Jo’s Monday walk : Ribeira de Algibre

img_6398

The first place you would think to look for a captivating mural is a sleepy Algarvean village in Portugal, isn’t it?  No- me neither!  But it was one of the highlights of a recent walk in Ribeira de Algibre.  Situated north west of Loule and not far from the village of Boliqueime, this is walk no. 17 in Julie Statham’s book, “Let’s Walk Algarve”.

The chief criteria for this walk was that it was level, and not too long, the other half having sustained a limp.  I could, of course, have left him with his feet up, reading a book, but he insisted on being gallant.  There’d be ample time to read later.  Out past the quarry we went, left through the village of Parragil, then left again.  We parked, as instructed in the book, just past the bridge, and slap bang next to the most amazing wall.

img_6401

The owner of Vila Dias must have an artistic nature, and a sense of humour.  Reluctantly I turned my back on it to follow the trail, just before the bridge.  We are in an area of olive groves and vineyards, with lofty bamboo screening off the narrow river.

img_6328

The path twists and turns, revealing shallow riverbed on one side and regimented rows of vines on the other.  I pounce with glee on a small clump of white flowers- early narcissi, cushioned in luxuriant green, and guarded by ancient olives.  1000 years of age is not uncommon for these gnarled beauties, weatherbent by the sharp winds.

The soil is it’s usual, rich red and deep puddles occasionally surprise.  Neither of us can remember any rain.   All is still and calm when, out of nowhere, the carefree sound of pop music on a radio.  We exchange smiles and hum along, peering to see where the sound is coming from. Around each bend we gaze expectantly, but there is no sign of the music maker, and gradually the sound fades into the distance.

One of the advantages of this walk is that it is split into two halves, circles that begin and end in the village.  Each takes only about 45 minutes, and there is a cafe where you might linger before starting the second half.  Except that, of course, Cafe Ribeira is closed.  Perhaps later in the year?  Not a soul is stirring, though a horse gives us a good long look.

I consult the other half, who has limped gamely along.  We might as well do the other half, he says, and so we do.  The path leads behind a house, on the other side of the road, and the book directs us to look for an abandoned mill.

img_6376

The trail continues, partly by the river and then into more woodland.  Deep in a thicket of olives we spot a herd of goats and I try to edge nearer without giving the alarm.  Not entirely successful, but I manage a couple of shots.

All is tranquillity.  We are passed, twice, by the same cyclist, obviously doing his morning rounds.  In the vineyards we see 3 or 4 people working, clearing and burning dead branches. It’s a wonderful, pastoral scene.

img_6387

As we approach the river again, suddenly the sound of the transistor radio fills the air.  We gaze all around expectantly, but still, no-one is to be seen.  A shy picnicker, perhaps?  Smiling we return to the village.  The sun has changed position and I’m drawn again into the world of the mural.

Even the bus shelter was pretty!  That’s it for another week.  I hope you enjoyed walking with me.  Let’s get the kettle on and enjoy that cuppa now. And for you sympathetic souls, let me reassure you that ‘the limp’ was much better next day.

Thanks everybody, for keeping me company again, and for your generous support and contributions.  Anyone can join in with a walk of their own, long or short.  Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.  You’ll be more than welcome.

……………………………………………………………………………

A place with a whole heap of history.  Let Lady Lee show you around :

A week in Malta

You’ve all got time for this one!  Thanks, Eunice :

A quick afternoon walk

Woolly has progressed to Amsterdam and windmills :

Jo’s-Monday-Walk-Wk-04 

Something you do with a Silver Cross pram, Anabel?

Perambulations in Perth

Jackie’s determined to walk me into the ground this week!

San Antonio, Texas

Lisa has some interesting graffiti for you, in Tel Aviv :

Florentin

Kate takes on a scary climbing challenge in Scotland :

Munro Bagging in the Arrochar Alps

Not so much a walk as a series of reminiscences from Geoff :

A Time in Africa- part one

Drake knows I have a weakness for Samso.  It’s so easy to see why :

Return for a walk

Yvette has a fascinating art challenge going on so I’m chuffed she could make time for me!

Walk with Jo : Mom’s Siam Carytown (Day 54 0f 365 Days of Art)

Fancy another challenge yourself? Jaspa has all the details :

Sam’s Ses Challenge #5 : Mountain

I’ve done this one before, but not the right way around.  Typical!  Thanks, Becky :

Remembering Gilda amongst the Almond Blossom

Jude delights me with a walk in her neck of the woods.  Could this be the year I get to Cornwall?

