Portugal

Six word Saturday

An explosion of colour and fun

After flirting with Monochrome this week, I though it time to inject a little colour into our lives. It seems ages since I waved and cheered with the crowd as the Carnival floats passed me by in Loule, but it’s only a couple of weeks. After 110 years of celebrating the event, this Algarve town really knows how to party. Can you shimmy? Or make like a pirate? Or maybe, be a mermaid?

Whatever you choose, you need to be good with paper flowers, and happy to smile and wave for three hours. That’s a lot of waving!

There’s always a Pierrot, and lots of dancing girls. The children are spellbound; many of them in costume and eager to be a part of it all.

There’s a large political element to the whole festival. The Portuguese love an opportunity to have a ‘dig’ at their politicans and celebrities. They have a valid point because money is very hard-earned in this country. But this is a time of celebration and it’s all done in a wonderful, family oriented spirit. And, of course, there are a few jiggling ladies for the dads.

The pirate theme is highly appropriate. Most people would agree that politicians rob and plunder. And if all else fails, there’s always Pinocchio.

I hope you enjoyed your trip to this year’s Carnival with me. Next year, maybe come along and we’ll party?

Meantime, it’s the weekend again. Hoping you’ll have a good one. Don’t forget to pop in on Cate at Six Word Saturday. And save some energy to come walking with me on Monday!

Jo’s Monday walk : Rocha da Pena

Some walks are a really hard act to follow. After last week’s Almond Blossom Trail, in blissful sunshine, I was really looking forward to taking you to the heights of Rocha da Pena. I envisioned the landscape, dropping away below me, and my eyes gazing far out to sea. Unfortunately, the dismal cloud wrapped around the rock had other ideas. Every day in the Algarve cannot be paradise, can it? But what I can offer you is good company, some wonderful plant species, and… oh, yes- cake! What’s a little drizzle between friends?

The drive out into the Algarve countryside is beautiful in itself. A little challenging, and you do have to like hairpin bends. This is another walk that features in the Walking Trails in the Algarve, (p.72) and once you arrive the signage is good. The walk begins beside a cafe, Bar das Grutas, and a strong coffee is just the thing to set you up. Don’t expect a smile from the proprietor, however. Or maybe it was just the weather! Taking a look at those clouds, I think we’d better get going!

It’s uphill, of course, but not too steep, and there’s plenty to hold your interest. Plants nestle in unsuspected places. I’m walking with a group and every now and then a voice sings out ‘don’t miss this one!’ I’m being teased a little, but I like it. The challenge is to keep up with the group, yet still record my individual delights.

There are a few signboards, pointing out things of interest, and I’m reminded of the fires that swept this mountain range, soon after we’d bought our Algarve home. Driving along the coast, or even down on the beach, a black pall of smoke could be seen on the horizon. It must have been terrifying to be up here, as the fires raged for 4 days, in 2004. Hard to imagine on this moist day, when so much has renewed and revitalised.

I’m soon on the hunt for the wild bee orchids which, I discover, like this predominantly calcareous outcrop. I can’t be cross with the weather when I learn that late January/early February is the perfect time to see them, rain or shine. The plateau rises to a height of 479 metres at Talefe, which roughly translates as ‘trig point’. All this richness and diversity has led to the Rocha being a ‘Special Protected Area’, by law.

The boards also refer to narcissus calcicola, which I take to be a simple daffodil. I’m wildly excited when I come upon a carpet of these tiny beauties, so much smaller than any I have seen before. I think I probably have more than one variety here.

Up on the heights, with the daffodils, lie the remains of a defensive stone wall, believed to date back to the Iron Age. It’s been attributed to Celtic people who lived on the Iberian peninsula in pre-Roman times. (6th-1st century BC)

There are caves you can explore, currently inhabited by two locally endangered species of bat. The largest cave, known as ‘Moor’s Grotto’, was used as a final desperate refuge in the 13th century, according to legend. The Almohad Moors tried to hide there, before being slain by the Portuguese troops of King Afonso III.

