Portugal

Backlit

Capturing fading light seems to have been one of my preoccupations on my recent trip to the Algarve. I always have difficulty keeping these things to myself, so I was happy when Paula requested Backlit images on Thursday’s Special.

Fronds of palm, backlit

Shadows creeping silently

Whispering of night

A strong subject in the foreground is what’s required, so I’ve included the one above, which I don’t like so much, and a couple of fishermen, taken much earlier in the day. I rather like the fishermen. They were much too busy to notice me.

As always, Paula does it with style and a very special Thursday photo. My lovely friend Gilly is always here on a Thursday, too- her Lazy Poet’s haiku is simply too good to miss.

I really shouldn’t be loitering here because I’ve still much to do. See you!

Jo’s Monday walk : Barranco das Lajes

My walk through Portugal’s Barranco das Lajes definitely comes in the category of ‘tales with a happy ending’, but for a while I wasn’t so sure.

Let me set the scene. The skies were the clearest of blues. I’d been in the Algarve for long enough to take this completely for granted (a week!). I’d ambled on beaches, and been out with my walker friends. I’d even met up with a lovely blogger and her husband for coffee. (Hi Becky!) I was in as relaxed a state as I ever achieve. But those smoke blue hills on the horizon were calling me. Much earlier in the year I’d been there and resolved to come back for a walk.

Out came the guide to Walking Trails in the Algarve , which you might remember from my walk on the cliff tops at Carrapateira. This walk has a very different location. From my eastern Algarve home in Tavira it is a lovely drive along the N270 to São Brás de Alportel. As Becky points out in her most recent walk, directions in this guide are a little vague. Fortunately my husband has a good memory for roads. North we went, through the villages of Alportel, Cova da Muda, Javali, Parises, and Cabeca do Velho, climbing higher and higher into the hills. When it seemed we couldn’t go any higher, and my ears were popping, we reached the minute village of Cabanas- the start of the trail.

Sorry the map is a little fuzzy

Acorns from the Holm Oaks were our chief companions

A more peaceful spot you could not hope to find…. until! Over a farm wall hopped two dogs, the leader barking ferociously and heading straight for me. Barking dogs are a pretty common factor on any walk in the Algarve countryside. Most farmers have an animal or two to protect their property. Usually they are on a leash, or behind a sturdy gate. In such an isolated spot, the farmer obviously did not expect company. He shouted at the dogs, but not before the leader had reached me and leapt at the back of my knee. Ouch! I have to admit I was shaken and not a little worried that it had broken the skin, but I was ‘lucky’.

The walk follows the asphalt road a very short distance through the village of Lajes, before turning down a trail. I limped along feeling a little sorry for myself, and wishing I’d had a walking pole handy for defence. But it was such a beautiful day, and my surroundings so serene, it really was hard to stay grumpy.

Looking back at the village of Lajes

With the clearest of skies

And interesting trees

The trail descended quite gently, but it soon became clear that I had made the wrong choice of footwear. My grazed toes did help to take my mind off my sore leg. Grateful for small mercies! A pause for a little discreet padding. Can you believe that I really was enjoying myself? But I sincerely hope that you will learn from my bad example. Meanwhile the trail passed through olive and fig groves, beneath numerous cork and holm oaks and down to a watercourse, with rustling bamboo.

Cork oak

Oaks and bamboo

Casting beautiful shadows

Climbing back out of the valley, I marveled at the early flowering fruit trees. I couldn’t decide whether these were the famous Strawberry trees (known for their powerful liqueur, Medronho) or Loquats. In Spring these valleys will sing with with wild flowers- the rose and white faces of Cistus, lavenders in lilac and green- but for now the predominant colour is green.

Another intriguing plant draped itself rather seductively through a Eucalyptus tree- a white variety of the bottle brush?

Almost at the end of the 5.5km walk, there is an optional loop up to Cerro da Ursa- a bit of a climb to a panoramic view. The good news is that having reached the summit you are then back at the level of the road. Even better, the car was merely yards away.

