Portugal

Six word Saturday

Can there be anything more beautiful?

This week we did the Almond Blossom Trail- a yearly highlight. Debbie’s Six Words are a little more prosaic. Happy Saturday all!

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Capital, in a small way : Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada isn’t especially grand, as capital cities go. In fact, my initial impression was that it was rather shabby. But it is the gateway to an archipelago that captured my imagination long ago. The Azores for me were the fulfilment of a dream.

Sitting in mid-Atlantic, this group of 9 volcanic islands seemed to me a world apart, and yet so much of their architecture felt familiar. They are, after all, Portuguese islands. Ponta Delgada, situated on the largest island, Sáo Miguel, is their administrative capital. Funnily enough (history is a strange thing) the religious capital of the islands is Angra on Terceira, and the legislative process operates from Horta on Faial.

It was pure coincidence that we arrived on the island in the midst of their greatest religious festival, in May. Ponta Delgada is the traditional centre of Festa de Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, and the Campo de Sáo Francisco and surrounding streets were decked in all their finery.

The Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperanca is extraordinary both inside and out, especially by night when the whole square radiates light. From its origins as a small fishing village to the cosmopolitan city that it now is, Ponta Delgada retains something of the charm of these magical islands.

It takes a special person to induce me to delve into my archives. Viveka is making a guest appearance hostessing Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week. Few people are more well-traveled than my lovely and generous friend, but I don’t think she has been to this particular Capital. Thanks for taking me back, darlin’. I enjoyed every second!

Can you see the patterns?

Life is full of them, don’t you think? Patterns of behaviour and visual patterns. Dramatic pause to count the patterns in the shot above. Jude has a new photographic challenge this year, all about improving your photography. The lady has lots of tips and some wonderful examples, so get yourself over there and admire. But have a quick peak at my gallery first.

2020 Photo Challenge #5

Jo’s Monday walk : A sally through the salt marshes

Grey is not my favourite colour for sky, but sometimes there are compensations. (not cake- too soon for that!) A friend had suggested a sally through the salt marshes, and I’m always seduced by the fusion of sky and sea. I hadn’t reckoned on a grey day, but it was warm, so, no excuse!

The light on the water here is special on all but the glummest of days. Passing by the fisherman’s huts there’s always a cat or two, trying to appear disinterested in today’s catch. Down in the salt pans, birds wade, flap their wings, and glide across the still waters.

A pomegranate tree clings to the last of its fruit, and the reeds rustle and sway, bleached beige by the sun. Small hillocks of salt gleam, white, against the sullen sky. A mysterious pink has appeared in the salt pans, not reflected from the dense clouds overhead.

The light is changing and, looking to the hills, I realise that the clouds are beginning, ever so slowly, to roll back. The water darkens, inexplicably, to a rich magenta and I watch, transfixed, as grey gives way to blue.

I’m rounding the marshes to reach Fuseta for lunch. If I’m lucky the sky should be clear by the time I get there.

It’s almost unreal, the transformation in the skies as I head towards the sea, and I can only be a grateful witness.

I wander along the quayside, peering at the tiny fish milling around the boats. If they were bigger I’d think they were pushing their luck, but it’ll be a while before they make anyone a decent supper. Well, perhaps a ship’s cat?

Which brings us, of course, to the inevitable subject. Does anyone have space for cake? Someone’s been eating mine, again!

Not such a grey day, after all. Replete, we sat in the sunshine, gazing out across the bay.

Not so many walks this week. Huge thanks to my regular contributors. Please visit each other, if you can, and don’t forget to get out there walking off all those cakes! Join me any time, here on Jo’s Monday walk. You know you’ll always be welcome.

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What’s a little rain when you’re with a lovely friend? Welcome back, Gilly!

