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

  3. How beautiful! I do enjoy your walks. I laughed out loud when you explained that you tried to get nearer to the goats for a photo… just as I would do. Hope the other half is feeling better.

    Like

    Reply

  5. Loved walking with you, Jo. That wall is superb, and so is the thick green grass and the distressed door. You captured some more great water shots, and made me long for a home amble, although it won’t be as rich as this one. Flowers too! And I gather you’re well again. So I’ll draw closer for a hug or two.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Needing that hug this morning. Awake at the crack of dawn with the worry head on. You know the one! 🙂 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful time, swamped in family. Will email, Meg. I so love your company!

      Like

      Reply

  7. I see the winter problem of a closed tea-room is not confined to Cornwall then. I like these kind of walks where you can do an hour’s circuit and then have a rest then do another. Seems like there is a lot of countryside out there to wander in. I love the olive trees, the old gnarled wood must have a lot of stories to tell. And the wall mural is amazing. What dedication to go to all that work – I wonder if the inside of the wall is similarly painted? Sorry to hear about M and his limp. Gout is not good. My cousin is in a wheelchair due to gout, so it can be very nasty. The OH is limping too, but his is due to an arthritic hip we think. Like most men he won’t consult a doctor, hoping the warmer weather will help. Optimistic too!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Next time I’m in the neighbourhood I’ll ring the doorbell and ask to see the other side, shall I? 🙂 🙂 Might get a cuppa that way cos there was no sign that the caf might ever open again. It’s a fairly remote spot. Loved the army of olives too.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Well there, maybe that’s what you should do – open a caf for walkers! Employ Gilly to do the cakes, I can do cream teas, and you can be the walking guide. Sorted!

        Like

  10. My chief criteria for a walk would be level and not too long and I haven’t got the excuse of a limp! I hope your ‘other half’ is better soon. It was wonderful to come across art in unexpected place. 😉

    Like

    Reply

  16. Actually nothing in the Algarve would surprise me 🙂 I love the donkey, so cute, and the woodpecker and the otters and all of it really. It’s a pity the cafe wasn’t open in such lovely walking weather, but you’ll just have to go back to give it a try. Have a good week sweetheart x:-)x

    Like

    Reply

    1. I definitely never know what I’m going to find next, Gilly. 🙂 All part of life’s rich pattern. A bit of cake would have been nice. Hugs, darlin! Back to the grind tomorrow?

      Like

      Reply

      1. I was back today 😦 and it took most of th day to deal with Thursday and Friday’s emails! Cake, I haven’t baked for a few weeks and I really miss having real cake but I need to get a grip!

        Like

  18. Beautiful and humorous. The artistic sides of nature and humans combined in one walk. I loved it, Jo and I am glad the other half is such a good sport! Two 45′ walks with a limp. That is dedication and love. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  19. Pingback: Jo’s-Monday-Walk2017-Wk05_Amsterdam-2 – WoollyMuses

Leave a comment

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