A tale of two rivers

Today I thought I’d show you a slightly different aspect of Tavira. The Rio Séqua rises in the hills of the Serra de Caldeiráo and flows down into Tavira. For no very obvious reason when it reaches the bridge, Ponte Romana, it changes its name to become Rio Giláo.

The above photo was taken after heavy rain which brings the bright orange soil tumbling down with it. A road bridge carries the E125 over the river and around the city and a railway bridge does the same for trains.

Beyond the railway bridge the river flows beneath a low level blue bridge and into the heart of the city, where it meets Ponte Romana, with its hearts and love locks. Mysteriously becoming Rio Gilao, it then flows towards the former Military Bridge, completely renewed but not yet open.

The river starts to widen and flows on, beneath the high level road bridge. and out through the salt marshes, leaving the city behind.

In the normal course of things you can catch a ferry to follow the river on its journey to the sea, or you can walk the road beside it, through the salt pans and out to Quatro Aguas. I’m really missing being able to do this but, hopefully, after Easter.

Two rivers, six bridges and a ferry later you will find yourself on the Ilha, looking back at lovely Tavira. I always prefer to share the colour and beauty of this place, but sometimes I can be persuaded to see life in black and white. I think that the bridges make good subjects for this, with their strong lines and the deep shadows cast by the sun.

Terri at Second Wind Leisure Perspectives prompted me to share a black and white view of my world. I simply converted my images from colour. What do you think?

86 comments

  1. Pingback: A tale of two rivers – Mikkyswag

  2. There’s a certain moodiness to B&W photos and they really tell a story. Must admit though that I do love the coloured ones more. Hope you’re well Jo and you get to travel after Easter. xx

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  4. Jo, what a huge difference between the two. In black and white you do not catch the extreme muddiness of the river or the clear blue of the second river. I’m so glad that you used the new block that gives us a comparison. Isn’t that the best new block ever? I agree 100% about the bridges doing well in black and white, though. The iron work is especially gorgeous in black and white, but so are the straight-line shadows. Lovely story. I hope you get back there soon. Our sun is shining beautifully and the temperature is up to 60+ degrees, which is temperate, but the wind still thinks it’s winter. 🙂

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    1. We had a cooling breeze here too yesterday, but the Algarve is known for that. It’s what makes our hot summers tolerable…usually 🙂 🙂 Thanks for your company, hon!

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  6. Pingback: Getting High in Black and White – Bird Weekly Photo Challenge #40 – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write
  7. Pingback: Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: Spring #Green – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

  11. There’s that red water again – I know it can’t very good for those who use the river but it is such an unusual sight.

    The blue-green of the water near the salt marshes is very captivating as well.

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  12. I can’t recall ever hearing about a river with a name change along the way! That’s so interesting to me. And could be a little confusing, perhaps? The black and white are very nice, Jo. You always share the beautiful colors you encounter on your walks both landscape and the colorful cities and architecture, but the bold black and white makes a nice change. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.

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    1. Hi, Debbie 🙂 🙂 I must admit we tend to just think of it as the Giláo, but there is a story behind the river names. Something to do with drowning lovers. The Portuguese like a bit of drama 🙂 Thanks, darlin- you too!

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  13. How strange that the river changes names. I do prefer the colour photos, although the black and white look like they were photos from the 50’s.
    My daughter owns an investment property in Cabanas de Tavira, but we haven’t been to the area yet. Next time we are in Portugal …
    Have a lovely weekend Joanne

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    1. Cabanas is a fast growing resort, which has a lot of fans and great access to the beach by a 2 minute ferry ride. We have a few friends there, Sami, and they love it, though it’s a bit commercial for us. It would be good to see your reaction 🙂 🙂 Thanks, darlin!

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    1. My processing options are pretty limited, Otto, and don’t always produce the best results but I do like the ‘going back in time’ feel you get with black and white. My world is colourful and I do prefer it that way. Many thanks for your company 🙂 🙂

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  19. Love the story about the river names. Like you, I mostly post color photos, but I think it’s fun and interesting to see what might look good in B&W. As you say, I think the bridge photos work best here with their strong lines and shadows.

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