There can be few nicer hostesses than Su, so when she offers Tea time in the blogosphere it’s hard to refuse. I’ll be a little more restrained this time, because I was definitely over the top last month. I’m a big fan of carob and orange cake, nor do I mind the odd custard donut. Perhaps you’d like to join me? Oh, how very rude! I seem to’ve started without you…. I’ll get it right next month- I promise!
My current walks from home can be repetitious, but there are many ways to add variety. Let’s see how much you recognise as we wander through a few lanes and back along the river. We’ve looked over this wall together, though I don’t remember the horses. And how about that rock, shaped like a bottle-nosed dolphin? I very nearly missed the cairn, nestling among the boulders.
My husband is an avid litter picker, a practise I find tedious, though sadly necessary, so I have developed a keen eye for distracting details. Passing motorists must wonder what I’m staring at, while he scours the roadsides. A minute flower, shy in grassy surrounds, or a fragile cluster of froth, swaying to tantalise with the slightest puff of breeze. A straying guinea fowl. Though two’s company. If I’m really lucky, a butterfly to follow, hopefully, as it flits from nectar to nectar.
I develop new enthusiasms as the season ticks over, forsaking poppies reluctantly, but delighted by thistles and their many lilac hues. Morning glory has such a pretty name. Solagnum, not so much. Small, pure white cistus, I love, and the ever faithful rose.
At the Ermida da Nossa Senhora de Saude we carry on towards the river. In the bright sunlight I imagine the spikey agave leaves as a dinosaur, stalking its prey. Suddenly a shower hits, and we scamper for the scant shelter.
Minutes later the sun is beaming again, and it’s on down the road to Tavira, the wildflowers making cheerful company.
But it’s not all as pretty as a picture. Beneath the railway bridge, graffiti lurks.
And then you’re welcomed by the riverside walk, with its feast of flowers, and a view I’ve come to love.
Increasingly Tavira has become a tourist town. It’s easy to see why, but I have to admit to preferring it without them, so this little sojourn has its advantages. I can’t help smiling with pride, though, when someone stands by ‘my’ river, admiring.
Time to share some of your walks. Many thanks for continuing to walk with me. I love your company!
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Leading off with Debbie, and a place that I know rather well :
Walking the banks of the Rio Tejo
Cheryl shows us a little more of enchanting South Korea :
A Walk in Daewangam Park & Ilsan Beach
It comes in all shapes and sizes. Drake shares his from Denmark :
And Colline from her home in Montreal
While the woods are greening up nicely for Margaret :
And Jude swirls us into a lesson on beautiful Bluebells :
Karen shows us a seriously empty Sydney!
And Janet takes us on a postcard walk 🙂 :
Denzil is as informative as ever. He’s my Belgium expert :
How to walk or cycle the Promenade Verte in Brussels
Always worth climbing a hill for a glimpse of water. Thanks, Irene!
And Sandra is so glad to be back!
It’s always worth following Cathy, to see what colourful thing her eye has found this time :
I’ll have another walk for you next week, and then we’ll see how it goes. Around the world we are starting to look beyond the grip of this virus. I look forward to a day when we can walk without restraint. Till then, stay safe!
I’ve spent a lot of time, just lately, up on the roof terrace. Sue prompted me to share a cup of coffee and a book. Debbie followed suit, with her usual flair. And in our house, well, a little cake seldom comes amiss… Why not join the party on Six Word Saturday!
You can’t get more dramatic shadows than those around the cathedral in Seville on a dark evening. I imagine it’s wonderfully peaceful now but the atmosphere was vibrant when I was last there. Today I’m playing with shadows for Jude’s 2020 Photo Challenge #18
I love the description of photography as writing with light. I’ve always considered myself a writer rather than a photographer.
I like photos to tell a story, or make me want to linger. How about you?
Back in January, before our Iives were seriously upended, I took you on a walk from Vaqueiros. The blossom was out then. It seems such a long time ago. A different, more carefree life. But I want to take you back, to the beginning of March, for one last outing with the wonderful choir, Ossonoba, before all our boundaries diminished.
We were meeting at the crossroads of a country lane, close to the village of Malfrades, a little uncertain of what was to follow. What we were sure of was a warm welcome, and smiles of recognition from the choir.
As usual, we had an experienced guide to lead the walk and answer any questions we might have about flora and fauna. In Portuguese, of course, but if we looked too perplexed there was a member of Almargem on hand to explain. This organisation had liaised with the choir to promote the Via Algarviana, and we were engaged in conversation several times with a charming young woman, anxious that we enjoy our experience. And enjoy it we did! The wonderful, big-faced white rock cistus were just getting into their stride too.