After a speck or two of drizzle, a tantalising glimpse of hazy sunlight appears in the distance, as we drop back down the trail. I look wistfully towards the open door of an unlikely ‘Mini Museum’ in the village of Penina, quietly going about it’s business. But my walking friends have lunch firmly in mind. No loitering allowed! I guess I’ll have to come back, on a sunnier day, and perhaps do the walk in reverse.

If you’re thinking you’ve seen that door before somewhere, it was one of many in Life is full of choices. Within a matter of minutes we’re back to our start point, and not a moment too soon as the skies open. The Bar das Grutas supplies food, but we hop into cars and head for the village of São Romão, near São Bras de Alportel, where we have a reservation. A warm welcome awaits us at Cafe Correia. And cake, of course!

I’m including a link to an excellent website, Walk Algarve, where you will find full details of the geology, and flora and fauna to be found at Rocha da Pena, with a little more history. And now, that cake’s made me thirsty. Time to put the kettle on.

Thanks everybody for keeping me company on my walks, and for entertaining me with yours. I hope you enjoyed this one and, if you have a walk you’d like to share, details can be found on my Jo’s Monday walks page. Just click on the logo above.

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I’m not a huge fan of snow but if anything could persuade me… Anabel just might :

Canadian Rockies : Lake Louise

And Colline gave it a good try! Canada definitely seems to be the place for it :

A Walk in the Snow

Come over to the ‘dark side’ with Drake? He does it beautifully!

Abandoned walk

Congratulate Jesh? She deserves it!

A Short Diversion

Me and Jackie, still singing, down Mexico way! And why wouldn’t we?

Monday walk : Guadalajara

Jaspa does go to some fascinating places! I’d really like to visit this one :

The Templar Tunnels of Acre, Israel

A little summertime warmth, Down Under, with Rosemay would be good too :

The French Connection : Bunker Bay

Geoff and his dog go bounding through the sand dunes!

Life’s a Beach#glorioussuffolk

While Snowdon Student takes a break from his studies to head for the hills again :

Relaxing by Llyn Idwal

Jude is busy getting ready to move to Cornwall, but still found time to share. That’s a friend for you!

Scrobbesbyrig/Shrewsbury : Town Trail Part 1

It looks a bit busy in Macau, for me. Anyone been there? Thanks, Lee Ann!

A stroll through the Old Town of Macau

Pauline gave me an early morning nudge this morning!

Early morning beach walk

I’m well and truly re-acclimatised to the UK again. Not sure where to take you next week, but I’m pretty sure we’ll be walking somewhere. Many thanks again, and I hope you all have a great week!

Six word Saturday

There is a season,

Turn, turn….

In Faro old town, in the Algarve, it was mating season for storks. Everywhere you looked, they were swooping through the sky, calling and shrieking to each other. The cacophony had everyone riveted to the spot, staring upwards. Try as I might, I couldn’t capture a good photo of these magnificent creatures in flight. I was always a wing beat, if not two, behind them.

Fortunately, the architecture almost compensates. Have you noticed the seasons changing? The Weekly Photo Challenge would love you to share. Me, I’ll probably be singing ‘that song’ all day!

And popping in to see Cate at Six Word Saturday, of course. Enjoy your weekend! Hope to see you on Monday, for a walk.

Life is full of choices

Windows, or doors?

Old, or new?

Real, or imagined?

But the hardest choice of all? Which challenge to enter! And I’m spoilt for choice this week, because Klara Bach has given me choices in Thursday’s Special. I’ve promised Dawn I’ll linger by a few more windows, and then there’s Norm’s Doors! I ask you- what’s a girl to do? Enjoy the challenge, I guess. I hope you do, too. Every picture tells a story! Do you have a favourite?

