Jo’s Monday walk : Capelinha and the lanes

Following on from last week’s walk down to the sea, I suggested I’d take you around a few of the country lanes and tracks, almost on my doorstep.  When we first bought our house in Tavira, there was very little property behind us.  From the rooftop we not only had our lovely sea view, but tree tops and greenery rolling away into the gentle hills.  Time, and development, being what it is, much of this is now interspersed with rooftops.  But it still only takes 5 or 10 minutes to be in open countryside.

When we direct people to our home we always say, stay on the E125 road through Tavira and take the turn off signed Fonte Salgada at the roundabout.  Our peaceful estate is on the left hand side, but if you continue on, you will be directed towards an animal sanctuary and a chapel.  This is the area known as Capelinha, a small scale but quite beautiful land of orchards.

Quinta de Capelinha lies not far along the road.  This was once the home of Manuel Joaquim Tavares Pais de Sousa e Andrade, Viscount and Baron, as well as Councilor and Mayor of Tavira, back in the 19th century.  The derelict family chapel sits by the roadside, abutted by a modern home and horticultural business, which specialises in fruit trees.

Today we will stay on the country road to Fonte Salgada, but there are several turn offs- narrow trails that weave in and around the orchards.

I pause to admire ripening carobs, and somewhere distant I can hear the sound of bells and the bleating of a lamb whose mother is out of sight.  The next turn off is ours, but just ahead lies the village of Fonte Salgada itself.  Should we take a look?

Sleepy in the midday sun, there’s not a lot to the village.  A café, closed at the minute, but no shop, so far as I could see.  A grain or cattle store, and a well.  Nowhere to spend your Saturday pocket money.

The road leads on up into the hills and I turn back to continue my walk.  There has been plentiful rain this Spring, a relief after a long, dry Winter.  The fields overflow with wildflowers and the air is scented with the heady aroma of orange blossom.

Figs ripen on the bough and the grass ripples with daisies.  The eloquence of the sky is a constant source of pleasure.

You’ve seen that last house before.  From wide, sweeping views I’ve turned down one of the many tracks leading back towards home.  Here I can dither and dawdle at will, eye picking out subjects that appeal.  Those little rock cairns seem to be flourishing.  And don’t the limes look exquisite?

The potato vines play hide and seek with the daisies, and a brave few remaining rock cistus turn their pretty faces up to the sun.  Plants I cannot name still have the power to enchant.  A stony path climbs gently past wizened olive trees and I’ve not far to go.  The air feels fresh and alive, raindrops clinging on in more sheltered places.

I am taking this opportunity to link to Jude’s #2020 Photo Challenge.  I know the vistas will appeal.  There are quite a few converging lines, and she never can resist a plant or two.  Funnily enough she is wandering down Cornish lanes in her post this morning.  A sign of the times?

walking logo

A lovely wander with Jude :

The Lanes in April

I had to include this one from Cathy.  I was with her every step of the way!

Cinque Terre: A vineyard walk in stunning Manarola

Serendipity has Sheetal in another of Cathy’s destinations.  Not strictly a walk, but too beautiful to leave out :

Travelling into the Tuscan World

Rupali takes us to another beautiful city.  I hope to follow her, one day :

An evening in Stockholm

Natalie stays close to home, but still finds beauty :

Life and Trumpeter Swan Sightings

Wherever he is, Drake is always perceptive :

When local is real local

And Eunice, too, is staying in her own neck of the woods :

A local walk at Easter

That likeable rogue, Jonno, is still out and about, with his missus :

The Croyde Bay Wednesday Walk

Just the name of this one wins me over!  Thanks, Alice :

Seahorse Way

Janet’s Monday walking again!  And any other day she can get out and about :

Monday walk…into the sun

Becky looks back on (or forward to  🙂  ) an Algarve favourite :

Rambling in the Algarvian hills

Let’s close with Cathy.  No-one is more prolific!  I love this symphony in blue :

Morocco: A day among the blue boats of Essaouira

I can occasionally get lost in these lanes, my sense of direction being lamentable.  I hope you enjoyed wandering with me.  Have a good week, stay safe, and see you next time!

117 comments

  2. Pingback: Monday walk…Yes, indeed, I’m walkin’. | This, that and the other thing

  4. Had a walk tis morning and now I get to see the beauty you saw on your walk. Those poppies, the limes, the twisted trees. Just lovely. Who needs anything to eat when the soul’s been feed so well? (At least anything extra to eat. I’m about to have some much needed breakfast.) You really are blessed not only to have this but to be able to be out in it when so many are stuck at home. My views aren’t nearly as spectacular, but I’m also blessed to be able to get out and walk whenever I want.

    https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/monday-walk-yes-indeed-im-walkin/

    Have a wonderful week!

    janet

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    1. Many thanks, Janet! Yes, I am astounded by how many people are confined to home, including some very good friends. I guess, if I had to, I would, and who knows what the outcome of all this will be when they start to relax the rules? Best to stay positive for now, and keep walking, while we can. 🙂 🙂

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  5. A really lovely walk with you today, Jo, and thanks for cheering me up. I’m not downhearted, really, but being in lockdown – and quite strictly as our local bobbies are busy stopping folk out walking – in finally making me itchy. It’s meant that I’ve had to turn my hand to cleaning, polishing, painting, turning out etc., all those things I hate and that I’d put off for that day when there would be nothing else to do. Three years later and it’s caught up with me! Even my garden is being neglected as due to my multiple herniated discs I can’t bend easily so I have a local lady to help me with the planting and tidying up after the spring flowers, but of course, she isn’t allowed to come now. I hoe, but it’s just not enough. So, thanks again for my very enjoyable walk in the Algarve and your wonderful illustrations. Enjoy the rest of April.