After all that trauma I’m sure you can guess what I did next? A whizz back down the hills takes us to the lovely little cafe, Tesouros da Serra, on the outskirts of São Brás. Fig and carob cake was exactly what I needed! Sore bits quite forgotten.

Just 2 portions left

And this was mine!

Should you be feeling energetic, details and a map can be found on the link to the Walking Trails guide. As estimated, the walk took around 2 hours, but we didn’t hurry. It was too beautiful.

I do hope you’ll read some of these great contributions, and I have to apologise for keeping some of them waiting rather a long time. I’m very grateful for your company and the lovely walks we share. Please join us if you have a walk, long or short- I really don’t mind which. Details can be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or just click on the logo above.

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Now, how did Esther know I loved John Denver?

Walk Down Country Roads

Aah, the memories! A small boy I knew loved trains! Thanks so much, Jackie…

Train of Thought

And this week, some beautiful gardens in Toronto :

Allan Gardens

It’s always a pleasure to accompany Drake, almost anywhere!

This way please..

An idyllic landscape next from Pauline (and a few cows) :

The Rural Heart of New Zealand

Elena took such delight in Rotterdam, it’s totally infectious!

Rotterdam in a Day (part 3)

I always love to welcome a newcomer to my walks, especially if we can meet for coffee:

New York- Coffee in Central Park

Or better yet, a beach!

Coolangatta- Classic Cars by the Beach

And if that won’t do, there’s treasure! Please say hello to Lee Anne at ‘Just me please’ :

Eagles Nest- A abundance of treasure

Don’t you love Yvette’s new look? And the way she looks at life too!

Walk with Jo (street photos)

Gilly took such a beautiful stroll in my absence. Hope you didn’t miss it?

A field of brassica

And then when I got home she had this waiting :

A City Stroll at Christmas

You never know what you’re going to get with Tobias, but there’s sure to be an eye pleaser :

Uzes

Meantime, Jaspa takes us back to the days of slavery :

Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park, Florida

I can confirm what Becky says, but it was still warm. I’m missing my Algarve already!

Not every day is a sunny day

It’s great to be able to close with another special lady. I met Cathy, once upon a time :

A November rock scramble on Billy Goat trail

That’s all for now. I’ll probably be on my way to Nottingham when you read this and I’m sure that you understand that time with my daughter is precious. However, I hope to be able to reply to some of you whilst in transit and I’m an early bird so I can sneak some computer time in the mornings. I’ll catch up with the remainder on my return on Thursday, and join you for another walk next week. Take care till then!

Musings at sunset

Ponte Romana, Tavira

How many times have you seen this image, or one very like it, on my site? I make no apologies. It holds for me many happy memories and I hope to return to Tavira later this month to make a few more. Today’s photo was prompted by Sylvain who asks for something classic and simple- a sunset- for this week’s challenge. He has some beauties, so do go and look.

It was a beautiful evening

This month is very busy for me. Today I’m heading to the Lake District. I thought I might capture a little window of sunshine but the forecast is wet! wet! wet! So, that waterfall I planned to see will be full! full! full!

Next week Lumiere comes to Durham. The last show in 2013 was fabulous. This year I’m excited to see where Stuart’s sea glass wave fits in.

And then Tavira! No matter what the weather throws at me, I’m determined to enjoy November. I hope you do too.

Jo’s Monday walk : Following mountain goats!

Now don’t be too alarmed! It’s not as bad as it seems, and if you really don’t have a head for heights- well, you can tak’ the low road, and I’ll tak’ the high road. To be completely truthful, I was out of my comfort zone for a short while, but we can blame the partner for that (and he’s not here to defend himself).

The area along the River Guadiana is wonderfully peaceful at most times of the year. In places the road stays quite close to the river, making for a lovely scenic drive. But, of course, you have to get out of the car to admire the scenery properly. You never know quite what you’ll find. Parking alongside the tiny village of Laranjeiras, our first discovery was the ruins of a Roman villa. Not a lot to see, but the remains appear to date back to the 7th century.

