Jo’s Monday walk : Azinhal, almost ends in tears

A sleepy little village, and a gentle stroll down to the Guadiana and back. A bright blue sky, sun climbing steadily into warmth. A couple of friends for good company. What could possibly go wrong?

Nothing was further from our minds as we left Azinhal, nodding good morning through our masks to a couple of villagers and being careful to maintain a safe distance. Relaxed and happy, we removed the masks and breathed in the wonderful clear air. The trail led out past the church to the fields of crops beyond, hazy mist lining the valley below.

Aware of heavy rains in the previous days, we chose our path carefully, but the gritty surface appeared to have absorbed much of the wet. The oranges positively sparkled in their green surrounds. The old mill had lost its sails, but on the far horizon you could just make out a wind farm, propellers churning through Spanish air. Our nimblest walker climbed the trig point to play lookout.

  • Orange grove
  • Lost its sails
  • The gritty trail
  • Wind farm on the horizon in distant Spain
  • I see no ships!

From yon side of a flimsy rope fence we were eyed uncertainly by a herd of young bullocks. Avoiding eye contact we strode by, into the next valley, where a more pastoral scene met our eyes. A flock of sheep bleated warnings to their young. Gambolling legs had strayed from mother’s side.

We were back at ground level, the Guadiana sparkling beside us, and the smell of newly cut eucalyptus filling the air. An idyllic scene, with fisherman midstream, tending to his nets. Little did we know that all was soon to go horribly wrong. The path alongside the river was a bit muddy and wet, and within a short distance we came upon a rope preventing access to the next section of the walk. Our choices were to concede defeat and retrace our steps, or climb over the rope and chance going ahead. You know what we did, don’t you?

Looking furtively around – there was no-one in sight other than the boatman, and some far distant workers – we lowered the rope and stepped over it. There was no obvious reason or explanation for it being there but, as the ground became increasingly squelchy and oozy, we began to have our suspicions. Feet slithered in the mud and we teetered precariously for a few yards. It sucked at our boots, clinging on and making balance difficult. Looking for an alternative, my husband climbed up onto the spongy grass alongside our path and, with blind faith, we followed. The Guadiana was flowing swiftly along, a few feet below, and definitely focused the mind. Sunny and warm though it was, no way did I fancy swimming practise. For what seemed like hours we tottered along, trying to find a firm foothold. Looking back the rope seemed impossibly distant, and the thought of slithering back the way we’d come a most unwelcome one. Whose bright idea, you catch yourself wondering.

The path stretched ahead and round a curve, looking equally muddy for as far as we could see. Legs were getting tired and a decision needed to be made. Far across the fields we knew there was a much drier path, but the terrain approaching it was very boggy. And somewhere within that area the young bullocks were roaming freely. There wasn’t really a choice so, reluctantly we ducked beneath another rope and set off across the field, choosing our steps with care. The land was saturated and many times a leap for dry ground was needed. But, eventually, we gained the far side and firmer ground, and heaved a collective sigh of relief. I broke out some sticky lollies in a moment of wild celebration. They’d been bought for Halloween and had sat patiently, waiting for trick or treaters, ever since. As we climbed steadily back towards the village we caught sight of a few bullocks. Happily the lush green pasture was more appealing to them than our lollies.

And us? As always we found a cake to suit the occasion. There is a café in the village which sells very delicious cakes, but it was closed. When the need arises, we can be resourceful! Almond cake, in case you were wondering. And so, with Azinhal and almonds, I’m joining Patti’s challenge.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #126

walking logo

If you can find a little time, please visit the following lovely people. You won’t be sorry!

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A fabulous way to start a roundup! Join Mel at sunrise :

Start Your Day with a Sunrise. Walking up Tomaree Head, Nelson Bay

I met a nice man called Allan recently. Pop over and say hello?

Autumn 2020 – Part 27 – Valley of the 5 Lakes Hike – Jasper National Park

A familiar friend, who always enjoys a chat, Mari loves her Isle of Wight home :

A Ticket to Ryde – and Then a Walk

You can always spend time with Drake. I love his outlook on life :

Effervescent, the relaxed way

Another of life’s mysteries

This is in Denzil’s Top Ten in Belgium, so it has to be a goodie :

Walking along the River Lesse from Gendron-Celles station

Natalie keeps her cheerful head on, and simply enjoys the beauty :

Along Humber Bay Shores

Boats, blue skies and a new little dog all make Eunice happy :

Leeds/Liverpool Canal – Snowy’s first walk

While Ann Christine and Milo make the most wonderful company :

Thursday Thoughts – Younger Days

Can’t beat a bit of…. weather! Join Margaret on a good yomp in Wharfedale :