Jo’s Monday walk : Amendoeira (Almond) Trail

True sign of Spring, and a sight to gladden the heart- almond blossom. This is what the Algarve in February means to me, though the sky may not always be so blue. (but that’s next week’s walk) Again I’m taking you up into the hills, and you’ll need a map to follow. Our start point is the village of Cruz de Alta Mora, inland from the River Guadiana. The road dips and sways through unheard of villages. There are occasional bus stops along the way, but nary a person waiting. Does this look like an inviting place to start a walk?

I rather thought so. The sign pointed towards the village of Soalheira, and a trail led off through the welcoming carpet of false yellowhead.

You might have noticed a tendency I have to find walks with hills in them? The walking guide I was using gives an indication of the ‘ups and downs’, and I always look to see how strenuous it might become. (but then often do the walk anyway, if it’s not too long) In this case the steepest incline comes right at the end of the walk. One of the signboards in the village of Alta Mora described the trail as the way of the cabra Algarvia– the Algarvean Goat- so I shouldn’t have been at all surprised to come upon a pen full of them.

Did you spot the ruined windmill on the top of the hill? Or the ginger cat in that sparse grass? ( you can click on the photo to make it easier) I was headed upwards, but initially it wasn’t too steep. If you wanted the view from the top, that comes at a cost…

And then it’s far behind you, and you can see the next village ahead. Looking back at my photos I can see I got a little carried away on this walk, but it was quite hard not to. Aside from the blossom, I am enamoured of the wild cistus. I find this countryside almost impossible not to love.

After Caldeirao, the trail idles through the greenest of valleys, then rises somewhat surprisingly to a tarmac road. There, nestled in the landscape and unmentioned in the guide, a tiny cafe awaits. This is the point at which all thoughts of walking might well disappear out of the window. Or, more appropriately, off the enticing balcony. Laundry dangles over the valley below. The scene is only despoiled by a cacophony of compounded dogs. A puppy in the cafe garden twitches its nose at visitors, while Mum snoozes determinedly in the sun.

I know that many of you will be disappointed at the non-appearance of cake. I will humbly make amends in my next walk. For now, I need to head on to the idyllic, though partially abandoned, villages of Funchosa em Cima and de Baixo. (upper and lower)

It’s a steep climb back out of the valley and then roll down into the next, Ribeira do Beliche. I spot a donkey in a courtyard, his back firmly turned to me. I edge closer, but pause when my husband reminds me they do a wicked back kick. A shot under cover of planters will have to do!

There are river crossings to be made. A few uneven stones straddle the water, and I end up with one wet foot. No matter- it’s a warm day. Crouched by the side of the water, I spot some tiny delicate orchids. Funny how similar they are to some I’ve seen on the cliffs at home. Alas, my shots are horribly blurred, so I’ll simply tell you that next week I have a different orchid, which I found very exciting.

I cross the stream a second time, a little more successfully, and then begins that last, long slog up the hill, which leads, eventually, back to our start point. Not for the feint hearted! You don’t want to watch me, so I’ll end with a delicacy of blossom. Is it ever possible to have too much?

Phew! I have to say I’m rather tired after all that, and just have the energy to point you towards Walking Trails in the Algarve, where this walk appears, right near the end, at p. 144. Full details of how to get there are given in the guide. And now, the kettle on, I think!

Thank you all for your tolerance while I was away. I tried to keep up as best I could, but managed to miss a few of you. Amends made here, I hope. Once again I have some wonderful contributions. If you possibly can, please find the time to read them. And maybe even join me on a walk next week? Shorter, I promise! Details on Jo’s Monday walk page or the logo above.

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Drake’s timing was simply wonderful!

Hit the road

Tobias always makes such good use of his ‘props’ :

Walk on Beach

Debbie just can’t resist a shot or two on the way to work! Or anywhere, really…

Misty Walk Along the Thames

Fancy making your own Tequila? You just need blue agave plants! Cheers, Jackie!

Monday Walk : Tequila, Mexico

Amy takes us back to visit the exotic Ringling home. What a beauty!

Monday Walk : Ca’ d’Zan

The national parks in the States look larger than life, don’t they? I’d love to visit!