Strolling into the village, life seemed to centre around a little riverside cafe, from which you could watch the occasional boat mooring at the jetty. A couple of youngsters indulged in that age old pastime of skimming stones. Entertainment for me presented itself in the form of a boatman, with a delivery of tarpaulin for the little boatyard. His antics, trying to find a convenient space to offload his cargo in the minute space, kept me happy.

The moorings at Laranjeiras

Never content to sit for too long, I had a mooch about while Michael consulted the map. A path seemed to lead up the hillside and run parallel to the river before dipping back down at the next village, Guerreiros do Rio. Gamely, we set off.

But not before I had admired this 'Maypole' in the village

But not before I had admired this sign of celebration in the village

And soon we're out of the village looking down

And then we climbed out of the village, and looked down

There wasn’t much sign of the path and it was a bit of a scramble. Stopping to catch breath, we heard a tinkling sound, and suddenly two dogs burst out of the scrub. They darted to and fro, rustling between them a magnificent herd of goats. Sighting us, the creatures pressed on, with nervous sidewards glances. The goatherd gave us a nod, a third dog rounded up the stragglers, and the pack headed for home. Happy to have found a proper path, we followed them.

Keep moving boys- they’re watching us!

The trail rolled off across the hills, but we were quite happy to take a branch that led back down to the riverside. Enough of adventure!

All was calm, down by the river

It looks dry, doesn’t it? It had been a long, hot Summer and was still very warm in early September. Just around the bend we reached the next village, Guerreiro do Rios. Time for a drink! As usual, I left Michael sitting in the shade, while I went off to explore the back streets.

Colourful fishermen’s huts

Not the friendliest of cats!

But an inviting doorway

And some pretty wall tiles

Traditional homes

And a Buddha in a yard

When I returned, one of those village cats had attached itself to Michael and was greedily begging the ham from his toastie. Good job he didn’t have the tuna kebabs he’d been fancying! Strangely, the cat was not at all interested in my glass of delicious white. I didn’t have time to hang about because I had discovered that the Museu do Rio was open! (the link is in Portuguese but you can translate it if you like)

We had passed the sign before, but never gone into this small museum, tucked away from the road. Here was my opportunity!

The Museum of the River

The outlook from the museum

Boats adorned every available surface

In glass cases and on the walls

Of course, there was one called the Guadiana

There were interactive displays

Telling the history of life on the river

A lot has been achieved in the space available. I chatted to the nice young lady at the till, who sold me a ticket for 1.50 euro. This was also valid for admission to the castle at Alcoutim, a few miles up the road. A bargain, I thought! The museum is open daily except Mondays.

For us it was time to amble back along the riverbank, occasionally stopping to admire passing craft.

Back at our start point

The tiny harbour at Laranjeiras

I hope you enjoyed our little Algarve adventure. It’s quite easy to just walk along the road and back between the two villages, if you don’t want to go following goats. It’s not a busy road. The riverside junction leading south from Alcoutim is the easiest way to find the villages.

Don’t let anybody tell you that the Algarve is just a strip of boring beaches, will you? Not in my experience, anyway.

And now it’s time to turn our attention to other people’s walks. Thank you so much to all my contributors. You take me to places I might never reach on my own. Anyone is welcome to join in, and it’s very straightforward. My Jo’s Monday walk page has all the details. Just click on the logo above. Let’s put the kettle on and settle in for a good read, shall we?

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Benches actually have several uses in Anabel’s world. Highly useful on a walk!

Balloch benches

Fancy taking the train? Let’s go to Montreux with Drake! No regrets, I promise :

Heaven for everyone

I gather there has been lots of rain in Texas, but Amy’s found some sunshine :

Monday Walk : Texas Countryside (Part 2)

A lady I’d never heard of next, but an interesting post from Jackie, in Canada :

Laura Secord

Demonstrating her versatility, Violet Sky finds us some very scenic caves!

Seeing the caves

So many lovely things to discover in Tasmania, thanks to Ruth :

Taroona Coastal Path

I need to pull my socks up! I haven’t even made it to Amsterdam yet, and here’s Rotterdam looking so beautiful!

Rotterdam in a Day (part 1)

We’re joined this week by Fifi and Hop- isn’t that a great name? Please go and say ‘hi’ to Corey!