We were at one of the highest points of the Eastern Algarve, and as if that were not enough, were all set to climb a disused viewing tower for panoramic views of our surrounds. You might have wondered about my leading photo. We’ve reached the top!
The less confident might have opted for a seat with a view, but even it didn’t look very secure. We followed the gently rolling trail down to the lake, with one more surprise in store. Beside the path, winking silently in the sunlight, mysterious wild bee orchids.
The village of Vaqueiros, our destination, is just ahead, for the choir are to perform there, one last time for the season. In January the village had been completely deserted, so we were astounded to find the main street lined with stalls. Smoke from several bread ovens drifted into the air, with lingering delicious smells. Local cheeses, sausages and bread were on sale, alongside beautiful hand crafts.
We made our way to the top of the village. The choir were assembling on the church steps, those who had walked with us slipping away to change. It was hot there in the open and I looked around for shade. A dog lay in a lazy stupor. The choir shuffled.
Finally they were ready, and the sounds, so familiar to me now, filled the air. Pure joy in singing, and in each other’s company, is what makes this choir very special to me. After the concert we were invited to follow them to a nearby restaurant. They ate, and drank, and sang…A Capela, as they do. A day to remember.
I’m sure they will have carried on singing, even though their plans for travel have been disrupted. I hope to join them again in the autumn, but there’s a certain indefatiguable lady whose #SquareTops I’ll be joining even sooner.
A bumper collection of walks this week. Good to know you’ve still been out and about, enjoying our world, whatever the restrictions.
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Starting with a stunner from Jude :
Always nice to welcome a newcomer. Especially one with a sense of humour. Meet Geanie!
Duck Takes a Walk (During COVID 19)
Joseph has a great fondness for moss. Why not let him show you?
I had no idea that South Korea was such a beautiful country till I followed Cheryl :
A Walk in Daewangam Park & Ilsan Beach
Not just a walk along a lovely beach, but dolphins too, from Alice!
And some spectacular sculptures, courtesy of Natalie :
Lush forest to sooth the soul, with Susanne :
Green River, Rain or Shine! And Steelhead sighting!
Andrew, being interesting on his home patch :
Village Walks – Blow Wells and Watercress Beds
Drake, a little sentimental?
Margaret, being resourceful on her doorstep :
Walking Every Single Day During Lockdown
And Janet, keeping it even closer to home :
Nor has Eunice strayed very far :
Smithills Hall and Moss Bank Park
While Ann Christine shares her beautiful Swedish homeland :
Thursday Thoughts – A Spring Hike
It’s a real honour and a privilege to be joined by Cee this week. Come and see her garden!
Jo’s Monday Walk & Lens-Artists Photo #94 – Walk in My Front Yard
And Pauline takes the next step, with a video link into hers :
Come with me for a video walk in the garden…
But Cathy simply carries me off into a beautiful bubble from the past :
Fabulous, all of them! Thank you so much for your company. I take much pleasure in our virtual world. Stay safe!
I have been intrigued by Sue’s series A Cup of Coffee and a Book. They are both things that I am seldom without when I’m at home. It’s hotting up in my part of the world and a shady corner is becoming essential. Sue is far more talented with her camera than me and has managed to include herself in some of the images. When Debbie joined in, I knew I had to have a go. Both ladies are an inspiration. Take a look!
The State of Emergency in Portugal is to be lifted from Monday, 4th May, in gradual stages. I’m not happy that beaches won’t reopen until 1st June.
I’ll just have to make do! There are worse places to be, and plenty of curves and clouds to play with. 2020 Photo Challenge #17
So many varieties! Thanks, Jude! Or you can always be playful with Debbie’s wonderful Six Words. Either way, have a great weekend!
Ending on a high! Castle walls, churches, a camera obscura in a water tower, and wonderful tessoura rooftops. Is it any wonder I love this place?
#SquareTops Thanks, Becky! You are a star! See you next time.
I could well have called this Top Specimen? I have one that I was gifted but it’s now looking a shadow of its former self. I have high hopes for mine’s recovery, one of these days, but if it ever looks like this I’ll be thrilled. Meanwhile, in Praca Dr. António Padinha in Tavira, there is a wonderful old building. Yes, it’s one of many that need renovation, but if you have a few pennies to spare? Top project! The location is perfect.
I had to include this one for Becky. The Military Bridge in Tavira, a ‘temporary structure’ for 29 years, is finally making way for something sleeker and more modern. From a health and safety point of view, definitely an improvement. Aesthetically speaking, time will tell…
restlessjo 
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