Arches National Park, Utah

Somewhere else I wouldn’t mind to try- Hawaii! Have a wander with Carol :

A Walk Along Front Street

Waking to snow is not my idea of fun, but in the Rockies you’d expect it, and Anabel looks pleased :

Canadian Rockies : Num-ti-jah Lodge

My daughter spent her birthday and 3rd wedding anniversary in Edinburgh, and fully endorses Smidge’s recommendations :

Edinburgh ‘must do’ : Edinburgh Castle

Gilly would like my goats, wouldn’t she? Her dogs might not be so keen :

Walking the Goat to the Bowling Green

And Jill just scraped in, in the early hours of this morning. I haven’t even had time to read it yet, but I will!

Biking the shores of Inle

I woke to snow this morning, looking oh, so pretty, outside my window. I haven’t had time to ‘enjoy’ it yet, but hopefully? Once again, my thanks to all. For those of you I saw on Saturday, Vincent and Flavia were fabulous! Have a great week, and see you soon.

Six word Saturday

Carnival, for old and young alike

As always happens, I came back from Tavira with far too many photos and far too much to do! But I couldn’t let Six word Saturday pass without a wave from the kids at this year’s Carnival. I was a little greedy this year because we were there throughout the Carnival period, which starts with a children’s parade, on the Friday before Shrove Tuesday, in most of the towns and villages.

The main event in the Algarve takes place in Loule, where this year 110 years of Carnival were celebrated. I managed to go there on the Saturday and happily rain kept away for the day. Sunday in the small town of Sao Bras de Alportel was fine and sunny. On Shrove Tuesday the weather was less kind, but I managed to catch a few shots over the tops of the umbrellas in the village of Moncarapacho. We’d been walking that morning but I was still in the mood for some samba.

No one is left out- young, old or disabled, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve money to spend or not. Long may it continue!

I have some shots of the fabulous Carnival floats, but no time to post them here. I’m off to zumba and, later today, some real excitement! I have a ticket to see Vincent Sirmione and Flavia dancing in their Last Tango show. Fans of ‘Strictly’ will know how happy that makes me.

I hope you have a great weekend and can find time to join me for a Monday walk, when I’ll be taking you to see some beautiful almond blossom.

Jo’s Monday walk : São Lourenço Trail

Nothing special this week. Just a short walk in the Algarve and a reminder that I will not be here to post a walk next week. I probably won’t have time to respond to many of you before I go, either, so I’ll have to crave your indulgence. You know I’ll catch you up when I’m back, don’t you?

In all honesty, I was a little disappointed in this section of the São Lourenço Trail but there were compensations. It borders affluent Quinta do Lago, and appears to be used largely by joggers and cyclists, between rounds of golf. I approached the trail from the beach, crossing over the salt flats via the Ponte de Ancao, an extremely long foot bridge, easily visible when you fly over the Algarve.

The last time I was in this neighbourhood I had turned left after the bridge, and been astounded at the beauty of the saltwater lake stretching before me. So I had high hopes on my return. A right turn after the bridge had me skirting the edge of a golf course, the salt marsh squidging at my toes. The tide was out, but it was obvious that when it came in, some of the trail would be underwater and a little paddling might be required. A good reason not to loiter, but it was not very obvious to me which was the trail.

This new-looking red dust cycle track proved to be a false start. It led far into the distance, towards the airport, and seemed very popular with birdwatchers. Solid benches along the way attracted couples with binoculars, focused on the watery world. An about face proved necessary.

It was immediately apparent that I should have stuck close to the golf course, on a much more beaten track. I retraced my steps and headed into a stand of pines. Beyond them, a small lake was overlooked by a two-storey bird hide.

I spent a little while in the bird hide, enjoying the antics of the waterfowl, but I forgot to look for the two species of native terrapin. Azure-winged magpie are a common enough sight in Portuguese woods. The trail ends at some rather unprepossessing Roman ruins, former salting tanks used for the preservation of fish. A signboard describes the process.

