cafe, but I might just tempt you to a stroll along the river mouth first?  You know I like a boat or two!

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It’s a little ragged around the edges, but Fuseta is a real and honest place, with a working population.  I hope you enjoyed accompanying me on my stroll.  Shall we head back to that cafe now?  I hear there’s cake!

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I’ve had a great time walking with you all this year.  Thank you for the support.  It has been amazing!  I worry sometimes that the formula is growing stale.  I know that I will carry on walking and sharing, because I love it, but I would hate for you to be bored.  You can say so, politely, in the comments, if you wish.  I promise not to take offense.  For now, I’m going to put that kettle on.

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Not many shares this week, as you’ve all been busy with Christmas!  Hopefully you’ll find time to read just a few excellent ones.  Many thanks to my contributors!  My Jo’s Monday walk page gives details of how to join in.

Drake’s post was wonderfully Christmassy!  Happy New Year to you, sir!

Walkaround

Over at Junkboat Travels they were making a proper holiday of it :

Mazatlan, Mexico

Why not visit Jaspa’s favourite city?  You may be in for a surprise :

Secret Itineraries Tour, Doge’s Palace, Venice

One of my joys on Christmas morning was this precious gift from Meg.  Please don’t miss it!

Eurobodalla beaches : Wasp Head 

And my lovely friend Gilly proves that murky weather doesn’t have to make you miserable :

A Boxing Day stroll

Please do join me on Jo’s Monday walk next week, when I’ll be celebrating the launch of Jude’s new Garden Photography Challenge.  I have a rather nice English garden to share.  But first,  I’d like to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year, and lots of walking!

133 comments

  2. Could never be bored with your lovely walks Jo so do hope you keep going even if you decide to go to fortnightly or monthly, and if you decide to do something completely different I know whatever you try next will be just as wonderful. I always smile after one of your walks.

    We’ve not got out to Fuseta yet this trip, really don’t know where the time goes but do plan to go early in 2016. Last time we were there it was at low tide, so lovely to see your pictures of a high tide. Wishing you a happy and fulfilling 2016.

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  3. I do hope you are feeling better and thank you for taking us on a walk to such a lovely laid back part of the Algarve. I agree it is an honest working class sort of a place and quite delightful, all those fishing boats are a sure sign of hard workers. I hope you keep on with your walks in 2016. It will leave a big hole in the blogging world if you stop. Best wishes for 2016. How long are your Polish family with you? two and a half hours to midnight here, but I am almost asleep so the new year will have to come in unattended at this house…

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    1. You’ll be fast asleep and the rockets will be about to go off as I answer this, Pauline. No worries- it will be New Year all day tomorrow, as my Mam used to say 🙂 I’m up and down like a yo-yo at the minute, hon. I don’t handle stress at all well these days. The sooner I get to that laidback lifestyle in the Algarve… 🙂 They’re only here 3 days! Silly of me, isn’t it? Off to see a few rockets now on the Star Wars movie 🙂 God bless!

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  4. Now that was such an awesomes stroll Jo! You always take me far away with your amazing photos. Thanks for the lovely virtual travel darling. You will find me at the light house, looking for mermaids. 😛

    Wishing you and your family and wonderful and prosperous 2016! ♥ ♥ ♥

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    1. Good morning, Sonel, and a very happy and healthy New Year to you! I’m just putting together my New Year’s post and I’ll come visiting. Thank you so much for your appreciation and kindness over the years. Hugs for 2016! 🙂 🙂

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  5. This series is anything BUT boring, Jo! I’ve loved it.

    This place must have some awesome fishing (all those great little fishing boats are a big clue!)

    Happy New Year, Jo! xxxxxx

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    1. Judging from the number of barbecues and fish restaurants, you’re not wrong, Dianne. 🙂 Thanks for all your support and kind words, hon. Yes- it’s drawing near! Happy New Year 🙂

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      2. It sounds bliss! I hope you can find some stable weather. The world appears to have gone slightly mad at the minute, if you believe the news forecasts 🙂 Sorry if I’ve misspelt your name- I always get it wrong 😦 Very best wishes wherever you celebrate it.

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  7. Jo, I love your blog and it is NEVER boring. I don’t get to read posts as much as I would like because of my hectic work schedule but I am going to try to do better in 2016 and comment more too. Thank you for what you do.
    Have a Happy New Year!

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    1. Bless you! That’s so nice to hear! I’m feeling a little bit out of sorts at the moment but I thrive on praise so thank you. Very best wishes to you and no worries-visit when you can. You’ll be welcome x

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  9. This looks so relaxing. And there’s sun too!
    Definitely carry on with the sharing Jo – you always give us a great mix of places and I love your writing too.

    Just preparing a walk for this week – will be up soon, hopefully.

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    1. I’ve just picked up my phone to pass 5 minutes before I wash the kitchen floor and here are some lovely messages to cheer me up! Thanks Paula. I’ll have a look later when the chores are done. Wasn’t sure when you were blogging again. Hope you had a pleasant Christmas xxx

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      3. It’s not a very good time for me now, Jo, and I am sorry for telling it here. If I am not around as much, it is not because I don’t care. I have things to take care of 😦

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  15. Dear Jo, although I am a part time blogger and full time worker, I treasure memories, recent anchors in the sand and your past European family reunion. I like this post with wide expanses of blue water and skies, sunny boats, cacti, the orange bright plants along the marsh. Hope to see more walks posts in 2016! Happy new year, Jo!

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    1. Your company is always very welcome, Robin, and I know you have limited time so it’s appreciated. Glad you enjoyed this, and yes, I’m sure there’ll be more 🙂 Many thanks to you and best wishes for 2016!

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