Jo’s Monday walk : Vaqueiros in Spring

Last week’s walk may have been a little long-winded, and I was chided over the lack of cake, so this one needs to be both short and sweet.  The blossom is appearing everywhere and it’s a crime to be indoors.  Come with me to Vaqueiros, in my Eastern Algarve.

Vaqueiros is another hill village situated on the 300km Via Algarviana, and a good starting point for two circular walks.  I took you along on one of them a couple of years ago, so let’s go and see the other.

An information board indicates the way out of the village, on a gentle ascent.  A tinkling of bells alerts me to the presence of goats, an elderly goatherd leaning, unconcerned, on a wall in the shade.  And then, in a valley, a wonderful surprise.  Clear, sparkling water, flowing freely.  It’s been a long dry spell and recent, welcome rains have done their work.

The patterns in the rock crisscross like a giant game board, and I linger, thinking what a great place for a picnic and a paddle.

Our walk leader tells us we have a steady uphill climb for half an hour, and to keep our voices down when we pass the beehives.  It’s probably too early in the year, but the last thing you need is a swarm of angry bees.  Fortunately, nothing stirs as we tiptoe past.

Next we find ourselves the object of much curiosity.  Sheep certainly seem to abide by the maxim ‘safety in numbers’.  I couldn’t spot the shepherd but I’m sure there’s a stray goat or two in the pack.

The trail wends its way around and beneath a canopy of trees, mostly pine.  We pass by a nicely shaded picnic table, knowing we are not too far from our café stop at journey’s end.  And you know what that means!

In the small reservoir a bird flaps down to perch on the stump of a tree, and I try to zoom for a clearer photo.  Not my forté.

Now I’m not really sure that you’ve earned cake, though we’ve certainly burned a few calories.  Sorry!  Somebody just couldn’t wait  😦

But at least one of them makes a delightful square for January Light.  Just 5 days of Becky’s challenge to go!

walking logo

So nice to have water in the rivers again, though I may not be saying that tomorrow when I have to cross one!  Thank you all for your company, and please find a little time to visit each other.  Join me any time, here on Jo’s Monday walk.

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Just a warm-up from Natalie, but so pretty you might want to linger :

Hiking to Peguche Waterfall

Amanda has found a happy new home by the sea to put a big smile on her face :

Sunday Morning Beach Walk

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t mind the odd invigorating walk, and I’m happy to join Jonno and Jo :

Wild and Windy Walk at Heddon Valley

Speaking of windy, what better than the one and only Chicago?  Thanks, Janet!

Jo’s Monday Walk… the Windy City

Slade, and a pink house that I remember, in Montmartre with Drake :

Kind of rocking culture

I’m not great at whistling, but I’d give this a go, Alice :

Echo Square- Savannah

Denzil takes us gently wandering again in Belgium :

Sclaigneaux 2k(for kids) and 10k walks

And how beautiful are these, from Irene?

Glimpses of Dawn

Living Desert Garden

Margaret takes me very close to ‘home’ with this one :

Highlights of a Bird-free Bird Reserve

In fact, this was my very first Monday walk, and I can’t resist re-sharing  🙂  Almost 6 years ago!

Jo’s Monday walk : Greatham Creek

I’m sure you’ll have heard of this place (the English version follows the Italian).  Please stop by and say hello!

Alberobello:tutto il fascino dell’orientalismo pugliese

Cathy does a fabulous job here!  Don’t miss her truly gorgeous photography :

Morocco: the blue-washed Chefchaouen

It’s going to be a great year here for blossom.  I hope you can enjoy it with me.  Take care till next time!

127 comments

  1. The mere hint of blossom is enough to put a smile on my face at the moment. We had lovely bright, blue skies and warm sunshine for two days last week but now have reverted to rain and cold winds, forcing the struggling daffs to hunker down again into the soil without showing a smidgen of yellow. I’m sitting here wrapped in a spare duvet, hot lemon and honey on the side, boxes of tissues in strategic places, all props for my bronchitis which although a pain, has given me permission to eat as much cake as I like. How’s that for a deal? Vaquerios looks a pretty place. Does it mean the same as the Spanish vaqueros, i.e. cowboy? Loved the river shots especially.

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    1. Aside from the cake that doesn’t sound much fun, Mari. 😦 We’ve had a very mixed week with rain and even a few grey skies, but you always know that the blue will be back in a day or two. The blossom is glorious! I was watching tennis this morning but back to the hills for another lovely outing this afternoon. Quite hungry now, but no cake left! 🙂 🙂

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  3. The weather looks perfect for a walk Jo, not too hot but clear blue skies and dry. Your photos are as good as ever, you have a really good eye. Nice one.

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  5. Looking at the sequence of your pictures makes me think: you always save the best for the end, don’t you? 😀 Yummy! And that before I even have had breakfast! Can you hear my stomach growling? 😀

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  9. Jo, what a glorious blue of the sky … I’m just sinking into it; then joining you on this beautiful walk. The goats look a bit too scary for my liking though! Phew, what a glorious end with the cakes – they look so delicious! 😀

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  10. Nice hike!!! And those trees blooming… Isn’t it too early?? I remember in Spain the first trees to bloom are the almond trees, and I think it will take them still a few weeks to have flowers… In any case, they make such a beautiful sight in a hike! 🙂
    Have a nice week, Jo!

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  11. Pingback: Insists on being alive | Le Drake Noir

  12. I did have a swim Jo 😉 it looked so inviting. The Spring blossom is along way off now. I am sorry about eating the cake jo. I was a bit peckish and couldn’t wait. Yes I agree with our Becky, you are naughty but we love you ❤

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  13. A lovely sunny walk with beautiful scenery, that water is so clear and I love the blossom in your first shot 🙂 I’m ‘grounded’ at the moment because of caring for Sophie but I’m longing for spring and this is just making me want to go out and explore somewhere 🙂

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      1. Just as you say Jo, hanging in there – one or two very small and subtle improvements over the last few days so doing okay so far 🙂

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  14. Can’t wait for spring to reach Italy as well. Vaqueiros looks like a peaceful and welcoming place 😉

    PS
    Thanks for sharing my walk in Alberobello. I really appreciate it! 🙂

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  16. Oh so lovely! Love all your photos. I’m surprised to see blossoms as its only the end of January. I guess Spring comes very early in Southern Portugal. I was thinking about you the other day as I watched “The British Bake” competition and it made me think about how you always end your walks and posts with some delectable cakes. Today was no exception.

    Peta

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  18. Your Monday walks always make me hungry to discover Portugal. It’s the only (western) Western Europe country I don’t know at all, apart from a brief visit some 12 years ago. That was the Algarve, but in high summer, and I was struck by its aridity. So different from the countryside you share with us.

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