Time to retrace my steps the brief distance back to the bridge, the tide not having advanced too far. It was a warm day for late November and I had neglected to bring water. The price of my folly was high. I did say that this was wealthy Quinta do Lago, didn’t I? The cost of my glass of white at Gigi’s bar made me wince, but there was nowhere else in sight. I stayed as long as possible to gain maximum value from the view.

This is walk no. 42 from Walking Trails in the Algarve, a book I’ve used previously. Remember Carrapateira? Full details of how to get there, complete with maps, are shown in the guide.

And that’s it from me. I’m publishing this a little early to give me a head start, but I hope you’ll still put the kettle on and settle in for a good read.

As always, huge thanks to my contributors, and to those of you who just enjoy keeping me company. Details of how to join in can be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page, with a click on the logo above. Remember though, I’ll be missing next week.

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Lots of snow about the blogs this week! Start us off, Anabel!

Mugdock in the snow

But we can hop aboard the Royal Yacht and keep warm with Smidge :

The Royal Yacht and Gormley’s 6 times

Or head for San Diego with Amy :

Monday Walking: Ringling Museum

Jackie’s still got plenty of sunshine too :

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Meet Susan, everybody! She’s new to my walks so please make her welcome :

Discovering Street Art in Astoria, Queens

This week Debbie brings us a fascinating tower and observatory in Copenhagen :

A Short and Winding Walk

No matter how often you see Banff National Park, it always looks spectacular!

Snow Decor

Some pretty wonderful rime ice leaves from Jude! Brrrhh 🙂

Monthly Photo Challenge : Frosty January

More of the white stuff, anybody? You could snowboard with Drake!

Snow time

Or stroll peacefully with Jaspa in the evening sun :

Villa Doria Pamphili Park

Not so much a garden as a torture chamber but this one’s very colourful. Thanks, Lee Ann!

Haw Par Villa- Chinese Mythological Garden

Shall we end with a nice English resort? Gilly still manages to make it look inviting, even on a gloomy day :

Winter by the sea

Many thanks, everybody! I love your walks. I hope to be back with an Algarve walk on Monday, 15th February. Take good care till then.

Jo’s Monday walk : Salt marshes at Fuseta

It’s that ‘betwixt and between’, Christmas time and the New Year. The weather has been atrocious in so many places and some people will be spending it mopping up and repairing their homes. I haven’t managed too much walking lately myself, but I do still have some happy memories to share. Shall we take a little salt marsh stroll in the Eastern Algarve? Nothing too strenuous! At day’s end, we can even linger by the beach awhile.

The sky is blue, and that’s a good start! I’ve taken you to Fuseta before. It’s a little off the beaten track, but beloved by campers for the beachfront camp site. New development unkindly overshadows the distinctive fishermen’s homes. Prime location is key, after all, but the fishermen pursue their livelihood as they always did. The settlement dates back to 1572, and the fishing boats still cluster together in the mouth of the Rio Tronoco.

Approximately 10km east of Olhão, you turn off the E125 and follow the narrow road, over the railway tracks and down past the river mouth to the shore. Except in high Summer you will find ample parking beside the camp site. With the sea on your left, walk between the fishermen’s houses and the new apartment blocks facing the sea. The salt marshes open out where the road ends.

It’s a distinctive landscape, and habitat for all kinds of birds. I’ve grown to love it’s oft times, unkempt appearance when the tide is low. Spears of sunlight glinting on high water will reward my patience later. Coots bob gently on the surface, while their longer-legged friends peck, and choose.

Paths lead between the salt pans but you would be ill advised to follow any that are not obviously well trodden. Cyclists zip past, some with a smile and a wave. Looking back, houses randomly dot the marsh borders, and in the distance the new builds gleam, whitely.

You can follow the cycle track all the way to Olhao if you wish, but I did promise you a shorter walk, so I’m meandering back, on the main path across the marshes. I know of a good bench or three, where you can watch the locals play boules and still keep an eye on the sea.