A winter visit to ROSEMOOR

It’s a whole different world in Ecuador! Join Natalie in her explorations :

Papallacta Hot Springs: A Delightful Stay

Or Drake, with his alternative view of Paris :

Insists on being alive

New Orleans! Now that’s a place I’d love to visit :

Monday Murals : First Day in New Orleans

Never been to Berlin! And Autumn seems long ago and far away now 🙂

Berlin Day Hike: Last Days of Autumn around Gamensee

With a much more thoughtful attitude to walking than mine, I’m sure many of you know Frank :

On a Beach Walk: #71 (Homeostasis)

He’s leaving the blogging world soon, so you might want to say goodbye. And then, hello to Kammie!

Steps

Life is beautiful in Irene’s world :

Old San Juan

Let’s finish with Cathy, surrounded by the exotic on a…

A whirlwind tour of Fez, Morocco

Those clouds dumped a fair bit of rain, and I ended up wading on a couple of my walks. Back to glorious blue this weekend, and set fair for summer. See you soon! Take care till then.

Six word Saturday

Shall we keep the light burning?

I could as well have said ‘are you all still seeing squares?’ but I suspect those might be Becky’s Six Words. I’d like to keep that lovely glow we’ve created, wouldn’t you? It’s up to us! Let’s start today. Happy Saturday!

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‘No place like home’ light

It had to be done! The Military Bridge is finally being dismantled, so let’s give it one last moment in the Limelight. I’m sure Becky won’t mind.

Jo’s Monday walk : Vaqueiros in Spring

Last week’s walk may have been a little long-winded, and I was chided over the lack of cake, so this one needs to be both short and sweet. The blossom is appearing everywhere and it’s a crime to be indoors. Come with me to Vaqueiros, in my Eastern Algarve.

Vaqueiros is another hill village situated on the 300km Via Algarviana, and a good starting point for two circular walks. I took you along on one of them a couple of years ago, so let’s go and see the other.

An information board indicates the way out of the village, on a gentle ascent. A tinkling of bells alerts me to the presence of goats, an elderly goatherd leaning, unconcerned, on a wall in the shade. And then, in a valley, a wonderful surprise. Clear, sparkling water, flowing freely. It’s been a long dry spell and recent, welcome rains have done their work.

The patterns in the rock crisscross like a giant game board, and I linger, thinking what a great place for a picnic and a paddle.

Our walk leader tells us we have a steady uphill climb for half an hour, and to keep our voices down when we pass the beehives. It’s probably too early in the year, but the last thing you need is a swarm of angry bees. Fortunately, nothing stirs as we tiptoe past.

Next we find ourselves the object of much curiosity. Sheep certainly seem to abide by the maxim ‘safety in numbers’. I couldn’t spot the shepherd but I’m sure there’s a stray goat or two in the pack.

The trail wends its way around and beneath a canopy of trees, mostly pine. We pass by a nicely shaded picnic table, knowing we are not too far from our café stop at journey’s end. And you know what that means!

In the small reservoir a bird flaps down to perch on the stump of a tree, and I try to zoom for a clearer photo. Not my forté.

Now I’m not really sure that you’ve earned cake, though we’ve certainly burned a few calories. Sorry! Somebody just couldn’t wait 😦

But at least one of them makes a delightful square for January Light. Just 5 days of Becky’s challenge to go!

So nice to have water in the rivers again, though I may not be saying that tomorrow when I have to cross one! Thank you all for your company, and please find a little time to visit each other. Join me any time, here on Jo’s Monday walk.

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Just a warm-up from Natalie, but so pretty you might want to linger :

Hiking to Peguche Waterfall

Amanda has found a happy new home by the sea to put a big smile on her face :

Sunday Morning Beach Walk

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t mind the odd invigorating walk, and I’m happy to join Jonno and Jo :

Wild and Windy Walk at Heddon Valley

Speaking of windy, what better than the one and only Chicago? Thanks, Janet!

Jo’s Monday Walk… the Windy City

Slade, and a pink house that I remember, in Montmartre with Drake :

Kind of rocking culture

I’m not great at whistling, but I’d give this a go, Alice :

Echo Square- Savannah

Denzil takes us gently wandering again in Belgium :

Sclaigneaux 2k(for kids) and 10k walks

And how beautiful are these, from Irene?

