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

  1. It looks like a lovely place for a youngster though I am not keen on large marine animals being in captivity. Seems you had some blue sky days after all! Pouring it down here today and cold! I was thinking of getting some Strelitzia seeds and growing my own, until I read that it can take five years to flower!

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    1. They do have an enormous space, Jude, and the ‘babies’ join in part of the show with them. There’s so much trust and affection between them and the trainers, it’s hard to take exception, though I take your point. 🙂 🙂 We did have 3 or 4 days with some sunshine, but not much lazing on the beach weather. Typically it has been 25C here today and I’m starting to look for shade. 🙂

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      1. Supposed to get up to 21C at the weekend! Seeing as it has been around 7C today and yesterday (and rain and wind) I can’t wait! Just wondering where the best place to visit will be given it is Easter weekend. Perhaps NOT the beach!

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  3. I’d go just for the dolphins and all that tropical plant life! No matter how many times I see both of those, they still make me feel happy inside. Sorry your visitors are gone; I know the emptiness that can bring. Hope you are already perking back up.

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    1. I can’t help but smile when I’m there, Lexie. The ‘baby’ dolphins join in the show with their mums and it’s a wonderful sight. 🙂 🙂 I’ve been really busy since they left and with Easter upon us there are lots of diversions, so I try not to dwell on it. Thanks, darlin!

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  11. Pingback: Chomping at the bit for Chihuly – Travel with Intent

  13. Share your doubts about zoos, but this looks rather lovely – creature and setting wise. Wonderful dolphins and stunning birds. And many thanks for link. The Malverns seem a long time ago already.

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  16. Looks as though you had a great time with the family.
    Looks like a good zoo (I also tend to avoid them unless they have a good reputation) and what a wonderful blue sky! And, of course, I love the dolphins!

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  17. It looks like a great place for a visit, I love the colourful birds and the fancy detail in the first shot is lovely, but dolphins in captivity aren’t for me I’m afraid 😦

    I really must catch up with your blog posts, I’ve missed quite a few just recently. I’ve done several Monday walks – saw an amazing war memorial while out last week – but as I don’t have time to read everyone else’s walks I don’t think it’s fair to send you a link to mine. I’m off up to the north west Lake District for Easter, never been to that part before so hopefully will find lots more walks round there 🙂

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    1. Funnily enough, I was thinking about you this morning, Eunice, and wondering if everything was alright. I struggle to keep up with folk unless they comment but if I have an idle moment I do try to. The important thing is to stay well, and enjoy the walking. 🙂 🙂

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      1. That’s great and unfortunately the animals are needing more help due to their habitats and themselves becoming more endangered. Kids always love a visit to zoos!

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  19. That tart does look good but cheesecake is my favourite. I love a waterslide and you will always find me at the top of the tallest one.

    I always thought the Bird of Paradise was symbolic of a bird head with a fancy plume but I discovered recently that’s it’s meant to be a bird body with wings.

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    1. The cheesecake here is a bit too gooey and creamy for me. I prefer something solider 🙂 🙂 And I have an aversion to jelly- especially red! Aren’t we strange?

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    2. Actually if you look at the Crested Crane you will see that the plant does look like the bird head and plume. I saw both the bird and the flower in South Africa and the resemblance is uncanny.

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