Reaching for the skies in a spirit of optimism this New Year’s morning. I am, of course, looking up and taking part in Becky’s January challenge. Let me wish you all a Happy New Year! May the year bring peace, calm, good health and not too many more challenges.
One last bit of Algarve sparkle, from Faro. I hope you had a good Christmas Day.
The lights are sparkling brightly in Tavira this year, my first ever Christmas in the Algarve. You have to be careful what you wish for. Last Christmas I shared the chaos in the UK, along with the hugs, kisses, love and laughter, before returning gratefully to my home here, vowing not to do it again. This year, deprived of family, there’s nowhere I’d rather be. But if we can’t be with them to share the hugs, nothing can stop us from sharing the love. That never changes. Thank you all for sharing it with me. On the eve of Christmas I’m counting my blessings, and wishing you a peaceful, happy Christmas, surrounded by love. In the end, that’s all that matters.
‘Tis the season, and it wouldn’t be Christmas for me without the lights. Family, friends… we’re all scattered and in the wrong places this year. The UK are locking down ever tighter, and friends who made it back there are not sure how or when they will be able to return. For me, I’m still sad not to be with family. But moping won’t help anyone, so let me lead you through the back streets of Loulé. We’re in search of a waterfall.
‘A waterfall?’ I hear you say. ‘In the back streets of Loulé?’ Well, why not? If you believe in Santa… We just need to twist and turn a bit, head down this paved drive, a sharp left into a narrow alleyway and look! Steps lead steeply down. You can hear the sound of tumbling water. And there it is! Complete with stepping stones, maybe a touch precarious. We’ll just look, from here.
Who would have suspected, so close to these apartments? What a surprising view they must have from their balcony. A private garden with a small orchard and a waterwheel. Let’s follow the fonte to see where it goes.
Ponte dos Álamos, the Bridge of Poplars, was built on a secondary Roman road that connected the now ruins at Milreu, north of Faro, with Loulé. Made unstable by the action of the water, the bridge was reconstructed and widened to permit traffic in 2011. It feels strange to be so close to the town and yet on the edge of open countryside. Curiosity satisfied, and vowing to follow the stream on our next visit, it’s time to head back to the centre. The sun is going down and soon the Christmas lights will come on. Look! There’s Santa flying past the castle.
I think I’d prefer a sleigh. The huskies look keen but I’m not sure that those bears are friendly. Now here come the stars…
Loulé has a very attractive pedestrian shopping area and a market that resembles something from the Arabian Nights, especially when lit by fairy lights. Ceramic tiles, hand-beaten copper lamps and beautiful handwoven rugs are just some of the things you can purchase.
This year we have to find the magic of Christmas wherever we can. Come on, Santa- let’s rock!
Hope you enjoyed my Christmas story, and can find a little bit of magic this Christmas time, and a whole lot of love. That’s what it’s all about!
Not sure that this is the best of times to be posting walks, when not everyone can get out to take them, but it’s nice to have something to look forward to, don’t you think? Merry Christmas, everybody!
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Looking at this beautiful post, it’s not hard to understand why Jude lives in Cornwall :
Drake portrays the simple life, from his childhood home :
Take a peek at the dazzling Duomo, with Rupali :
Share the festivities in Toronto, with Natalie :
Or from Germany, with Lady Lee :
But it looks a bit miserable in Berlin :
Berlin Night Hike: Empty Covid City
Denzil can always find us a decent walk :
River Helle valley walk and Lake Eupen
And they don’t come more colourful than this, from Lookoom :
Colombia : Getsemani walking tour
I will be walking with a couple of friends on Boxing Day but my next Jo’s Monday walk will be in January. Take good care till then!
My last Six Words before Christmas. Wishing you a joyful festive season, wherever it may find you.
It isn’t easy to post this week. I have a myriad of beautiful images of the Christmas lights sparkling around the Algarve, but on this day I will be saying goodbye to two men. One, a family member- my stepbrother who loved and cared for my Dad like his own. The other, a man who loved life and was loved in return. Both leave behind grieving widows, and families who are shocked at an unexpected turn of events. It’s never easy, but this is a time of year when everybody is set to celebrate. Without them.
RIP Tony and Terje.
Aren’t these great? I recommend you click through the gallery because the new Editor is happy to chop the images to suit itself. Have a good weekend, all! But don’t forget Six Words for Debbie.
A sleepy little village, and a gentle stroll down to the Guadiana and back. A bright blue sky, sun climbing steadily into warmth. A couple of friends for good company. What could possibly go wrong?
Nothing was further from our minds as we left Azinhal, nodding good morning through our masks to a couple of villagers and being careful to maintain a safe distance. Relaxed and happy, we removed the masks and breathed in the wonderful clear air. The trail led out past the church to the fields of crops beyond, hazy mist lining the valley below.
