At this time of year I’m seriously enamoured of almond blossom. Singly they are like small girls, spreading their skirts in a graceful curtsy. On a laden bough, they are the chorus line in Swan Lake, fluttering together in delicate motion. Like the dying swan, their days are numbered, for already they’ve been in bloom for a month.
The variety of colours confuses me. I was told recently that the paler blossoms are sweet almonds and the darker ones are bitter but I haven’t been able to verify this. I’m happy just to admire. In any case, I digress, and it’s time to get started on our walk. You will have gathered that I’m back in the Algarve hills, this time our start point a small village, Corte Pequena, with its own orange grove.
On a Saturday morning all was peaceful, far removed from the bustle of the city. A small terrier took it upon himself to defend his territory, but soon realised we were harmless enough and gave up. We didn’t have to walk far to find blossom.
Nor the wild clover that blooms everywhere in the Algarve at this time of year. It’s widely regarded as a pest, but so pretty! We followed the gentle gradient of the hills, climbing to a vantage point overlooking the dam at Odeleite. In the distance a herd of goats graze.
Despite recent rains the water levels are still quite low. Strangulated trees lean into the valley, some twisted by nature while others were burnt out some years ago. Bamboo follows a narrow stream through the valley bed, but we find a good point to cross, with just a stride or two and a held hand. Sometimes it can require a good plodge.
Soon we have come full circle and the village is spread out before us. As we descend a young dog decides that we will make good company. He gambols playfully alongside us, setting off a chorus of warnings from his wiser elders. Perhaps they are aware that sheep wander loose here.
For a moment we think that we are going to be playing Pied Piper to the flock, followed by an irate shepherd. But fortunately sheep have a short attention span and we are less interesting than the juicy grazing. I suspect you know the feeling.
That has to be one of the tastiest almond tarts I’ve ever eaten. The mural and wonderful metal sculptures were at the start of the Amendoeira (Almond Blossom) Trail, at nearby Alta Mora.
I’ve been walking with you weekly (or weakly!) for 6 years next month, and I’m thinking I should call time on our perambulations. Or cut back to a monthly, or fortnightly, event. I’m just as restless as ever, but I’m resident in Portugal now and many of my wanderings are local. I don’t want to bore you all, and I might like to try something different. I expect there’d still be occasional cake.
Meantime, thank you for your support and your wonderful company. Here are this week’s walks.
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If only Janet could walk in a straight line!
Alice lives in a very beautiful place, and is happy to share :
A Symbol of Hospitality- Pineapple Fountain
A gentle look at life from Drake this week :
It’s ages since I went along to the other end of the Algarve. This is a lovely walk!
Randonnée / Hike from Armacáo de Pera to Praia de Marinha
Reminding us that Valentine’s Day is almost here, Natalie takes…
While Cathy looks at local and Civil War history in Virginia, US :
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
And Rosemay checks out a little family history in north London :
Off the Tourist Trail in London – A Stroll round Islington
Wishing you a great week! Hopefully the storms have passed.
restlessjo 
Awesome photos- magnificent captures from nature 🙂 Keep it up!
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I’m glad that you enjoyed them. Many thanks for your visit, I wish you well 🙂 🙂
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I’m glad I found myself back here, your opening is so poetic!
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Can’t help but love you, gorgeous lady 🙂 🙂
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Sooo..are these? Someone told me peaches..
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There are almonds ripening on the branches 🙂 🙂
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Your opening words capture my imagination, I am back at the Sydney Opera house watching Swan Lake and can see the similarity you have described beautifully and your love of almonds is infectious. This post is a walk full off beauty.
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Thanks so much, Jack! It’s all around me, and so hard not to share it 🙂 🙂
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Anyway, meanwhile your blossom is so lovely I can almost smell it and the yellow and green hill is a fab shot. The tart is chocka isn’t it, it must take a while to chomp through x:-)x
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Took ages to eat but it was delish! 🙂 🙂
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Oh my I didn’t think you’d change your Monday walk posts. They’re so wonderful and would be dreadfully missed. You can only change if you start something new. Says me who rarely posts 😦
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Well, the jury’s still out, hon. I would really miss doing them but they are very tying. I don’t really know what I want to do, but I need a bit of a shake up. I feel like a one trick pony. 🙂 🙂
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At least when I is my lazy poets thursday they only took a few minutes to do.I’m ambivalent about blogging at the mo, don’t want to give up, but like you I need a different plan or something. I keep telling myself that next year I’ll have more time to do it properly.
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Why will you? Retirement or reduced working week an option? Sorry- still haven’t sussed my Summer plan 😦
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I retire in June next year! I’m the same with summer plans, my school friends and I were hoping to have a weekend somewhere warm for our 65th, but one of their husbands isn’t well at all so it’s all in limbo. Flight prices seem to have rocketed as well!
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I have ‘the girls’ coming for 3 days in June but one of their husband’s has serious health issues too. 😦 You can’t be old enough to retire!
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Oh fingers crossed for you all. I’m one of the ones who have to wait until we’re 66 and yes, that’s next year.
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I missed that last paragraph and then read on Jude’s blog that you’re considering ending Monday Walks. I would love to see more walks in Portugal, but I understand your need to cut back. Perhaps a once a month walk would be a good compromise for those of us who love to see where you go.
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The combination of a too busy life, wanting to maintain standards and an interesting read, AND entertain myself, Carol. Thanks, darlin- the jury’s still out. I’d miss it so! 🙂 🙂
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Perhaps just cut back on the frequency. I find every walk interesting.
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Thanks, hon! 🙂 🙂
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I loved your pictures of almond blossoms! I’ve never heard or seen them before. We’ve got a month for cherry blossoms here. The skies look blue and the green grass just made my day. Have a great week, Jo! xo
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We have the cherry blossom in May in the UK, but not on the same scale. I’ve always loved them 🙂 🙂 Thanks, darlin!
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A beautiful walk in the village! Will be 6 years, what a milestone! Thank you for taking us to many beautiful places through your weekly walk!
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It seems forever and no time at all, Amy. I will have withdrawal symptoms when I stop, I think 🙂 🙂 Thanks, darlin!
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