Walkway over the Hudson : World’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge

Indra at Trav Trails certainly covers some ground. Can you keep up?

Four Cities and an Island

Geoff’s Dog has had a poorly paw, so we might have to slow down a bit on this one :

The Capital Ring- Highgate to Stoke Newington

‘Do you want this walk’, asked Meg? You HAVE to be joking! Wait till you see it!

Eurobodalla beaches : Bingie Beach North

Come and sing some Bruce Springfield with me? I love this song! Thanks, Kaz :

Travel Album : Philadelphia

Nearer home, I don’t think I’ve been to Anglesey! Have you? Looking good!

Flashback Walks : Holyhead Mountain

And it’s simply impossible not to enjoy one of Tish’s posts! Look and learn!

It’s a wonderful world

As Jaspa demonstrates, on his trip to South America :

Cartagena, Columbia : UNESCO World Heritage Site

But you don’t have to go past Worcestershire for beauty- or pretty much anywhere on Jude’s blog!

Garden Portrait : Arley Arboretum

Aren’t they a fantastic selection? Thank you very much everybody! I’m off to the Lake District on Thursday, celebrating another birthday, so hopefully I’ll have an English walk for you next week. Have a great time till then! Monday Escapes is on again this week if you’d like to join in.

Thoughts on benches

A little meaningful conversation?

Some posts seem to just glide effortlessly onto the page. Others don’t! They kick and bite and scratch. You can’t find just that photo that you wanted, lost in the annals of untidy folders. Too many thoughts collide in your head, often at silly times like 5 in the morning. And then there are those that miss the deadline by a smidgeon. Just enough to be annoying. I’ll leave you to work out which this is.

Rustle and tussle

A backlit ballerina

Twirling in the wind

In breeches

With a good book

In courtly days

And whilst I have been known to cheat occasionally, in the interests of a beautiful azulejo or two- can you spot these people sitting on benches?

This one’s easy!

And simply lovely

Two on here!

I’m off out to kick a few leaves now. You never know- I might spot somebody loitering on a bench. If I do I may even share it with Jude.

Jo’s Monday walk : Fabrica to Cacela Velha

Fabrica, our start point

If there’s one place in the Algarve that always works its magic on me, it’s Cacela Velha. I’ve taken you there before on my walks (remember Mind that hole!?) but today we’re taking the boat ride from Fabrica. In all my Algarve years I’d yet to see the ferry across to the beach operating, but a reference to it in Spanish ‘Conde Nast’ left me determined. Described as ‘one of the best 15 beaches in the world’, I’ll leave you to judge for yourself. How many beaches can there be in such a location?

But I’m getting ahead of myself, as usual. Taking a Cacela Velha turn off from the E125, you will first come to a sign pointing to Fabrica. This will bring you to a tiny harbour with a couple of very laidback bars and a restaurant. Out of season it’s a place for fishermen and locals, but on the last day of my holiday in September it was almost bustling. The tide was out and flipflops or bare feet were the best way to squidge across to the boat.

Leaving the harbour

We scoot out to meet the sea, the boatman deftly following preordained paths through the water. Running aground would be all too easy.

You have two choices for disembarking- the first stop is opposite to Fabrica. The second, further along the sand bar, is opposite Cacela Velha. Let’s get out at the first, then we can have a bit of a beach comb before catching the boat back from the second stop.

Looking back at the shoreline

And just in case you thought I had the beach to myself…

I’m always intrigued by beach ‘art’

Natural and otherwise

Even a little wistful

The lagoon is a great meeting place for birds

There’s the boatman heading back to base

A rod hopefully standing guard

A flag of surrender?

Behind you lie the salt marshes

And sparse, wind blown grasses

Ahead, the open sea

The sky was very hazy and the sea a milky blue as I wandered with my camera. What makes this beach special, though, is the view back across the lagoon to the fortress on the headland. There’s an almost mystical quality, to my mind, in being out there on the lagoon. The tide was low enough to plodge across to the shore, but the sea creeps in stealthily here and you can be caught out.

