Jo’s Monday walk : Beyond the River

‘Why Tavira?’ is a question I’m asked all the time when I talk about the place where I live.  Although I love the peace of the Algarve countryside, I could never willingly live in a little hillside cottage.  I would forever be gazing at the horizon, imagining the lap of the waves at my feet and the sound of the ocean in my ears.  Here in Tavira the river brings the sea to me, and it’s one of my greatest pleasures to board a ferry and ride out there to meet it.  This week the town ferry reopened.  There was no queue at the kiosk, nor in fact any other passengers aboard than me and my husband.  And a crew of five, some of whom were youngsters, learning the trade.  Prosperity will come again, and they need to be prepared.  For now, the instructions are to wear a mask on all forms of public transport, and so, bizarre though it felt on the open deck of a boat, we did.

We pulled out of the quayside, where the work of building a new bridge continues apace, and soon were chugging out through the marshes.  Lilac heather lines the riverbank, but my gaze was directed far beyond, counting the flamingos.  The day was full of billowing clouds, which could have explained the emptiness of the ferry.   After all these years, still I find the views from the landing stage compelling.

We followed the path across the Ilha towards the beach.  The main seafood restaurant was being industriously cleaned and rearranged, in readiness for hoped for customers.  The adjacent campsite is to remain closed this summer, and the object of our affections, The Sunshine Bar, had yet to open, but the recycled fish at O Xiri has a new lease of life.

With no particular objective in mind, we set off along the deserted beach, walking into a boisterous breeze.  As we paused to regain our breath, a tiny figure appeared on the horizon.  We watched as the quad bike drew near, and then passed us by.  The maritime police with a pleasant occupation.  Nothing but a few gulls to keep us company.  In vain I tried to capture them in flight.  Better to focus on the jewellery of the beach!

We had reached the area known as Terra Estreita.  Another ferry and a boardwalk connects this beach with Santa Luzia on the mainland.  Beach umbrellas in residence, but not a soul to be seen.  Just the tyre tracks of the young policeman.

Turn back, or carry on?  The legs were starting to feel a bit leaden in the soft sand, but we knew that the Beach Bar at Barril was open.  A fair incentive for another half hour or so’s walking.  Maybe even cake?

The clouds were starting to amass and the wind to bluster, but I was intrigued by the clumps of greenery and plants I had never before seen growing on this beach.  Nature rearranging herself in the absence of humans.  We had already noticed that the shoreline was different in places.  The action of wind and waves.  Soon I was in the mesmerising presence of the anchors at Barril.

I defy anyone to walk past without taking at least one or two photos of them.  Possibly after refreshments.  The sky was miraculously clearing again by the time we were ready to return, and the wind gentling us along from behind.  More found treasure!

Finally the lighthouse at the river mouth came into view.  It’s not a bad life being a beach attendant right now.

Almost ready to board, but I can’t leave you without a bit of biscuit cake, can I?  A treat, because it’s been a sobering week, in many ways.

walking logo

Janet led the way, last week, in being too upset to walk.  Many of us knew just how she felt :

Today I can’t walk

But Margaret will cheer you up :

A Tale of Three Birds: Chapter Two- The Curlew

And Anabel has beautiful rock formations in Berwickshire :

Cove to Siccar Point

Trees, sky, tiny flowers… just a few of the things in Susan’s new world :

Walking around a lockdown

Drake demonstrates how beautiful green can be :

Most of all greenish

While Rita celebrates the blossom trees in Toronto :

Feeling high at High Park

Doesn’t matter what day it is, Rupali can find beauty :

Wordless Wednesday Walk 3

And Sheetal can get excited about Florence :

Date with David

Irene contents herself with the simple things in life :

Along the Trail

I’ve never hiked Dartmouth… but I’d like to.  Please meet Zara!

Dartmoor Hiking Trails: Princetown to Fox Tor

So far I’ve been documenting and diarying my life here in the Algarve, in this exceptional period.  I think you can see, it’s a beautiful place.  I don’t intend to stick to a schedule from now on, so if you share a walk with me I’ll be delighted, but I can’t be sure when I’ll share it here.  Wishing you all a peaceful and healthy transition to a better world.  It’s ours to make the best of, isn’t it?  Stay safe!  And eat cake?

