Back in January, before our Iives were seriously upended, I took you on a walk from Vaqueiros. The blossom was out then. It seems such a long time ago. A different, more carefree life. But I want to take you back, to the beginning of March, for one last outing with the wonderful choir, Ossonoba, before all our boundaries diminished.
We were meeting at the crossroads of a country lane, close to the village of Malfrades, a little uncertain of what was to follow. What we were sure of was a warm welcome, and smiles of recognition from the choir.
As usual, we had an experienced guide to lead the walk and answer any questions we might have about flora and fauna. In Portuguese, of course, but if we looked too perplexed there was a member of Almargem on hand to explain. This organisation had liaised with the choir to promote the Via Algarviana, and we were engaged in conversation several times with a charming young woman, anxious that we enjoy our experience. And enjoy it we did! The wonderful, big-faced white rock cistus were just getting into their stride too.
We were at one of the highest points of the Eastern Algarve, and as if that were not enough, were all set to climb a disused viewing tower for panoramic views of our surrounds. You might have wondered about my leading photo. We’ve reached the top!
The less confident might have opted for a seat with a view, but even it didn’t look very secure. We followed the gently rolling trail down to the lake, with one more surprise in store. Beside the path, winking silently in the sunlight, mysterious wild bee orchids.
The village of Vaqueiros, our destination, is just ahead, for the choir are to perform there, one last time for the season. In January the village had been completely deserted, so we were astounded to find the main street lined with stalls. Smoke from several bread ovens drifted into the air, with lingering delicious smells. Local cheeses, sausages and bread were on sale, alongside beautiful hand crafts.
We made our way to the top of the village. The choir were assembling on the church steps, those who had walked with us slipping away to change. It was hot there in the open and I looked around for shade. A dog lay in a lazy stupor. The choir shuffled.
Finally they were ready, and the sounds, so familiar to me now, filled the air. Pure joy in singing, and in each other’s company, is what makes this choir very special to me. After the concert we were invited to follow them to a nearby restaurant. They ate, and drank, and sang…A Capela, as they do. A day to remember.
I’m sure they will have carried on singing, even though their plans for travel have been disrupted. I hope to join them again in the autumn, but there’s a certain indefatiguable lady whose #SquareTops I’ll be joining even sooner.
A bumper collection of walks this week. Good to know you’ve still been out and about, enjoying our world, whatever the restrictions.
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Starting with a stunner from Jude :
Always nice to welcome a newcomer. Especially one with a sense of humour. Meet Geanie!
Duck Takes a Walk (During COVID 19)
Joseph has a great fondness for moss. Why not let him show you?
I had no idea that South Korea was such a beautiful country till I followed Cheryl :
A Walk in Daewangam Park & Ilsan Beach
Not just a walk along a lovely beach, but dolphins too, from Alice!
And some spectacular sculptures, courtesy of Natalie :
Lush forest to sooth the soul, with Susanne :
Green River, Rain or Shine! And Steelhead sighting!
Andrew, being interesting on his home patch :
Village Walks – Blow Wells and Watercress Beds
Drake, a little sentimental?
Margaret, being resourceful on her doorstep :
Walking Every Single Day During Lockdown
And Janet, keeping it even closer to home :
Nor has Eunice strayed very far :
Smithills Hall and Moss Bank Park
While Ann Christine shares her beautiful Swedish homeland :
Thursday Thoughts – A Spring Hike
It’s a real honour and a privilege to be joined by Cee this week. Come and see her garden!
Jo’s Monday Walk & Lens-Artists Photo #94 – Walk in My Front Yard
And Pauline takes the next step, with a video link into hers :
Come with me for a video walk in the garden…
But Cathy simply carries me off into a beautiful bubble from the past :
Fabulous, all of them! Thank you so much for your company. I take much pleasure in our virtual world. Stay safe!
restlessjo 
Looks like a lovely day out Jo – the beautiful walk, the choir’s performance and the pretty market stalls. Definitely a more carefree time but hopefully there are glimmers of hope and places just starting to open up a little bit. Take care and enjoy the rest of the week xx 🙂
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It feels much more relaxed here this week, Rosemay. We actually walked to the beach this morning. Although official opening isn’t till next month the tapes and warning signs are down. So long as you observe spacing it seems to be okay. Wonderful to be there again 🤗🏖️💕
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Great news Jo hoping progress continues. Same here – social distancing the order of the day but life is slowly opening up again. Cautious steps but moving in the right direction. Glad you walked to the beach, enjoy 😊 xx 💕
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Those bee orchids look so like bees. Astonishing! The only orchid I’ve seen remotely coming close is the duck orchid – so like a duck it’s ridiculous!! No doubt the view from the top of the tower was superb, but I’d be missing out. I don’t like baseless backless stairs!!! What a treat the whole walk was, and music as well.