The fortress across the bay

A handful of people in the water

The fortress reflected in the salty puddles

The fortress reflected in salty puddles

I carry on beach combing as the tide flows gently back. Joyful cries and laughter reach me from the family on the sandbar. The Portuguese families revel in their beautiful surroundings. And I do, too.

Molluscs clinging tightly

Dried out sea thistles

Pearlescent shells

More beach ‘art’

And a delicate shimmer

Can you see the family on the sandbar?

Their boat, bobbing in the bay

I should explain that this beach stretches all the way back to Tavira. You can reach it by catching the ferry from Cabanas, and the beach will be much busier nearer to that resort. A very long beach walk would eventually bring you to this spot. In the winter months that or swimming across would be the only way to get here. Or a boat taxi, of course.

In the opposite direction, the beach rolls all the way to Spain, but first you have to cross over a channel. A boat is a very useful thing to own in this part of the world. Speaking of which, here comes the ferry.

We leave Cacela Velha behind

And head back to Fabrica

The end of our walk? Well, first we might have a snack at one of the beach bars. Then I’m going to show you the view from Cacela Velha over to ‘our’ beach, just to give you a sense of place. It’s only a half hour walk along the road to Cacela Velha or, if the tide’s not too high, you can walk the strip of beach that hugs the cliff. You’d then have to climb the steps to the village.

Sitting at a Fabrica beach bar

And there you have it- the view from the fort

And here you have it- the view from the fort!

Across to ‘our’ beach

And there’s even a bench to enjoy the view

Thanks for humoring me with this boat ride and saunter along the sands. My earlier walk gives you a land-based version, if you’re not a lover of boats. In either case, the views won’t disappoint. In the world’s top 15? I think there’d be strong competition. But I enjoyed it very much, and I hope you did too.

Thank you very much for all your support, and lovely comments. I have a fine time walking with you every week. If you’d like to join me, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page or just a click on the logo above. Next comes the good bit. Put the kettle on and get ready for a good read!

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Humble apologies are due! I forgot to include this walk last week, so please rush over there first :

Urban Walk 2- Toronto Cityscape

Totally opposite in every way- beach shots to die for with Anabel!

Faraid Head

You can walk, or take the train. Either way, you’re bound to love the views!

A Walk in the Cinque Terre

Amy’s world is beautiful! Have you noticed?

Monday Walk : Architecture Walk, Austin, part 4

I’ve heard so many good things about Berlin. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Day 1- Dublin to Germany

A trip back in time with Drake this week? Any trip with Drake is good!

Yesterday, nowadays

And now for something completely different. Many thanks, Elena!

Renaissance Fair in Las Vegas

You wouldn’t get this level of activity on a UK beach ever, I don’t think! Lazy, aren’t we, Pauline?

Early Morning Beach Activities

Ruth has a totally fascinating tour for us this week. One not to miss :

Port Arthur Convict Settlement

The highlight of Geoff’s post for me is Wimbledon Park tube station. A blast from my youth!

Capital Ring- Earlsfield to Richmond

Jude always shares beautiful walks but she has really blown me away with this contribution!

A Walk on a Wild Ridge

If you really want to test your fitness levels, this could be the place :

A Tale of Two Peaks- Part 2

Once in a while I find something a bit different. For the foodies among you- say ‘hi’ to Ishita :

Iva’s Yummy Ljubljananjam Food Walk

Talking about unusual, thanks for these ‘wild’ animals in the city, Becky!

Panthers in Pittsburgh

I haven’t had a stroll with my friend Esther for a while. Sing along, won’t you?

Walk- Down the Canyon

The title of this next post could really have described mine, but they couldn’t be more different!

Walking, Sailing, Walking, Wading

And you can always rely on Gilly to find the beauty in life :

A Green Circle Walk

Or maybe a stroll in sunny Munich will suit? Thanks, Rosemay!

Nymphenburg The Summer Palace

Lastly, Denzil does his very best to give us a smile on a grey day :

Grey day in Grez-Doiceau

Lots this week, aren’t there? I do hope you can find the time to visit, and many thanks to all of you for keeping me such good company. I have one more Algarve walk in reserve, but next week I’m going to hurl myself into an English Autumn, before it passes me by. I’d love for you to join me. Have a great week, won’t you?