111 comments

  1. Oh, this makes me miss the seaside! It’s only about 45 miles away from me here, but we rarely go (very crowded and not as pretty). Thanks for the fix from afar!

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    1. We drove to a different beach this morning, about 20 minutes away but you don’t need to ferry. The Portuguese love their beaches but were acting responsibly, and the maritime police were keeping an eye on things. The puppy would love a run on the beach 😍🌊💕

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  3. Such a wonderful walk and lovely beach photos.

    One doesn’t need to have a boring retired life.
    You are inspiring me about my retirement plans………even though its a long journey 😂

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    1. One of my husband’s favourite cakes, Natalie, but then again, there aren’t many he doesn’t like. 😍 Thanks hon. Will share on social media but not sure when I’ll post a walk again. Enjoy your summer! 💕💕

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  6. Such a lovely peaceful walk and the beach not unlike mine posted today. No beach attendants needed there, it is usually a place where windsurfing takes place. I know how hard it is to walk on soft sand too! I’m glad you are not giving up completely and hope there will be places you visit that you will want to share with us. Meanwhile happy walking, croquet playing, Tai chi in the park, learning Portuguese and kayaking! You are not one to sit still for long are you? 😍

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    1. Hiya Jude. I am actually sitting on a beach this very minute but I left Mick dozing and hiked an hour or two first. It’s a different scene here today and a different beach. The Portuguese are embracing freedom and there are lots of families here. Cheap and cheerful way to keep the kids happy. I’m just answering a few comments then we’ll head back. The police are around which gives you a strange feeling but they seem to be doing a good job. It will get harder when the tourists arrive. You know where to find me 🤗🌊💕

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  7. What a lovely place to wake up to! Love it 😍 Everything seems so pristine… the jewels on the beach – just beautiful! Looks like I’m going to miss your walks… love to see you around! Stay safe, stay happy 😃 🤗

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  8. Peaceful but strange. Our beach is full again. Lots of chaos over here, I can’t even find words for it. Have a good week, the cake looks yummy and happy you got to enjoy the seaside

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    1. We were surprised how busy the beach was here this morning. We went to one that you don’t need to ferry to so I guess that makes a difference. The maritime police were keeping a watchful eye though 😉🌊💕

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    1. Glad to take you along with me, Su. We’re just back from a different beach walk but not one I’ll be sharing. The Portuguese love their beaches and it was quite busy this morning. 😍🌊💕

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  13. Pingback: Port Glasgow Heritage Walk – The Glasgow Gallivanter

  15. An amazing place you live in Jo and this walk shows us why you chose to call it home. As life opens up again I can understand that finding time to blog on a regular time frame will not be easy. I also really admire how you connect and comment with so many other bloggers, that is also very time consuming. I will look forward to joining you whenever you find the time to take us on your next walk. You are an inspiration.

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    1. Darlin, it’s always a joy to come to yours. 🙂 🙂 There’s something a bit special about people who know your homeland, even though they live elsewhere in the world. Sending you much love!

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  17. Such a beautiful walk! I love your “beach jewellery”. What I always like about Hebridean beaches is that they are blue and gold and empty. Something of the same feeling here, but I know in this case it’s not how it’s meant to be. Thanks for linking – even though I didn’t link to you because I thought you weren’t doing one this week, apologies. I’ll do something retrospectively later and I have a new walk ready which I will also link. However, if it’s used, it’s used, and if it’s not it’s not! I quite understand your feelings.

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    1. You never need to apologise for a link or the lack of it, Anabel. I share because I want to. There are no conditions. I’m a bit the same with my approach to writing, which is why I’ve been a bit vague. Sorry about that. You’re welcome here, whenever 🙂 🙂

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  20. Well, if this is your swansong, it’s a particularly lovely one. I was quite late in the day in coming along on one of your walks, but what a pleasure it’s been. I do hope it won’t be your last. But thanks for your own walks, and for those of so many other wonderful bloggers to whom you’ve introduced us.

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    1. It won’t be my last, Margaret. I just want to warn people that if they contribute a walk here it might not get shared for a while. Sometimes that doesn’t matter. Sometimes it does. I may not have known you long but it’s been all pleasure, and we’re not done yet. 🙂 🙂 Thanks, darlin!

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      1. Indeed – I hope you don’t think you can escape that easily! It’s been great getting to know you through your posts, and lately, just a little via the dreaded Zoom.

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