Jo’s Monday walk : Sunrise on the Salt Pans

I sometimes do daft things!  When I saw a sunrise walk featured in Tavira, in Todos a Caminhar, I just knew I had to do it.  I’ve always wanted to live beside a beach, so that I could slip outside into that beguiling early morning light.  My reality is far from that, but a 20 minute stroll will bring me to the riverside, and beyond, a world of salt marshes and oyster catchers.

Trying not to disturb a certain person, I tiptoed down the stairs at 5.45, gulped a few mouthfuls of coffee, and out into the mild, morning air.  I thought I had made good time down to the Praca, but when I got there the place was deserted.  I hadn’t been sure how many other enthusiasts to expect, but the streets of Tavira were Sunday morning sleepy.  Just as I was deciding what to do, a lady in joggers sprinted into the square, threw off her jacket and made off at speed.  It was 6.18am!   I had missed the start by three minutes.  And sure enough, the sun was just starting to rise.

I had no intention of hot footing it after them.  I had all this to myself!  In lazy pursuit, I ambled out along the river.  The soft light pearled the water, the stillness unbroken.  Even the birds were enjoying a Sunday snooze.

As I reached the edge of the salt pans I smiled to myself.  There in the distance, lycra clad figures sped towards me.  All of this seemed wasted on them.  I continued to stroll and snap.  As they straggled past me, in twos and threes, I smiled ‘Bom dia!’ but most were focused on home.

Across the salt pans there was just enough light to reflect Tavira in the water.  Ahead, the small marina and boatyard of Quatro Aguas.  It’s a place that I love, but I had never seen it in such opalescent light.

Enjoying the early morning mellow.  Gently I retraced my steps, in the ever increasing light.  Mauve crept into the heather and bronze lit the sandbanks.  I played at being a birder for a while, an obliging chap posing for me.  The wrecked mill drew closer.

And then I was back in town, and crossing the flyover.  A fisherman, releasing his boat to catch the tide.  Passing the common, a strange sight caught my eye.  An inverted Minnie Mouse, remnant of last night’s festival revelry, perhaps?

An elderly gentleman with a nice smile had also observed the balloon.  As I stopped to take the shot, an agitated shrieking filled the air.  Body taut and wings beating rapidly, it flew overhead again and again.  I supposed it must have had young close by.  Feeling like an intruder, I wearily returned home, where all was still silent.  Time to put the kettle on and start the day.

I hope you enjoyed watching the sun rise with me.  I’d like to add it to Cathy’s Photographic challenge at Wander.essence.  She’s doing some fine work over there.  I tried to bring the salt marshes alive for you.  I’m half-tempted to add this to Tina’s Soft too.  I hope she won’t mind.  The light on the water was so very soft that morning.  Are you following the Lens Artists?

Many thanks to all of you who accompany me each week.  My wanderings would be nothing without you.  Join me here any time.

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Let’s start with Lady Lee and an outing to the park :

Skywatch – our day out

Alice invites you to ‘smell the flowers’.  It’s that time of year, isn’t it?

Delaware Park- Buffalo NY

Some people say I have too many of these, but Jackie’s a lady who knows all about food :

Tea Break

A world far removed from my experience.  Let Janet take you there :

Monday walk…. sites and sights of Sheridan

Nothing I like better than going adventuring with Drake :

Bay of Kiel

Geoff rediscovers the delights of the Kent coast :

Thanet, a Walk on the Not so Wild Side #walking#kent

And Eunice shares some local history and a pleasant walk :

A local walk to Hall i’ th’ Wood

The heat has been getting to them in Norfolk, I think, but Janaline makes the most of this garden tour :

A walk through West Acre Garden in Norfolk

Fancy walking a race circuit?  Let Jaspa take you to Monaco!

Walking the Epic Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix Racetrack

I always love Aarti’s style :

Walk in a Monasterio

A very different monastery experience from Banactee, dipping back into memory :

Climbing on Mt. Sinai

And finally, another enthralling outing with Cathy.  The scenery is superb!

Strolling along Park Avenue at Arches

That’s all folks!  Wishing you a wonderful week.  Hope you can get out and about a bit.  See you next week!

150 comments

  1. Now that’s the way to start a day, Jo! Wow! I love the way your photographs reflect the passing of hours from the early morning, barely sunrise into a bolder later morning light! And speaking of reflection, I love the way Tavira is reflected in the water. What a fabulous walk!

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    1. I thought it made a great contrast with last week’s green walk, Debbie, and I enjoyed it so much. How could you not love being there? Thanks so much hon xx

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  8. That light is totally wonderful. And you were in the right place to capture it. Doesn’t sound to me that you missed anything by missing the ‘sunrise walk’ – can’t really see you jogging in lycra 😀

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    1. Nor me, Jude. 🙂 🙂 It was a relief to miss them. Hardly anyone smiled or even looked at me on their way back. I was curious about who would turn out at that time, if anybody. You can imagine what Michael thought of such an enterprise. Rolls over and pulls cover over head. 🙂

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      1. I’m usually with Michael, though I think you might have persuaded me to join you just this once. We have noticed this past week when pulling in to allow cars pass that no-one is acknowledging us – usually the driver will raise their hand in thanks. Grockles heh!

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  13. Pearled and opalescent … perfect words to capture the look of that early morning water! I grumble getting up that early, but if/when I do, I am always so pleased to see the day break. This is a lovely start to my Monday morning!

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  20. Well worth getting up for, Jo. That light is quite special!! I’m often awake at the time of day, more’s the pity as I’d like to sleep in just a bit sometimes), but one advantage is being able to see glorious sights such as these. When I’m walking in the park, I’m always happy if I’m the only one. I want people to take advantage of our great park system, only when I’m not there, please. 🙂

    https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2018/07/30/monday-walk-to-the-phone-booth/

    janet

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    1. Yes I can be incredibly selfish when it comes to my walking territory, Janet. I’m an early riser but seldom get past the garden before breakfast. Thanks a lot hon xx

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      1. Speaking of that, I need to get out into the garden and yard ASAP to get started on wresting back control. After my vacation and with work, it’s gotten a bit out of control, but tomorrow is that day I get going with it. This morning I’m meeting a friend for coffee and before that, trying to get a bit of laundry done and have some breakfast (and catch up on responses to comments and, later, commenting on posts.)

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