Six word Saturday

Seeing the beauty in the ordinary

What can be more ordinary than salt?

Beautifully packaged, of course

Or a cluster of shells on a beach

Even the broken ones are pretty

And some are shining jewels

A discarded ducky in the dunes

Or a ladybird sitting on my sunglasses

I can even see beauty in the shadows round a broken bench (though not the vandals who did it!)

Just me, reminiscing about time spent in the Algarve, before I launch myself into a grey English day, but it could fit with Cheri’s post. This week we’re looking for the beauty in the every day at The Daily Post.

Wherever you are, I hope you’re having a good day and making the most of your surroundings. See you on Monday for one last Algarve walk. But first I need to visit Cate and Six word Saturday.

From Porto Covo to Carvalhal

The wild coast

Wonderful, isn’t it?

For a beach lover like me, the Alentejo coastline is something truly special, but for a mariner, it’s a nightmare. Sweeping curves of sand are protected by jagged outcrops. The wind and waves are in constant competition. Safe harbours are rare. My base at Vila Nova de Milfontes was calm and serene, but I couldn’t wait to get out exploring that ‘wild coast’.

Peach Tree Island (Ilha do Pessegueiro) has an alluring sound to it, don’t you think? My ‘Rough Guide’ spoke of a short cliff top walk, starting from Porto Covo. Clutching map, and with bags swiftly stowed at our nicely central hotel, it seemed logical to follow the coast directly north out of town. The road soon came to a stop at a cliff top restaurant, and I looked down into a tiny cove. Alas, a sign said Porto Covo 16.5km, pointing off along the cliffs. Inadvertently I had found Portinho do Canal, a haven for local fishermen.

Safely tethered in the flat calm of the harbour

The molho curves into the sea

A perch for daring fishermen?

Out on the sea wall, the wind whistled fiercely. Back to the car, and a return to Vila Nova de Milfontes to find the correct road north, in the direction of Sines. Porto Covo wasn’t quite what I had expected. A single road, lined with shops and restaurants, which your eye soon skirted past to dwell on the sea, glimmering in the distance. After the peacefulness of Portinho do Canal, it seemed a busy spot. The small cove beach was lined with people, but my interest lay much further along the coast.

In the distance, Peach Tree Island

But first the descent

The house on the hill

The road winds steeply down to the quayside, and a gravel track equally steeply up the other side. With the tide out, crossing over to join the track is no problem, but I could envisage a paddle on the return journey. In the event, the cliff top path to Peach Tree Island was not as tempting as I had imagined. With what I had already seen, in Vila Nova de Milfontes, it was time to call it a day.

Looking back at the house on the hill

The coat of arms

The village church

A shopping opportunity

Columbine clings to the wall

And tangles with the prickly pears

The island in the bay

And the potentially perilous crossing point

Another day, and this time those special beaches. Heading south from Vila Nova de Milfontes it’s a bare 5km to Almograve, signed from the N393. The landscape becomes beautifully rural as you leave the main road, and then you’re at the coast.

This way to the beach!

It looks promising

And it is!

An expanse of beach

And a headland

Next stop was Odemira, a small riverside town that I featured in my walk this week. And then it was back to the coast and a place you have already had a peep at in a previous post- Zambujeira do Mar, with it’s vast expanse of sand.

You may remember it

A tiny chapel on a promontory

And a beautiful beach

Make a stunning setting

What can top that? Well, maybe it was the day… maybe it was just time for a place to chill (there were a lot of steps at Zambujeira!)… but sometimes a place just imprints itself on your memory, and you have to stay a while.

Meet Praia do Carvalhal!

A beach bar and a caress of sand, with wickedly shaped rocks on either side. Warning notices on the cliffs- beware rock falls and a fast racing tide.

A dizzying swirl of sand

And an invitation to explore

Beautiful striations

Nuggets of time

This was a beach that I loved!

