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. Fabulous photos Jo, looks like you’ve made the perfect decision to start a new life over there. Don’t need any housesitters or house-guests even do you? Just asking ………………….

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    1. Actually, Jonno, I’m half wondering about a house swap for 4 weeks next summer, while we look after a small person in Leeds. The husband is not convinced though. 🙂 🙂 Thanks, hon! It’s been wonderful so far.

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      1. We could do the house swap, well half of it as don’t have a house! Bear us in mind if you do need anyone though, we’re reasonably clean and occasionally tidy.

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    1. It has become exasperating, to say the very least, hasn’t it? Makes you want to throw the politicians in a room and throw away the key. 🙂 🙂 We’re really happy to be here.

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  7. So happy for you both, now that you have finally achieved your goal. And I’m looking forward to seeing a whole new part of the world with you every week! This walk may not have been long, but there was so much beauty along the way.

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  15. Oh that cake. Its lushousness oozed out of my screen. Lovely to see those blue blue skies too. Am also very taken with your bougainvillea – never seen it before in those strawberry/raspberry ripple colours. Happy new life, both!

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  18. Jo, I love how you’re living the dream and yes, this is just the very beginning of it … enjoy every single moment! I’m glad you had a chance to post and share your walk with us – just the tonic I needed on this grey cold misty morning. The bougainvillaea is breathtaking in its sheer gentle beauty – a joy to witness.

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