You’ll be wanting a stop at the beach cafe, but I might just tempt you to a stroll along the river mouth first? You know I like a boat or two!

It’s a little ragged around the edges, but Fuseta is a real and honest place, with a working population. I hope you enjoyed accompanying me on my stroll. Shall we head back to that cafe now? I hear there’s cake!

I’ve had a great time walking with you all this year. Thank you for the support. It has been amazing! I worry sometimes that the formula is growing stale. I know that I will carry on walking and sharing, because I love it, but I would hate for you to be bored. You can say so, politely, in the comments, if you wish. I promise not to take offense. For now, I’m going to put that kettle on.

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Not many shares this week, as you’ve all been busy with Christmas! Hopefully you’ll find time to read just a few excellent ones. Many thanks to my contributors! My Jo’s Monday walk page gives details of how to join in.

Drake’s post was wonderfully Christmassy! Happy New Year to you, sir!

Walkaround

Over at Junkboat Travels they were making a proper holiday of it :

Mazatlan, Mexico

Why not visit Jaspa’s favourite city? You may be in for a surprise :

Secret Itineraries Tour, Doge’s Palace, Venice

One of my joys on Christmas morning was this precious gift from Meg. Please don’t miss it!

Eurobodalla beaches : Wasp Head

And my lovely friend Gilly proves that murky weather doesn’t have to make you miserable :

A Boxing Day stroll

Please do join me on Jo’s Monday walk next week, when I’ll be celebrating the launch of Jude’s new Garden Photography Challenge. I have a rather nice English garden to share. But first, I’d like to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year, and lots of walking!

Six word Saturday

In Tavira, it goes like this…

Down at the beach bar we have Santa and a lady friend, and a cute little tree.

Aside from the main town square, not a lot of money is spent on decoration, and Christmas is no worse for that. A simple crib scene adorns a few street corners. There is little money to spare, and food banks were operating in the supermarkets in late December.

The council are keen to attract further tourism to Tavira, and they are spending money on infrastructure. The natural assets and the sunshine are there for all to see, but down at Quatro Aguas major improvements are underway. Jude might enjoy these brand new Benches.

Maybe she’ll get to sit on them one day. The view’s not bad….

Meantime, it’s Saturday and I hope you’re not too full of Christmas pudding to take a little stroll with me. I’m not sure if Cate is playing Six Word Saturday this week. It’s Boxing Day and that’s confusing, isn’t it? Hope to see you all on Monday!

Jo’s Monday walk : Vaqueiros

A dilemma this week! Whether to take you back to those blue Algarve skies, or stay with reality, here in the UK? Ever the escapist, I’ve opted to leave reality on hold, just a little while longer. Vaqueiros is another of those pretty hill villages in the Eastern Algarve. A quirky little walk, this time I had the company of my walking friends, so no need to worry about angry dogs.

Again, the drive up into the hills from Tavira was a test for the driver, but pure delight for the passenger. Before coming to the Algarve I would never have expected to find hairpin bends and smoke coloured hills. Every twist and turn looks down across another tiny village, or out across a lovely panorama. With each bend I want to shout ‘stop the car’, and leap out with my camera. But, of course, that isn’t a practical option, and the dedicated walkers in our group would have been less than impressed. Coffee stops, however, are mandatory, and we congregate outside a miniscule cafe in Vaqueiros. I’m eye to eye with a languid grey cat, sitting comfortably atop a heap of beer crates. Raising my camera appears to be the signal for a sprint start. Another wasted photo opportunity! Nothing for it but to start walking.

Vaqueiros is one of the villages along the Via Algarviana, a 300km walking and biking trail which crosses the Algarve. The walk today is a circular route of just 13km. In late November the sun is shining brightly but walkers are scarce. The olive trees are laden with fruits, soon to be harvested. Our route takes us out of the village, joining a gently rising track. Gnarled olive trees and umbrella pines are our chief companions.