I’m not a swimmer so I didn’t need to fear the signs. I was more than happy just to pootle in the shallows and explore the beauty all around me. And then it was back down the coast to the gentler beauty of my Algarve.

Join me there for a walk on Monday, won’t you? It’s every bit as lovely.

Jo’s Monday walk : Odemira, in the Alentejo

Rua Serpa Pinto in Odemira

Curiosity often gets the better of me. When I discovered, on my visit to Vila Nova de Milfontes at the mouth of the River Mira, that ‘Ode’ means river and that the small town of Odemira is situated a small way inland … well, I was curious. The intention had been to follow the coast back down to the Algarve, sampling beaches along the way. Well, we definitely did that, but a small side trip to Odemira was called for.

One of the attractions, mentioned in my ‘Rough Guide’, was a riverside walk. That sounded appealing. I also knew that there was a boat trip connecting Odemira with Vila Nova de Milfontes, but sadly that wasn’t practical on our way south. There’s always time for a little stroll though.

This bridge was a good start point!

There were a few clouds, but not too many

It was quite easy to park, on rough ground down by the river, and cross over the bridge to this peaceful little path, which we had all to ourselves.

No shortage of empty benches

And just around the bend, another bridge

Now which one of Jude’s bench challenges would this one fit?

It’s a nice enough view, isn’t it?

The path follows the river closely

With plenty of spots to linger

But that rowing boat is just out of reach!

Under the red road bridge

To this interesting structure

And there the path ends

Sorry, Jude- not a person in sight!

The riverside walk was shorter than I had expected, so there was plenty of time to saunter around the little town. It seemed to me so typically Portuguese. A mix of dilapidation and renewal. There was scaffolding up at several of the larger buildings. Freshly white-painted grandeur nudged sadly peeling properties, still awaiting their turn. In the small, ‘sell everything’ shops, life continued as it must have for generations. Just off the Praca da Republica, the main square, the coffee habit was indulged. Shopping could wait.

Such a typical Portuguese street!

Coffee now, shopping later!

Freshly painted

Still waiting!

The elegant town fountain

Before I know it, I’m passing a new-looking sculpture in a small square and a handful of modern shops. Rather incongruous, but part and parcel of Portugal today. In very little time I’m back at the river bank and the lovely bridge. Too soon?

The modern square

Our walk today was not at all taxing so feel free to stop en route for coffee. You’ll easily find an appealing cafe. I hope you enjoyed joining me. Later this week I’ll do a round up of those west coast beaches in the Alentejo, and then it’s full speed back to the Algarve.

If you’re in the area, Odemira is on the N393. Travelling south from Vila Nova de Milfontes, you hopefully can’t miss it.

Time to share this week’s walks. Thank you very much everybody. I’ve had a wonderful response. If you’d like to join in there are a few hints on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo. I never turn anyone away. Why would I? Let’s get walking!

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You know I love to start with Drake. This week he has some incredible views :

Austrian upstairs

And Geoff was quick off the mark too. Blue skies in Tooting Bec?

Capital Ring : Tooting to Earlsfield

Our lovely Jude was lakeside walking this week. There’s a bench, of course!

Park Life

Amy and Jude are sharing park life this week- thousands of miles apart. Great minds! :

Monday Walk : Zilker Park

Jackie took me to Bantry Bay. Some distant damp day memories for me :

Junkboat Travels: Monday Walk

Did I ever tell you that I love squirrels? Thanks, Becky!

Chipmunks, squirrels and a groundhog!

And how did Becky know I’ve always wanted to visit this place?

A Walk in the Cinque Terre

DON’T miss this one, or its sequel, from Pauline :

The magic of a dream come true

The Buddha Walk at the Crystal Castle

Don’t you love it when they breathe new life into a place? Many thanks for sharing, Kaz :

Travel Album: Distillery District, Toronto

There are few pleasures in life better than sharing with Meg :

Eurobodalla beaches: Congo beach south

And the landscape on this one is equally stunning!

Ancient Stone

Lastly, I’m extremely honoured to have this guy join us. He’s living a lifestyle many would consider idyllic (with the odd misadventure along the way)

Tampak Siring : Bathing in the Sacred Springs

Hope I haven’t missed anybody? This past week was tricky but I’m still here. The sun’s shining so you know what I’m going to do after coffee, don’t you? Happy walking everyone! See you next week?

