Jo’s Monday walk : Sáo Bartholomeu de Messines

Don’t you just love the light through those clouds?  I was high above Sáo Bartholomeu de Messines, looking down on this small Algarve town.  Once again I had the opportunity to go hiking on the Via Algarviana with Grupo Coral Ossonoba.  You might remember the wonderful day we had together, ending with a concert in the church at Alte?  This time the performance was to take place in a local cinema, but first we needed to walk and earn our substantial lunch.

We started with a stiff uphill ascent, surrounded by cork trees, over slabs of rock worn smooth with age.  It was good to get the climb out of the way.  Already the first of the narcissi were in delicate bloom.

Back down into the valley, we skirted the edge of town and followed a dusty trail, for a short while bordering the railway lines.  It was something of a surprise to turn a corner and be confronted with stepping stones, surrounded by water.  I admit, I am far more adept at dry river beds.

This was not the last of the hazards, for the river ran beneath the railway lines and a sign pointed confidently towards the water.  No boat in sight, we had to scramble up the side of the embankment and cautiously cross the tracks to slither back down the far side.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way?  The trail led gently uphill, and we followed, wondering if it might be time to pause for refreshments.  And we did, in the perfect spot!

A picture of neglect, but what a picturesque place for a picnic… the ruins of Santa Ana church, on the site of a former battleground.  The poignancy of the pulpit and the faded altar, a compelling setting for a brief photo shoot.

From a height you could see the fullness of the river.  The trail wound gently down to meet it, sunlight brightening our path with each step.  The ruined church almost seemed to be restored by distance.

And then we reached my idea of the perfect day, walking by the river, wisps of cloud and purest blue reflected in the water.

Another poetic ruin observed us, silently, and we left the river behind, trading it for two starkly contrasting pools.

The deep ochre of the soil here always comes as a surprise, no matter how often I see it.  And then we’re headed through meadows lightly dusted with lemon flowers and youthful olive trees, towards the town.  A church looks down from the hilltop, and another beauty adorns the centre.

Ossonoba need to eat and get ready for the concert.  Having followed them through the town, we are pointed in the direction of Café do Largo da Pontinha, where we are treated to a fine array of food.  Platters of meat, cheese and bread, then black pasta with prawns and pork in fig sauce are heaped on the table, with fresh fruit and pastries to finish.  No, you don’t want to see!  It’s only a small place and they can’t fit you all in.  The venue for the concert is an old cinema, just around the corner.  Very different from the beautiful church at Alte, but the choir are happy to perform.

Spotlight on the choir!  A strange venue, but the same beautiful sound.  It’s a long way to walk for some January Light, but worth it.  Which leaves me to round off with a bit of street art.  I seem to find this in the most unlikely places.

Just another day in the Algarve.  I hope you enjoyed sharing it with me?

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More walks for you!  I’m always glad of a bit of company on Jo’s Monday walk.  Join me here any time.

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I could hug Margaret this week!  Look where she’s taken me!

Wandering round Cádiz

Or you could slide into the action with Sandra :

#Hiking – Tacoma’s Ruston Way

It’s rather a gloomy outlook with Drake :

Abandoned of colors

But I think he’d enjoy hanging out with Alice :

Riding the Waves on a Bulldozer

Snow in the Grand Canyon is always going to be special.  Thanks, Terri :

Winter Road Trip Preview: Walking in the Desert Light

Janet’s indoors, escaping the weather, but she has some lovely distractions :

Let me spin you a yarn

I think Colline will tell you that she’s won the jackpot with her Winter holiday :

A Walk on the Beach

It’s a little late (or early  🙂  )  but I do love these Moorish (as in Yorkshire) colours :

Autumn colours on a crisp November morning

And, by coincidence, Cathy is autumnal too!

Ushering in November at Meadowlark

Many thanks for your lovely presence!  Wishing you all a great week ahead.

115 comments

  2. Pingback: Kind of rocking culture | Le Drake Noir

  3. Well you wouldn’t get me any further than those stepping stones, unless I had wellies on and could walk through the water, there is no way I could balance on those now! It all seems a little nerve-wracking – clambering up to railway lines and slithering back down again! But lovely views and a gorgeous pretty church. It’s really good of you to take me on these walks, but my brain is still trying to work out why anyone would make a dish with black pasta with prawns and pork in fig sauce! I mean really?

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    1. 2 separate dishes, idiot! And actually a very gallant gentleman plodged through and held my hand because I was a bit wobbly 🙂 🙂 I could have just plodged because that part wasn’t deep.. I think I’ll just have to leave you at home- no sense of adventure! 🙂

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  9. You certainly saw a bit of everything, but all of it beautiful. I’m glad you survived the water hazards, but no photos of all the food. Inexcusable!! 🙂 You got some beautiful light in that first shot and narcissus already? Lucky you.

    I’m taking you outdoors today for a look at downtown Chicago, but don’t panic!! Even though it’s cold, I’ve arranged a tour for you and your readers that will make you feel like you’ve never left your home. And we’ll stop somewhere warm and yummy when we’re all done.

    https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2020/01/20/jos-monday-walk-the-windy-city/

    janet

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    1. Always wanted to visit the windy city, Janet! Just not when it’s windy 🙂 🙂 And honestly, aren’t you getting bored with photos of food? I did think there were maybe too many parts to today’s post and I should post the street art separately. Never mind- in for a penny, in for a pound!

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      1. Truth be told, I thought the post would have benefited from being in two parts, even though everything you shared was beautiful and fun. I’m not bored with photos of food generally. 🙂 The wind in Chicago is amazing to me: it can be in your face no matter what direction you go! How can that be?? So if you visit, best visit in summer or spring when the wind doesn’t have such a chilling effect. 🙂

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  19. Just another day in the Algarve she says – this is GLORIOUS Jo. I am so envious, and also so happy to see flowing rivers and lots of water. What a great start to the year. And you tiny square may not be the main one, but it is very lovely. Just wish i could hear them singing!

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    1. Got to flout a few rules, Becky 🙂 🙂 I’ll have to see if I can turn up a video. We have water to cross again in tomorrow’s walk- fear and trepidation! I love going out with the choir. Next one is 23rd Feb at Alcoutim, should you be around 🙂

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      1. I hardly noticed the flouting as I was enjoying the walk so much 🙂

        dig out the waders for tomorrow!! And I have no idea about when we will be out. Nothing fixed, or even discussed yet 😦

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  20. Another utterly charming walk Jo – looks a beautiful day 🙂 Poignant to see the old ruined buildings – I guess so many people move away these days. Must be so lovely and peaceful up in the hills – wishing you a very pleasant week! xx 🙂

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      1. Have just returned from collecting the dog Jo! I popped out to get him in between posting comments! Thanks for visiting 🙂 I”ll pop over to reply properly but yes am looking into doing a quick 2 weeks to UK in March. My aunt is now in full time care and there is much to sort out plus my dad can’t travel here anymore. This year is shaping up to be a busy one again already! 🙂 🙂

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