Can you see Michael, in the deep shade, at the rear of the group of walkers? They are quite fit and walk at a decent pace. I’m always hanging back, looking for an interesting shot. Unless I get engrossed in conversation, which can sometimes happen. I try to maintain a balance between enjoying my companions and the landscape.

Red and yellow markers indicate that we are still following a trail, but we mostly rely on our group leader. An Algarve resident, he has been walking these hills for many years. His well-muscled legs handle the ups and downs with ease. Some of us are not so lucky! Along the route we come upon a couple of fords, but water levels are notoriously low this year. The rain came all in one week and everywhere is tinder dry.

A cluster of hens are happy in the shade.

I mentioned at the beginning that this is a quirky walk. Up in these hills you unexpectedly come upon the remains of a theme park. ‘Parque Mineiro’ was a misguided idea which never actually came to fruition. Copper was once mined in this area and was presumably the inspiration behind the theme park. I wasn’t at all prepared for the sight of a little yellow train, and yet there it was, intact and still sitting on the rails.

I’m sorry to disappoint, but there isn’t a cake stop on this walk. Groans all round! The village doesn’t have one and in fact we took a picnic with us. We ended up back at Vaqueiros, outside the same little cafe. The lads helped to empty those beer crates while my tumbler of red cost but 40 cents!

It’s a lovely part of the world. This promotional video of the Via Algarviana is a nice introduction. There is a board near the cafe which shows way-marked trails, should you ever get that far.

And that’s my walking done till after Christmas, so may I take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and healthy Christmas (yes, you are allowed cake! You can walk it off afterwards). Time to put that kettle on!

A last round-up before Christmas. Huge thanks to all of you who’ve followed along, up hill and down dale. I’ve enjoyed your company so much, and thank you for helping to keep me trim. Join me any time you like. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.

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Quick off the mark last week, Drake was in thoughtful mood :

Space for reflection

Lovely to have Debbie back in our midst again!

A Winter Stroll on Beach Street

Lots of you seem to know my weaknesses now! Many thanks, Elaine :

A canalside walk

It’s round up time with Amy. Pick a favourite?

A Walk through my Monday Walks

I shall make it to Water of Leith one day- trust me, Anabel!

Edinburgh- everything is going to be alright

Still walking in circles with Geoff!

The Capital Ring : Richmond to Greenford, via Osterley

Violet shows us how beautiful Christmas in small town Ontario can be :

River of lights

Then we can hop across the water to cosmopolitan Toronto :

Toronto…. waterscape walks

You might have missed this one last week? I did! Apologies!

Metal and Wood Trail

Jaspa takes us to South America again. Such a beautiful cathedral!

Trujillo’s Colonial Heart, Peru

Walk homewards with Ruth? You won’t regret it :

Stroll home

And isn’t it always a pleasure to spend time with Pauline and Jack?

Farm walk

Gilly lives in a lovely part of the world. She’s lovely too!

The Otter in August

Hope to see some of you next week, if you’re not too busy entertaining and having fun. I’ll be looking forward to a bit of fresh air in that gap between Christmas and New Year. Off I go, to wrap presents. I still have some to buy! Take good care till I see you again, and have a wonderful time with your loved ones.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Portugal

Six word Saturday

An explosion of colour and fun

Jo’s Monday walk : Rocha da Pena

Six word Saturday

There is a season,

Turn, turn….

Life is full of choices

Windows, or doors?

Old, or new?

Real, or imagined?

Jo’s Monday walk : Amendoeira (Almond) Trail

Six word Saturday

Carnival, for old and young alike

Jo’s Monday walk : São Lourenço Trail

Jo’s Monday walk : Salt marshes at Fuseta

Six word Saturday

In Tavira, it goes like this…

Jo’s Monday walk : Vaqueiros

An explosion of colour and fun

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There is a season,

Turn, turn….

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Windows, or doors?

Old, or new?

Real, or imagined?

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Carnival, for old and young alike

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

In Tavira, it goes like this…

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;