Castro Marim Medieval Fair (2)

Looking down from the fortress walls, in Castro Marim

In yesterday’s post I left you looking out from these walls to the border with Spain. Beneath the castle, tickets were going on sale for the Castro Marim Medieval Fair. 8 euros bought you an earthenware cup (to fill with your tipple of choice), a cardboard crown (one size fits all- or almost!) and entry to the castle. The streets were starting to fill up, and it seemed a good time to browse the stalls, before the entertainment began.

Click on any photo to view the gallery

Everyone seemed ready to join in

Including the mayor and local dignitaries

Just a few last minute taps needed

Any fair maiden needing a headdress?

A skirling of pipes and the thunder of drums had me glancing over my shoulder. Look out- the excitement is just about to begin!

Here they come!

Such focus!

Just time to immerse myself in Arabia before the next group! Exotic teas, cakes, sweets, nuts and magic lanterns. A cornucopia of delights!

Pipes of peace?

These look good!

What kind of tea?

And such pretty lamps!

A little more music!

The stalls are full of enticements and exotica, and the hand-crafted furniture is enough to make a maiden swoon into a finely carved seat.

Silver everywhere!

In every shape and size

And colour scheme

But for all the razzle, these are my favourites

But despite all that dazzles, the lady in blue is my favourite

At this point it becomes impossible to focus on shopping. The parade has arrived- an amazement of stilt walkers, tumblers, weird and wonderful costumes and masks, and the most hypnotic and enigmatic of magicians. I am enthralled.

Slinking and striding

Tumbling into the action

Definitely bizarre!

This guy stole the show for me

His skills defied the camera!

Food stalls tempt and wonderful aromas waft, but dusk is about to descend and the time has come to mount the steps to the castle. Yet more entertainment is planned for the evening. What else can there be?

The scene from the church steps

I won’t discourage you by showing the number of steps and the cobbles, shiny with age. But take it slowly, wear sensible shoes, and the excitement and momentum will carry you there. Once through the ancient gates, a Medieval world appears before your very eyes.

There’s always a Fool!

And stalls displaying craftsman’s skills

Like candle making

A display of flag throwing takes place

And the owl looks on, impressed?

The scene is set

And the sinking sun adds to the spectacle

Up on the castle walls, I look down on the church

Then back at the setting splendour

The air is thick with the scent and smoke of barbecuing meat. More and more people throng into the castle. Small faces look up at me, aglow with the lamplight and the excitement, clutching tightly to a parents hand. Shadows flicker on the walls.

Beyond the wall the moon gently glows over the salt pans

There is courtly dancing, a banquet to eat (but the queue for tickets is long!) and later the promise of medieval combat and jousting, but it’s time for me to slip away, sated with the day. Down in the streets the party is in full throttle and people continue to arrive. I am seduced by the notion of sangria of figs. Just one small indulgence before I go.

And the dance goes on!

This is the second part of a post that I have linked to the Capturing History Challenge and I hope that you’ll take a look. I couldn’t help but smile, though, when I saw that the Daily Post challenge this week is entitled Happy Place, a place to escape to and ‘recharge your groove’. Most of you who know me are well aware that the Algarve is my happy place. For 51 weeks of the year the village of Castro Marim is an oasis of peace and calm. Perhaps you can use your imagination and make these people disappear.

Apologies to my Six Word Saturday friends. I won’t be taking part tomorrow. I hope you can join me on Monday for a walk instead.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Portugal

Backlit

Jo’s Monday walk : Barranco das Lajes

Musings at sunset

Jo’s Monday walk : Following mountain goats!

Thoughts on benches

Jo’s Monday walk : Fabrica to Cacela Velha

Six word Saturday

Seeing the beauty in the ordinary

From Porto Covo to Carvalhal

Jo’s Monday walk : Odemira, in the Alentejo

Castro Marim Medieval Fair (2)

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Seeing the beauty in the ordinary

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