A Winter Walk

Have a great week!  Here in the UK there’s just a chance that Spring is in the air.  Wherever you are, try to get out and enjoy it.

127 comments

  1. What beautiful, pastoral tranquility! Love that mural, and I do like a walk with plenty of variety…and you had that alright – even a ruined mill!

    Like

    Reply

  2. I am hoping your Hubby has nothing serious happening with that limp. Very gallant indeed. The murals are great fun and love that even the bus shelter got in the act. Looks like a peaceful spot for a stroll. The gnarled tree with the hole is my fave photo. Happy week Jo!

    Like

    Reply
  4. Pingback: Dollar Glen – The Glasgow Gallivanter

    1. Putting a cheerful face on, Jill, because life is doing its very best to depress us, but we won’t let it 🙂 The murals were such a wonderful surprise! Thanks, hon. Have a good week 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  6. I love those murals! They’re so idyllic and colorful. It looks like summer there, Jo. Was the weather warm or cold? I love the way you can do two halves of the walk and stop in the town in the middle. Too bad the cafe was closed! Are you enjoying your time in Tavira, or are you back home now?

    Like

    Reply

    1. That particular day there was a chill breeze, Cathy, but mostly it was around 16-19C, which was very pleasant for January. We’re home again, have just struggled through a week’s flu and have James problems. The real world! 😦 Looking forward to Florence at the end of this month but it could be snowing then. Who knows? 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      1. That is very pleasant indeed for January. We’ve had moderate weather here for most of the winter too. I understand the James problem for sure. We’re dealing with it with Adam right now too. He’s still in Hawaii but I wonder how long before he begs us to fly him home. Are you going to Florence soon? 🙂

        Like

  7. Yhis sounds just great – maybe next time we visit! I love murals and these are colourful and positive. And the limping – glad to hear it is better now…

    Like

    Reply
  9. Pingback: Ten Things in Sicily – Ladyleemanila

  11. Lovely walk for the start of the week Jo – it all looks so peaceful and serene and the mural is a wonderful splash of colour too! Most unusually we have had 2 days of solid rain – middle of summer and it’s struggled to get to the high teens today quite strange for the time of year so am enjoying looking at pictures of the Algarve sun!! Hope all’s well with you and wishing you a lovely week xx 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  12. Algarve started to be my next goal when traveling.
    I have memories of this blessed place ,but when I see and read your beautiful posts ,I realize that there are many things I’ve missed!
    Love all your photos and those murals you captured so wonderfully…
    Thanks , Jo, once more!

    Like

    Reply

  13. I hope you didn’t inflict that limp, Jo!
    That is a fantastic mural and I love your shot of the peaceful, golden riverbank.
    And I always enjoy your writing, but it seemed especially relaxed and joyous today – perhaps because it was such an easy walk!

    Like

    Reply

  14. A lovely sunny walk to brighten up another grey morning. Your photos make me want to go there right now 🙂
    Whoever painted the mural on the wall is obviously very artistic – it’s fantastic and I love it 🙂
    I like the idea of the walk being split into two halves with the cafe in the middle, a shame it was closed though.

    Like

    Reply

    1. There was quite a keen wind that morning but if you were sheltered it was blissful.
      You can never rely on a cafe in the Algarve, Eunice. It might have been open later in the day, or never! 😦 Fortunately we did have the water supplies that time 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  15. Wow the murals are incredible…..amazing you did drag yourself away. And two lovely strolls, we must get the book!

    We’ve noticed that the water has been laying around too….guess it reflects how much fell before Christmas.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I’ll lend it to you if you can hang on till March. It’s even more difficult to follow than some of the Walking Trails, but this one is virtually self explanatory. The murals though- totally incredible! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      4. I lent it to the next door neighbours last trip as they had visitors staying who liked to walk. Malcolm can’t because of emphysemia. You could go knocking on their door. He bakes wonderful teacakes 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  16. I always enjoy following your walks Jo, but this week was particularly beautiful. Perhaps its because I loved the mural. Or maybe it’s because I was sympathetic to the endurance of your “other half” who joined you despite a crippling injury 😉

    And what an amazing idea to help others share their walks here as well. You truly r good people Jo!

    Like

    Reply
  17. Pingback: A walk up to Crow Castle | Life In The Mouse House
  20. Pingback: Dunes | Empire of Lights

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.