Fog and mist, cloud and sun

Thankfully, Jonno and Jo are back together now, keeping each other warm :

Windy Wintery Walk at Whitstable

Not strictly a walk, but a piece of nostalgia for me. Be sure to watch the video in Robin’s comments :

Kielder Viaduct

Nothing if not an eclectic mix this week, I defy you not to find pleasure with Marsha :

#Haibun: Granite Dells, Prescott, AZ Walk #1

Or enhance your life with the beauty in Lynn’s world :

Local Walks: Beach and Dune

And share some wonderful memories with Terri :

Sunday Stills: City #Sidewalks

Alison takes us on a special mountain hike in Japan :

The God of Rice – a Fushimi-Inari pilgrimage

And we journey into December very beautifully, with Jude :

Garden Walk in Winter

My posts have become a little erratic lately, but I’m sure you’ll have noticed that this isn’t a Monday. It’s been a difficult week and the unexpected death of my stepbrother, Tony, on Sunday left me adrift. He was a kind and gentle man, who will be sorely missed. Two days later the life support of a friend here in the Algarve was switched off. Neither deserved to die so young. Finishing writing my walk has been a good distraction. I hope to have one more Jo’s Monday walk before Christmas. I can almost guarantee it will be on a Monday.

131 comments

  3. My heart aches for your losses, Jo. No words really fill the void you feel for their loss. May your gorgeous walks continue to be a balm for your soul and a physical release for your body. I have to say, you took a chance and if you will forgive the pun, a road less traveled, but you needed the rebellion and came out the other side mostly unscathed. As I goggle over your sunny scenes, and take my last walk this morning with my bestie, imagine me trudging the snowy suburban streets of Spokane next week with my unsuspecting dogs. Next trip to the store will be for snowshoes! Take good care and may peace be with you!

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    1. I simply can’t cope with cold and snow in my old age, Terri. I was never a big fan, though I admit it can be beautiful. I’m the one inside the log cabin, peering out in dismay 🙂 🙂 It wouldn’t do for us all to be the same and I very much appreciate your kind thoughts.

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  4. Oh dear, walks like that are NOT FUN at the time. But they are afterwards, particularly for those of us who weren’t with you. Thanks for a good story – and pictures, as ever.

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  5. I love the images in this post…the colours, the tiling, oranges on the tree, the views. All so far removed from the dull Winter-ness that is here at the moment. I’m glad your decision to step over the rope didn’t end in disaster! Cake well earned at the end.

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  7. First of all, and most important, peace to you and your family. May the joys of memories keep you smiling. … On to the walk … what a beautiful day. The blue sky, the white buildings, and the countryside with views … wonderful – but did hubby let you have a bite of his almond cake?

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      2. I’m not that restrained. Just not as greedy as someone I know 🙂 🙂 He says he needs a belt to keep his trousers up, he’s so thin, but I have serious doubts.

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  8. If you set out to confuse me then you certainly did, I thought I’d missed a post somewhere 🙂 This looked like a very enjoyable walk – or it would have been if it wasn’t for the mud and the bullocks – and the photos as always are lovely. I like the little white house up on the mound, i think I could live there 🙂

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  9. Some folk never learn… 🙄
    Keep your spirits up, I know you’ll be disappointed over Christmas, but it’s just a couple of days, plenty of time ahead to meet up with the family. Thinking of you and sending more hugs 🤗🤗💖💕💐

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  14. I’m going out on a limb here, but I think these are some of your best ever photographs, Jo. Marvellous, and the first one especially, is so typical of Portugal (or, let’s be honest, the Iberian peninsula) that it could be a tourist board advert. I’ve had such a lovely morning looking at these and imagining myself back there, or somewhere similar, one day. Thank you for a lovely walk but I didn’t enjoy the squelching through the mud bit. There’s always a reason why there’s a barrier!

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    1. We knew, of course, that we weren’t sensible, Mari, and happily we could laugh about it afterwards. 🤣🤣 Thanks so much for your kind words. Proper cheers a person up 💕💕

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  16. I haven’t even read this post yet, as it deserves the time to savour it, I can see. I understand why you’ve been having such a rough time now, Jo, and I’m so sorry. Thinking of you, and sending a big virtual hug,

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      1. We too aren’t seeing family – even the English ones. Too risky. And the chances of getting over to Emily in January when their baby is born are vanishingly small, so I’m down too. Let’s have a virtual hug!

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  18. Jo, even with all the squelchy mud and tricky ground this sounds like a lovely outing! Beautiful photos of your outing and thank goodness for almond cake! 🍰 😀 ps. After being ‘chased’ by bullocks in a field near home in Yorkshire as a child I keep well away from them! Keep well, my friend! Xx 🤗

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