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They are strange things, Meg, and very easy to miss because of their dark colouration, but totally fascinating once you do. 🙂 🙂 It was a happy day! My first taste of freedom yesterday when I played croquet as a pair, and there’s a rumour that we can go to the beach, if we’re discreet 🙂 🙂
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Oooh. Can you manage discreet?????
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I shall try 🙂 🙂 🙂 It’s in a good cause.
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Thank you for taking me on yet another wonderful walk. I loved the pops of green and that last shot. Must have been quite an experience. Thank you for sharing my posts on your Monday Walk. I hope you’re well! Take care and stay safe! xo.
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You’re very welcome. I love visiting with you too 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot!
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Stunning views Jo. What a treat to listen to a choir sing.
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They are lovely people as well, Colline. I just shared them practising at home on Facebook 🤗💕
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WOW! it’s an amazing place
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It was an excellent day out. Hoping they will resume in September 🥰
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It is important that these are wonderful days. may it be as you say from September
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Ohh yes just love cheese, the crazy way. 😀 😀 😀 Never visit a place without tasting their local cheese, no matter if it milk from cow, sheep, goat, dromedary. 😀 About the last capture, wonder how the man with the book on his head do read.? 😀 So inspring photos, my friend. 🙂
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Always cheese, Drake! Except for my husband who is allergic, poor man 🙄. And I loved the guy with his music on his head too. They stood around for a long time! Thanks, hon 💕
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Yes really sorry for him. All the good heavenly flavors he so will miss.
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Such a fabulous view from the top.
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Hi Amy 🙂 🙂 I love those hills, up or down.
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I do like your walks with the choir! A great mix of pastimes. And such a beautiful day, from the looks of it.
I have a walk for you — as the title says, it’s familiar, but strange.
https://elizabethkrallphotos.wordpress.com/2020/05/05/familiar-but-strange/
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Hi Karen 🙂 🙂 They certainly add to any of the walks we’ve done, and I’m hoping the choir will be able to start up again in September. They really know how to enjoy life. Be with you soon.
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I’d love to tag along on one of these choir / meal / fiesta walks! They look like good fun.
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They really are, Karen. I was hoping they’d restart in September but so many things are up in the air at present. 🙂 🙂
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Sadly true.
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How amazing are those wild bee orchids! I stared at them for a very long time, fascinated. Hoping this finds you doing well where you are.
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They were a very unexpected find that day, Atreyee, right by the roadside. They are normally beneath the trees in a shady spot, or sometimes near water. Once you spot one clump you usually find more, but these were all alone. Tiny jewels. 🙂 🙂 Good to hear from you.
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Wow, just look at those beautiful views and how green everything is. Definitely worth the climb, although due to my fear of heights, I wouldn’t really go near any viewing towers. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 😀 Aiva
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The views were great without the climb, Aiva, so you’d have been fine. 🙂 🙂
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Wow, that last picture with the blue sky against the white stucco – stunning. I’m glad you have these great memories to lean on now that things have changed. (Also love the ancient door/gate at the top of the article.)
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Hiya darlin 🙂 🙂 They were great days with the choir, but hopefully they’ll come again. And the blue skies and beautiful landscape will still be here. 🙂
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Even better now that we’re not out polluting them.
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Lots of lovely treats and surprises there! Just spotted the chap in the middle with his music on his head. I think I see him in the previous picture looking rather bald, so that was probably a wise precaution.
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They are a real bunch of characters, Anabel, and it was hot on those steps! 🙂 🙂
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Lovely hike you invited me on. Yes, let’s all try to keep singing and not lose the magic of music, or the medicine of laughter. – David
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I love to sing, David, though my voice isn’t up to much these days. And the choir are great company 🙂 🙂
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lovely walk as always, Jo! the scenery, the market, the fresh bread and the choir. sounds like a wholesome day. never seen wild bee orchids but they look gorgeous! thank you dear Jo! 🙂 🙂
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It was a great day out, LolaWi, and I’m looking forward to seeing them all again in the autumn. Thanks darlin 🤗😊
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Thanks for the link and comment 😀
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You’re welcome! 🤗💕
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