After a suitable rest, I couldn’t stop myself from scooting up the hill to look down on Velas. Solo, of course! I’d been looking out on Morro Grande and the tiny chapel of Livramento since our arrival, and was determined to tackle the hill.
Lizards scuttled on the chapel wall in the late evening sun as I crossed the stile and began my climb. My legs felt stronger than expected. Probably the pure exhilaration of being up there, alone, the views pulling me ever higher. Turning a corner, the ruined moinho was in sight. And then, Pico, the light on the water, and the whole glorious expanse of coastline.
I couldn’t stop smiling as I made my way back down, with beautiful, blue dragonflies darting ahead. 🙂 I’m linking this to Cathy’s Photography Invitation. If you haven’t seen it, do take a look.

When people ask why one climbs a hill one can’t help but answer “Because I can!” Soon enough we may not have the ability. Until then we gather these gorgeous views like treasure.
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Hopefully we can for a little while yet, Sue. Where shall we meet? 🙂 🙂
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I’m open to most anything Jo. Of course we would love to show you some of our Rocky Mountain ‘hills’ in Canada one day. Xo
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Slightly odd marks on your photos here Jo, dirty lens? Or was it raining? You are unstoppable aren’t you, with all those hills? Seems like you found Tish’s windmill too! Plenty of blue for Becky, if only you’d squared them up!
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Home safe, tucked up abed? We’ve just staggered back from a neighbours and it’s past my bedtime. Camera’s been a bit naughty for a while but I was reluctant to let it go. Replaced with another Canon Ixus so hopefully all good. I did quite like these smudgy views though. It was that kind of day 🙂 🙂
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You have to have a decent camera where you live! A good afternoon for tennis today, though it is a shame to be indoors as the weather is fabulous.
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Too hot on the roof so I’m watching tennis. 🙂 🙂
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What a wonderful walk and view, Jo! I’d do it. 🙂
janet
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I knew you would, Janet. My kind of gal 🙂 🙂
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Lovely landscapes, nicely selected and composed.
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Thanks, Sally. They gave me so much pleasure 🙂 🙂
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well worth the climb Jo! what a charming chapel and a glorious view! wow! 🙂 🙂
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We drove around the bay, past it, so I knew the views would be good. Just needed a bit of effort, LolaWi. 🙂 🙂
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Lovely little scoot Jo.
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Ticking clock, Jonno! I was desperate to get up that hill after looking at it from the balcony every day. 🙂 🙂
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Greetings from old Wroclaw, no hills here, just good espresso 🙂👍🥳
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I’m having a mediocre coffee right now- home brewed so I can’t blame anyone. 🙂 🙂
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Delightful to share this walk with you, Jo. Your exhilaration and joy are well expressed, and what a glorious place! Beautiful photos too.
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We only had a few days, Jet, and I wanted to see everything, as usual. 🙂 🙂 It was wonderful up on the hill. Thank you!
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All of your photos are stunning, Jo, but these are off the charts. Breathtaking! Thank you!
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It was just so lovely being up there, with the evening light and low clouds, Angela. 🙂 🙂 Thank you!
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Not sure I would have had the energy for this but sure am glad you did and got these fabulous shots.
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I can almost always find energy in a good cause, Jackie. Thanks a lot 😍💕
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Just wonderful, Jo! Well done you!
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Thanks, Sue! So glad I did 😍💕
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😊😊
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I’m glad you went on your own to capture that view, Jo! Beautiful views all around. It must have been very humid or misty there because your photos seem to have a mystical aura to them. Thanks for linking to mine. I’m happy to add yours to my next one on July 11. 🙂
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My camera was on the blink, Cathy, but I didn’t realise it at the time. It’s never let me down though 😍💕 xx
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I’m glad your camera has never let you down! 🙂
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Great views… worth the effort getting there.
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Absolutely 😆💕
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Wow, such stunning views. Totally worth the climb.
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You would have enjoyed it, Colline 😍💕
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I definitely would have. Well worth the walk.
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I couldn’t stop smiling reading this post, Jo. Gorgeous!
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Nothing better than a smiling Jill 😍😆😆 💕 xx
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Wow!
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😆😆 xx
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The landscape and views are beautiful Jo, I can totally see why the hills were calling you! 🙂💖 xxx
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From the second we arrived I knew I had to climb that hill, Xenia 😍💕
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I like the hazy effect on the lens Jo 🙂 I guess Mr’s knees said no
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I think it was around then that my camera started to have problems, Brian. It’s soldiered on with me for a lot of years but I’ve finally had to part company. And yes, he was flat out on the bed 😆💕
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Yes a well used camera is always needing replacement but a well used Mr need some tending so it lasts a bit longer. 🙂
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Ahhhhh magnificent! The coastline, the flowers and no doubt the dragon flies. Very romantic place.
Peta
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If only I could have ‘captured’ a dragonfly, or even a lizard, Peta, it would have been perfection. 🙂 🙂
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Just …. beautiful.
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I didn’t know if I’d have the stamina at the end of that day, Margaret, but it was worth every step. 🙂 🙂 (but my lizard photos were rubbish)
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