Glimpses of Dawn

Living Desert Garden

Margaret takes me very close to ‘home’ with this one :

Highlights of a Bird-free Bird Reserve

In fact, this was my very first Monday walk, and I can’t resist re-sharing 🙂 Almost 6 years ago!

Jo’s Monday walk : Greatham Creek

I’m sure you’ll have heard of this place (the English version follows the Italian). Please stop by and say hello!

Alberobello:tutto il fascino dell’orientalismo pugliese

Cathy does a fabulous job here! Don’t miss her truly gorgeous photography :

Morocco: the blue-washed Chefchaouen

It’s going to be a great year here for blossom. I hope you can enjoy it with me. Take care till next time!

Six word Saturday

Entranced by the light, or daydreaming?

A young man, sitting on the deck, listening to his music. Dare I hazard ‘dreamlight’? The last week of Becky’s January Light and imaginations are running riot. In Six Words, naturally. Have a great weekend!

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Light of our lives

Our son is 30 today. We can’t be with him but I hope he knows he is the light of our lives. We have a set of 3 of these bottles, one blue, one pink and this one, which was a gift from him. Empty now, of course, but we’ll be raising a glass to him later, by Lamplight. Happy birthday!

Jo’s Monday walk : Sáo Bartholomeu de Messines

Don’t you just love the light through those clouds? I was high above Sáo Bartholomeu de Messines, looking down on this small Algarve town. Once again I had the opportunity to go hiking on the Via Algarviana with Grupo Coral Ossonoba. You might remember the wonderful day we had together, ending with a concert in the church at Alte? This time the performance was to take place in a local cinema, but first we needed to walk and earn our substantial lunch.

We started with a stiff uphill ascent, surrounded by cork trees, over slabs of rock worn smooth with age. It was good to get the climb out of the way. Already the first of the narcissi were in delicate bloom.

Back down into the valley, we skirted the edge of town and followed a dusty trail, for a short while bordering the railway lines. It was something of a surprise to turn a corner and be confronted with stepping stones, surrounded by water. I admit, I am far more adept at dry river beds.

This was not the last of the hazards, for the river ran beneath the railway lines and a sign pointed confidently towards the water. No boat in sight, we had to scramble up the side of the embankment and cautiously cross the tracks to slither back down the far side. Where there’s a will, there’s a way? The trail led gently uphill, and we followed, wondering if it might be time to pause for refreshments. And we did, in the perfect spot!

A picture of neglect, but what a picturesque place for a picnic… the ruins of Santa Ana church, on the site of a former battleground. The poignancy of the pulpit and the faded altar, a compelling setting for a brief photo shoot.

From a height you could see the fullness of the river. The trail wound gently down to meet it, sunlight brightening our path with each step. The ruined church almost seemed to be restored by distance.

And then we reached my idea of the perfect day, walking by the river, wisps of cloud and purest blue reflected in the water.

Another poetic ruin observed us, silently, and we left the river behind, trading it for two starkly contrasting pools.

The deep ochre of the soil here always comes as a surprise, no matter how often I see it. And then we’re headed through meadows lightly dusted with lemon flowers and youthful olive trees, towards the town. A church looks down from the hilltop, and another beauty adorns the centre.

Ossonoba need to eat and get ready for the concert. Having followed them through the town, we are pointed in the direction of Café do Largo da Pontinha, where we are treated to a fine array of food. Platters of meat, cheese and bread, then black pasta with prawns and pork in fig sauce are heaped on the table, with fresh fruit and pastries to finish. No, you don’t want to see! It’s only a small place and they can’t fit you all in. The venue for the concert is an old cinema, just around the corner. Very different from the beautiful church at Alte, but the choir are happy to perform.

Spotlight on the choir! A strange venue, but the same beautiful sound. It’s a long way to walk for some January Light, but worth it. Which leaves me to round off with a bit of street art. I seem to find this in the most unlikely places.