Jo’s Monday walk : Zoo, zoo, Zoomarine!

There are few worse feelings than that waving goodbye at the airport, but I’m gathering up some happy memories to share with you this week.  This was our third, and possibly last, visit to Zoomarine.  There’s something so endearing about a dolphin.  You’d sacrifice your bath for a week or two if you were offered the loan of one, wouldn’t you?  I know I would!

It’s great to be surrounded by smiling faces, and the zoo-themed water park has taken a leaf or three from the famous Florida parks, including a ‘catchy’ tune.  It’s not something I would recommend for every day as it’s quite a costly business and in full summer would be far too busy for enjoyment.  At this time of year, though, the sunshine can be quite warm and the water parks themselves are not yet open, so you can quite effectively kill 2 birds with one stone.  But please don’t talk about killing birds around here.  They do have ears, you know!

Talking of birds, isn’t this the most wonderful tropical plant ever?  I always have to stop to admire the Bird of Paradise.

The flora and fauna create a pleasant environment for a stroll, and you can always spice it up with a ride or two.  The wave maker was none too rough, but you could whoop your way down the water chute, as mine did.

A particular favourite with small person was the rollercoaster.  ‘Hands up’ as you swoop downwards.  He quite liked being high above the park too.

The sea lion show was in the process of being revamped, but there were crazy pirate acrobatics to compensate, and some hefty dinosaurs were being craned into position for a future Jurassic feature.  Zoomarine has all the makings of a great family day out.

I suspect Patti knew I wouldn’t be able to resist her Delicious post this week.  I almost met the lovely lady when she passed through Portugal earlier this month, but it didn’t quite happen.  Hopefully another time.  She and the Lens-Artists are doing such a good job.  And for those of you who care about these things, the one on the right was my choice.

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Time to catch up with a couple of weeks worth of walks.  Please do visit any you’ve missed.  And many thanks to all of you for continuing to follow along on Jo’s Monday walk.  It’s much appreciated.

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Why not let Janet tempt you with an almond croissant?  Or even a small absinthe…

Monday walk…in the Franche-Comté

Monday walk…the green fairy garden

You’ll be full as a gun when you’re finished over at Jackie’s!

Warm and toasty

Debbie I can always rely on to find me a view I’ve never seen before :

Roaming ’round Rabat

And Suzanne to sing lovely New Zealand’s praises loud and clear :

Hiking the Whakarewarewa Circuit

But I could almost be homesick for England when I look at some of Jude’s posts :

Around Trencrom

Penlee Park

And then Tish really made me wish I’d made it to the Malverns :

Stepping Through Time and Space in the Malvern Hills (cue Edward Elgar)

Margaret seduced me completely by taking me back to Staithes, an old haunt of mine, and then disaster struck :

Ragtag Saturday: The Cleveland Coast

Les demoiselles de Caraybat, daffodils and gentians : revisited

Lisa, meanwhile, had her eye on a young eagle :

Jo’s Monday Walk

Life on the move.  Drake knows all about that!

Day on the go

Where did Irene get to this week?

Walk Along The Trails

Soft and gentle Spring time, with Rupali :

Weekend 76: Spring 2019

It’s fascinating seeing the world from different perspectives.  Susanne shared close to home :

A Walk through Fairhaven and Western Washington University

And Cathy… well, she’s always wandering  🙂

(Camino day 11) a day in Logrono

(Camino day 12) Logrono to Ventosa

But you could create your own Algarve walk, with a little help from a friend.  Many thanks, Becky!

A magnificent hike in the Lower Guadiana

It’s Easter next weekend and I hope to share with you some of the magic of this special time of the year here in the Algarve.  It would be great if you could join me.  Meantime, have a happy and peaceful week!

121 comments

  2. The park looks a wonderful place for an outing Jo! Birds of Paradise are beautiful plants – we have one in the corner of our courtyard and it has been flowering for the past few weeks. It flowers for extended periods in the spring and autumn and seemed to go for ever this past spring/early summer as we had milder than usual temperatures. Airport farewells are always hard – I have been doing them for years and it never gets any easier. Take care and hope you are doing ok xx 🙂

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    1. Doing great, thanks, hon 🙂 🙂 It was a great weekend with much excitement still to look forward to. It would be great if we were nearer the youngsters but we have to think ourselves lucky.

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      1. It’s hard being so far away Jo I know the feeling well but then you make the most of the visits and we are lucky with all the modern means of communication available these days! I’m up in Yorkshire now catching up with the family here. Mlle is flat chat with work so we’re seeing her for a long weekend in London at the end of our trip after we’ve been to Germany! Hope all is well with you! Xx

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  4. Jo, an amazing day out for adults and children alike – the park looks amazing. The birds and fauna are stunning and dolphins wonderful! As for the rides, they look like the standard I manage, any faster or higher is a just too much for me! Glad the little one enjoyed himself … who is that ducking out of shot next to him?! 😀 Yummy, a delectable treats to end the day! Many thanks for sharing! 😀

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    1. It already seems so long ago, Annika. We look forward to things for ages and then they’re gone. 😦 Now looking ahead to Summer when we’ll be back to look after the little chap for a few weeks. 🙂 🙂

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  5. I have seen my share of shabby and shameful zoos around the world. All the better to discover one that not only looks beautiful but seems to take good care of the animals. You must have had a thrilling day there. Lovely images, as always.

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  7. What a fun day out, I’d love to see dolphins. Roller coasters and rides aren’t my cup of tea but I’d join in with my G- babies if I had too. The birds and plants are much more my scene. Saying goodbye is horrid, as you know I’m a proper weeper. I cried when I left Hampshire on Saturday, and being left is even harder than leaving. You’ll see them again in two or three months though darling, hugs xx

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    1. I’m not much of a rider either, Gilly, but I love the dolphins,and the grounds are beautiful. 🙂 🙂 I’m trying to stay positive, hon. Have yourself a beautiful Easter! Sending heaps of hugs 🙂

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  9. Wow for those orange ones – ibis? And a lovely, delicious walk ending with ….well, my choice would have been the same as yours! Thank you for the colourful moments!

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  17. Goodbyes are really tough! I was at a small children’s theme park with my 19-month old grandson last week and savored every memory making moment! He would love these colorful birds and all the activity. All photos are tremendous, Jo, but the Bird of Paradise photo is a knock-out! 🙂

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    1. I knew you’d understand, Debbie. 🙂 🙂 I have memories of the previous time we were there too, and my 28 year old was captivated by those orange birds, who were happy to feed out of his hand. Thanks so much, hon.

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