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    1. April showers are here, Mari, but it’s so lovely when the sun comes out again that who cares? 🙂 🙂 Sorry about the enforced confinement. The police here stop cars to prevent people joyriding- only essential trips- but are easier on walkers. On the other hand, I still have all those jobs pending from our move here 18 months ago! The very next rainy day…. 🙂 And thanks for your lovely company.

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    1. Mine is the one next to the ‘house on the hill’, Andrew. It’s too big for us, not for sale, and would be out of our price range if it was, but a girl can dream. 🙂 🙂 Oh, and there’s no sea view either, so perhaps not, hey?

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  7. So similar and yet so different. We are the lucky ones being able to wander in beautiful countryside. Lots of lovely converging lines and lots of lovely wild flowers, some of which I do see here, but sadly no orange or lime blossom or figs. But all those photos are surpassed by those last three images of the trees. Stunning. And I still fancy that villa on the top of the hill 🙂 Hope you are still feeling okay – did the shoulders improve?

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    1. More similar than ever today, Jude- another wet front passing through 🙂 🙂 Spent the last hour or so watching clips from Phantom of the Opera because our outing was cut short by heavy drizzle. Glad I didn’t leave the washing out. And I’m glad you approve of the lines 🙂 Those trees you like were taken on a different day- a rather grey one- but they are very much a part of the route. Blaming all this damp weather for my arthritis, but it gets me the odd night off cooking. I’m having takeaway salmon tonight 🙂 And not really too bad at the minute, thanks. I managed a little t’ai chi up top early on, and the sun’s just about back now.

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  8. What a lovely stroll, Jo. Worthy of long linger. OK, no cake but the view more than makes up for that. Maybe it’s just my bias but I associate Quinta with a winery – right on your doorstep?

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    1. We do have wineries around, Draco, but the more established ones are further west. Very easy to get a good bottle of wine here though- an essential in these times, and much more important than cake 🙂 🙂 The name basically means a traditional farmhouse, but the association has developed. Many thanks for your company!

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  9. Oh, what a beautiful walk, and you even got in lines of crops, orchards and stone fences. Spring is definitely in full bloom; it seems so strange and surreal to see nature all abloom around us while we are so penned in and people are dying in droves all around us. At least thank goodness for walks, although my local walks are mainly through neighborhoods or forests without much of interest. I’m so ready to be free again; I miss restaurants and travels and just getting out and about. I’m so glad you’re enjoying all the gorgeous weather in your neck of the woods. And thank you too for two links to my posts, Jo. Both of those were particularly beautiful places. 🙂

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    1. Hiya darlin! Thanks a lot, Cathy. I find it hard to believe that people are dying in great numbers. Maybe we are misinformed here or simply lucky, but I know people who think we have over reacted to the virus. But it’s certainly changed my life, even though I have relative freedom. Waiting for a good time to go out today as those storm clouds are back. Good thing I love them. Take care darlin 🤗☔🌦️💕

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      1. Luckily you in Portugal don’t seem to have the great numbers of cases that we have here in the U.S. I do understand people who think their freedoms are being infringed on by insisting on the closure of everything. People want their lives, and their livelihoods, back. I know people were trying to flatten the curve, but maybe there needs to be a gradual reopening with social distancing guidelines. Most of all, I miss my restaurants, and I fear for them staying in business when all this is said and done. All that will be left will be the big chains, and that will be a sad loss, as the small family-owned operations are usually the best.

        It’s gloomy here today, but I’ll still go out for a walk as I must get out each day, even if it does exacerbate my “allergies.” Take care and enjoy your walk under the storm clouds. 🙂

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      2. Got a bit damp, but I won’t melt. 🙂 🙂 Portugal is to start reopening for business from 2nd May if the situation remains unchanged, Cathy. Not the borders, but internally. Masks will be mandatory. Not sure how it’s going to work for restaurants… 😦

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      4. They are trying to sort out a plan of action to keep social distancing but open restaurants and small businesses. It won’t be easy! 🤔💕

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      5. With all the outdoor cafes in Portugal, I’d think they could just space the tables far apart and require everyone to put on a mask while interacting directly with wait staff. But what do I know? I wish you all the best there in Tavira, Jo.

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  10. Thank you Jo for the absolutely wonderful shoutout. I’m so touched, you’ve made me literally leap with joy.
    As for the Monday walk, it was a delight to see the sky so blue and pretty flowers bloom. I’m unable to walk anywhere these days other than my backyard so your virtual walk is my passport to the outside world. Keep walking 😊

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    1. You’re very welcome! Too much eating going on around here at present. The weather has turned a bit moody again and we’re waiting for a good time to go out. I do know how lucky I am 🤗☔🌦️💕

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  14. Another gorgeous walk with stunning scenery, and on your doorstep too – I love the view with the yellow flowers in the foreground 🙂 I was rather hoping you would touch on the animal sanctuary but maybe you didn’t pass it?

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  19. What a delightful rural area you live in Jo. I can certainly see why you chose to live there. Looks like there is no shortage of walks to keep you moving till you are able to wander further afield

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