Jo’s Monday walk : Peaceful Pecháo

It all started with a restaurant.  Some friends, who come to the Algarve a couple of times a year, particularly like to find new places to eat.  And so it became a Thursday habit for a small group of us to meet for lunch.  One such outing took us to Pecháo, a small village in the neighbourhood of Olháo.  Fully sated from a lovely meal, I thought I might take a look at the village church.  I was in luck, for it was open, and I slipped inside to look.

A couple were praying devoutly so I did not linger, but outside the church I stopped to read a notice board.  Apparently a chapel has existed on this site since 1482, and the current Igreja de Sáo Bartolomeu probably dates from the 18th century.  Close by the church the small ossuary, or bone chapel, took me by surprise.  Reading that there was a ‘route of churches’, we decided to return for a walk one day.

And so, a couple of weeks later, I found myself and partner in crime back in Largo da Igreja, examining our surrounds more closely.  Always one for the details, he had researched the walks, produced a map and decided which of three routes we should follow.  PR5OLH, at 7.5km, was a level, easy walk, which suited because I was succumbing to a virus and not at my best, but not willing to stay at home on such a beautiful day.

The walk wound through the back streets of the village, past a series of ageing gardens.  I was highly amused to find, at a convenient crossroads, a similarly aged chair beside a bench, and a waiting orange.  (On our return, three elderly gentlemen sat side by side, orange presumably shared).

Leaving the village we crossed the Ribeira de Bela Mandil, where water must once have flowed.  A path led alongside the dry stream, to the Nora de Viriato, an impressively solid-looking well.  Bright Crocosmia blazed beside a wearying olive tree.

We made a circuit of lanes and tracks, passing immense polytunnels (papaya?) and a few beautiful villas, meanwhile attracting a number of unfriendly canines, some of whom wag their tails.  I never know if this is a good sign, or not.  Pretty pink cistus winked at us, blossom trees leaning into the breeze one last time.  Confident of not getting the shot, I trailed a butterfly across a patch of Bermuda Buttercups.  Outwitted every time.

Soon we were in sight of the village.  The water tower, and cemetery- uncomfortably close neighbours, and yet they seem a natural fit.

But I know from long experience that your interest lies elsewhere.  I should tell you that the lovely place we ate was called Gunther’s– not a typical village restaurant, but I can highly recommend it.  No more Thursday luncheons for the time being, as our friends return to the UK this week.

Thank you for your patience.  I can tell you that I am now fully recovered and that I will be walking with you again next week.  After that I propose a short break while I get my thoughts in order.  So, if you have a walk that you’re longing to share, please do it this week.  You know the formula here on Jo’s Monday walk.  And I’ll try to make you welcome.

walking logo

Spring doesn’t always bring happiness.  Pop over and give Eunice a hug?

Snowdrops for Sophie

Rosemay continues her wander down Memory Lane, in London’s lesser known haunts :

Off the Tourist Trail in London- Stoke Newington and Clissold Park

There have been a few complaints about the weather lately, but not from Drake!

Wilderness of water

We all dream of different things.  Happy to view Janet’s from afar :

Jo’s Monday walk…my dream walk

But Irene says it’s been a mild winter :

Glimpses of Lake Michigan

Looking for an interesting Dutch city to explore?  Debbie has the answer :

A ramble around Rotterdam

Or you can have fun entertaining a 4-year old, with Margaret :

A Walk to the Planetarium

While Cathy takes us into the world of the Berbers :

Morocco: Merzouga to El-Khorbat

And me?  Well, it’s Carnival week.  Not Rio, but doing our best.  Take care till next time!

101 comments

  1. Pingback: Along the Icy Marsh | Heaven's Sunshine

  2. I’m so envious of your early spring and the blooming flowers. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been sick (I must have missed that somewhere along the line), but I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better now.

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    1. It must be up in the 20s again today, Cathy. It’s been a fabulous Winter but of course we won’t think that if there are water shortages in Summer. Last year came pretty close 🙄💕

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  3. Pingback: Track to the sky | Le Drake Noir

  5. What a gorgeous walk and some delicious looking cakes. In my experience wagging tales is always a good sign in pooches, so are well positioned chairs along the route! Hope you’re feeling better Jo. xx

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  6. Jo! Those cakes look fantastic. Oh, and so does this lovely walk. I wonder if the orange was snaffled before the three elderly gentlemen got there. I’ve been working on a new walk for a few days, so with your encouragement I must get it done in time for next week.

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    1. Good lass, Carol 🙂 🙂 No, I’m sure no-one stole their orange. It’s common practise here to leave excess lemons and sometimes oranges on a garden wall for people to help themselves. They have so many, it’s impossible to eat them all. Funnily enough we were back there yesterday to do another of the walks and there they sat, with a pink umbrella to keep off the sun! 🙂

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  8. Jo, your writing is poetic here with lines such as ‘ Pretty pink cistus winked at us’ … I love the whimsical dreamy nature of your descriptions. The water tower is an imposing landmark but at least you wouldn’t get lost. Oh, the church is lovely and as for the desserts – your friends will be missing out on their treats!😀

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  9. Pingback: New look, old charme | Le Drake Noir

  10. I think this was an ambitious walk for someone getting over a virus! But I am glad you didn’t miss out. I was really fascinated with the ossuary. The village church is beautiful and certainly has a fascinating historical record. This was a gem of a walk, Jo. I hope you’re feeling much better!

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    1. I’m fine again, darlin, thanks 🙂 🙂 The group were doing a much more ambitious hill walk that I really wasn’t up to. The virus was just starting and took about a fortnight to clear. Maybe I didn’t help myself by gadding about but I avoided people as far as possible so as not to pass it on. I hate being cooped up, and it’s impossible with this weather.

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    1. It’s much better than moping at home with the tissue box, Su. 🙂 🙂 On this occasion I just took Mick along (or he took me 🙂 ) so as not to spread the germs too much, but I figured I’d loose them all in the fresh air.

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  19. That was a lovely break from grey dreariness here to wander through Jo thank you 😉 Such lovely Spring flowers and sky to sigh over .
    I hope that your * think time refreshes you when you take your break . You’ve plenty to plan,
    read engage with and enjoy in life without that all pervading *blogged down feeling … x😘

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    1. Trouble is, when I’m out doing interesting things then I do want to share them, Poppy, but I think this format is a little tired and I need to step back a while. Who knows how long I’ll manage to stay away? 🙂 🙂

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      1. I love your sharing of walks, photos and narratives Jo as do many others as you can see 🙂
        I’m sure when you have some proper quiet ? Lol thinking time you’ll happen upon a way to perhaps shake things up a little for your *own* satisfaction and pleasure . Blogging is for fun after all .. you need to enjoy putting your posts together and not feel cornered or in any particular niche .
        It’s your space 🙂 xxx

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