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.
Travel
Room at the top
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.
Cranes over the Top
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…
Jo’s Monday walk : Back to the salt pans
I make no apologies for being back among the salt marshes today, for they always captivate me. Especially when powder puff clouds drift away to the horizon in a pure blue sky, or luxuriate in salty sand puddles. It’s a landscape that changes mood with the weather; sullen and drab, until the sun sweeps aside the muted colours, bathing them, and me, in warmth and light.
As with Changing Reality I’m heading for the sea, but this time in an easterly direction, towards the small resort, Cabanas. A cycle path renders this area a hazard to walkers in peak times, but today I’m breaking new ground for me and striking out into the marshes.
You probably don’t recognise the cyclist’s bridge over the River Almargem from this angle, dwarfed as it is by the railway bridge. I always hope to catch a train trundling across, but it never happens. Turning my back on the bridges, I follow the river. Far better than trains, I have the prospect of flamingos in this calm stretch of water. And sure enough, there they are! Tiny at first, in the distance.
I hope to startle them a little, for they are beautiful in flight, but they remain oblivious and eventually I tear myself away. The way ahead looks promising. Behind me, a shimmering lagoon of water. The flamingos, mere specks.
I follow the curve of the rough path, towards the open sea at first, but then curving back around the salt pans.
The sludge and caramel colours and soft reflections blend together with the azure sky.
As I near the salt mountain I wonder at the giant ‘needle’ suspended in the sand. We’re approaching my Hula ladies again, graceful in the breeze.
There are two choices now- a return via the Salinas estate, or to continue on towards Fort Rato and back into Tavira that way. I opt for the first, and am gratified to snatch a photo of the train hurtling along.
One last look from the cyclist’s bridge and home to put the kettle on, another 9 or 10km completed. I’m sure there must be cake as a reward. I’m linking again with Jude’s #2020 Photo Challenge. This week she’s looking at curved lines and I feel sure I have a number here. No squares for me today, but #SquareTops does share a strong connection with salt.
I’m very lucky to have some lovely people following this blog. Drake is assuredly one of them :
Skywalker holds the line (no, not Luke!)
And a quiet little lady can show you Korean cherry blossoms in all their glory :
Experience the beauty of her world with Rupali :
Staying close to her new home, Janet loves the morning too :
Monday walk…Yes, indeed, I’m walkin’
While Amanda is happy to introduce you to her Home by the Sea :
And Eunice has found a new walk, close by :
A circular walk from Barrow Bridge
Indra will very happily take you to Central Park :
While Colline is taking her books for a walk :
Chocolates, anyone? Sorry, there aren’t any, but Natalie has the recipe for staying fit and well :
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
I always enjoy a stroll with Flavia. And this time I’m singing…Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen!
While Su tempted me into a fabulous garden with her beguiling title :
And Irene looks back at London as it once was, and will be again :
A feast of photography from Cathy this week :
Morocco: Essaouira to Marrakech’s Bahia Palace
And in a completely different style, but no less beautiful, Lynn shares her world :
Local Walks: Back to Washington Park
I hope you found something to enjoy here with me today. I’ll be back walking next Monday. Stay safe till then!
In Tip Top condition
Closer to home with this one, but ready to set sail, whenever permission is granted. We’re running out of time for #SquareTops. Happy Sunday!
Six word Saturday
Which one makes the better square?
There’s a cycle path from Tavira to neighbouring Cabanas, and this bridge spans the narrow River Almargem along the way. It struck me as perfect, in the original, for Jude’s #2020PhotoChallenge on converging lines. But it works as squares too, don’t you think? Up and over the Top! We’ll be passing this way on my Monday walk. Meanwhile, have you got Six Words to shed a little light for Debbie?
On Top of the World
It was a strange day. We had driven back from the north east of Portugal, and decided to spend a night in Serpa before returning to our Algarve home. When we ventured out next morning the whole place was deserted, closing down as the virus approached. No possibility of visiting the Museum of Watches, as planned, but we were delighted to find the castle walls still accessible. A grey mist hung over the town, adding to the sombreness of the mood. Gradually it lifted and, for a moment, we were feeling on top of the world.
On Top in the Alentejo
Looking down from the walls of Serpa Castle you have a a fine view of the Aqueduct. I know it’s a place that Becky loves. Another #SquareTops!
Top Lady!
Happy birthday, Becky! Just a little cake to celebrate with, and a few flowers from the riverside gardens. You might remember sitting on one of those benches with your lovely Mum, eating ice cream? Wishing you a wonderful day! And of course, I have to say it in #SquareTops.
Life at the Top
From a wreck to a palace! A quick hop back in time to my visit to Aveiro last year. A place I’d always wanted to visit for its canals, but I had no idea that this fabulous Art Deco Museum existed. Room at the Top? Yes, please! The views would be stunning.
Trading views with Becky this morning at #SquareTops.
restlessjo 
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