Jo’s Monday walk : Lagar da Mesquita

Better late than never?  It’s still Monday in my part of the world, in my ‘new’ home in the Algarve, and I’ve just about got time to share a short walk with you.  I’m going to be deliberately vague because this walk was about 8 weeks ago, an outing with the Striders, and I was too busy chatting and catching up with everybody to pay much attention to the route.  A common fault when I’m walking in a group.  Our start point was a little way inland from Tavira, at Lagar da Mesquita, on route PR1.

We followed country lanes and narrow tracks out of the village, with the promise that there wouldn’t be too many inclines.  Villas nestle among groves of olives and oranges, some with quirky touches, like the pair of legs protruding from a cement mixer.  One of them is serenaded by a profusion of pink flowers, while everywhere the vines have developed a beautiful rosy hue.

A crossroads is signed Desbarato but we carry on, beneath spreading holm oaks and over a carpet mulch of leaves and acorns.  I cannot take my eyes off an ancient cottage, tenderly wrapped around with the softest, creamy pink bougainvillea.  Petals litter the floor like a rag rug, the ornate metal door knob, set into marble, something of a mystery.

We loop back to the start, a little gentle exertion for the inevitable reward.  Short, but sweet, I hope you’ll agree.

So much has happened in the last couple of weeks that I’ve hardly had time to draw breath.  Yet here I find myself, living the dream.  I hope you’ll come along with me.  This is just the beginning.

Thanks to all of you who’ve waited patiently, and for your generous support.  If I’ve missed anybody out, do give me a nudge.  Meantime I’d love you to join me on Jo’s Monday walk. Please read and share the following walks.

walking logo

You’d best tackle Debbie’s walk when you’ve got plenty of stamina, but you’ll be encouraged by lots of smiling faces :

A steep climb accompanied by Buddha

Geoff and Dog take to those London streets again :

A Wander Across the Far North #capitalring #walking

Mondays are murals day with Cactus Catz.  I know you’ll enjoy these :

Monday Mural : Trashcan Mural, Downtown Tucson, Arizona

Mural : Joe Pagac’s Harboring  Beauty

Drake shares the warm colours of North Africa :

Not alike, but fascinating

And Jackie goes adventuring in Spain :

Cafe Solo

Wilderness as far as the eye can see, with indefatigable Cathy :

The Blue Mesa Trail at Petrified Forest National Park

The Painted Desert Rim Trail at Petrified Forest National Park

And Miriam is clearly on top of the world!

Walking in Wonderland

While Carol comes up with the most stunning views!

From the Sea to the Sky

Hidden Wonder

Life in a Sussex backwater ?  Many thanks to Mari :

Steyning – A Sussex Town

It’s so nice to be back!  In every sense.  I arrived ‘home’ to Tavira last night.  Today I met a lovely new neighbour, walked on my favourite beach and caught up with friends.  I hope your week is as good as mine promises to be.

129 comments

  1. You new home is beautiful, Jo. Your house is that big one on the hill, right? 🙂 Seriously, I’m looking forward to seeing more of your area. I didn’t know you’d be walking today, but I had a lovely, snowy walk in the park this morning. It was absolutely glorious. 🙂

    janet

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  3. Happy homecoming Jo and I loved this little stroll you took us on. I love the colours of your “new” home. Do you have one of those delightful white washed cottages? That pink bougainvillea and it’s carpet of petals are beautiful. I would come along for the delicious looking cake and coffee too. I’m wishing you a future of continuing happiness 🍸🍾😊

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  5. I hear you about chatting and not paying attention to the route. Been there done that, more than once. What beautiful photos you’ve shared with us, Jo. The Algarve seems to be a lovely, hospitable place. Are you near water or inland? Glad you’re settling in and living the dream.

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  7. Couldn’t have said it any better Anabel 🙂 Pity my walk did not include something as delicious as that!

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      1. Not a problem Jo, you have been very busy. The big day is tomorrow, so I got in a long walk this morning as I won’t be doing another for a little while.

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  11. Gorgeous photos of a lovely walk and beautiful place, I love that little cottage. I’m off to Ireland on Thursday for a few days but here’s a couple of my Monday walks to include whenever you get the chance –

    https://mousehouselife.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/radcliffe-tower-and-close-park/
    https://mousehouselife.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/preston-dock-some-history-useless-information-and-curiosities

    I hope you’re settling nicely into your new life and your week lives up to its promise 🙂

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      1. I’ve been taking advantage of any sunny autumn days and walking lots – I’m only in Ireland for five days but hopefully I’ll be able to do at least one walk while I’m there. I hope you enjoy yours tomorrow 🙂

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  13. Great to see you back there Jo. What wonderful light and colours.
    I’ll try to be back with a walk soon – but might be a couple of weeks as things like ironing and work are getting in my way! And a fast-approaching trip!

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  16. Nice to see you back, Jo! How’s the weather there now? From these pictures, it looks like it was glorious 8 weeks ago. I love the white cottage with the creamy pink bougainvillea and the carpet of petals. Are you settling in nicely? Thanks for the links. 🙂

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    1. I think we missed a couple of weeks of very mixed weather and a lot of rain, Cathy, but it was lovely today. 17C and sunny. It looks like a fine week and we’re out with the Striders tomorrow. Yes, it feels very much like home 😃🍸💕

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