Aware of heavy rains in the previous days, we chose our path carefully, but the gritty surface appeared to have absorbed much of the wet. The oranges positively sparkled in their green surrounds. The old mill had lost its sails, but on the far horizon you could just make out a wind farm, propellers churning through Spanish air. Our nimblest walker climbed the trig point to play lookout.
From yon side of a flimsy rope fence we were eyed uncertainly by a herd of young bullocks. Avoiding eye contact we strode by, into the next valley, where a more pastoral scene met our eyes. A flock of sheep bleated warnings to their young. Gambolling legs had strayed from mother’s side.
We were back at ground level, the Guadiana sparkling beside us, and the smell of newly cut eucalyptus filling the air. An idyllic scene, with fisherman midstream, tending to his nets. Little did we know that all was soon to go horribly wrong. The path alongside the river was a bit muddy and wet, and within a short distance we came upon a rope preventing access to the next section of the walk. Our choices were to concede defeat and retrace our steps, or climb over the rope and chance going ahead. You know what we did, don’t you?
Looking furtively around – there was no-one in sight other than the boatman, and some far distant workers – we lowered the rope and stepped over it. There was no obvious reason or explanation for it being there but, as the ground became increasingly squelchy and oozy, we began to have our suspicions. Feet slithered in the mud and we teetered precariously for a few yards. It sucked at our boots, clinging on and making balance difficult. Looking for an alternative, my husband climbed up onto the spongy grass alongside our path and, with blind faith, we followed. The Guadiana was flowing swiftly along, a few feet below, and definitely focused the mind. Sunny and warm though it was, no way did I fancy swimming practise. For what seemed like hours we tottered along, trying to find a firm foothold. Looking back the rope seemed impossibly distant, and the thought of slithering back the way we’d come a most unwelcome one. Whose bright idea, you catch yourself wondering.
The path stretched ahead and round a curve, looking equally muddy for as far as we could see. Legs were getting tired and a decision needed to be made. Far across the fields we knew there was a much drier path, but the terrain approaching it was very boggy. And somewhere within that area the young bullocks were roaming freely. There wasn’t really a choice so, reluctantly we ducked beneath another rope and set off across the field, choosing our steps with care. The land was saturated and many times a leap for dry ground was needed. But, eventually, we gained the far side and firmer ground, and heaved a collective sigh of relief. I broke out some sticky lollies in a moment of wild celebration. They’d been bought for Halloween and had sat patiently, waiting for trick or treaters, ever since. As we climbed steadily back towards the village we caught sight of a few bullocks. Happily the lush green pasture was more appealing to them than our lollies.
And us? As always we found a cake to suit the occasion. There is a café in the village which sells very delicious cakes, but it was closed. When the need arises, we can be resourceful! Almond cake, in case you were wondering. And so, with Azinhal and almonds, I’m joining Patti’s challenge.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #126
If you can find a little time, please visit the following lovely people. You won’t be sorry!
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A fabulous way to start a roundup! Join Mel at sunrise :
Start Your Day with a Sunrise. Walking up Tomaree Head, Nelson Bay
I met a nice man called Allan recently. Pop over and say hello?
Autumn 2020 – Part 27 – Valley of the 5 Lakes Hike – Jasper National Park
A familiar friend, who always enjoys a chat, Mari loves her Isle of Wight home :
A Ticket to Ryde – and Then a Walk
You can always spend time with Drake. I love his outlook on life :
This is in Denzil’s Top Ten in Belgium, so it has to be a goodie :
Walking along the River Lesse from Gendron-Celles station
Natalie keeps her cheerful head on, and simply enjoys the beauty :
Boats, blue skies and a new little dog all make Eunice happy :
Leeds/Liverpool Canal – Snowy’s first walk
While Ann Christine and Milo make the most wonderful company :
Thursday Thoughts – Younger Days
Can’t beat a bit of…. weather! Join Margaret on a good yomp in Wharfedale :
Thankfully, Jonno and Jo are back together now, keeping each other warm :
Windy Wintery Walk at Whitstable
Not strictly a walk, but a piece of nostalgia for me. Be sure to watch the video in Robin’s comments :
Nothing if not an eclectic mix this week, I defy you not to find pleasure with Marsha :
#Haibun: Granite Dells, Prescott, AZ Walk #1
Or enhance your life with the beauty in Lynn’s world :
And share some wonderful memories with Terri :
Sunday Stills: City #Sidewalks
Alison takes us on a special mountain hike in Japan :
The God of Rice – a Fushimi-Inari pilgrimage
And we journey into December very beautifully, with Jude :
My posts have become a little erratic lately, but I’m sure you’ll have noticed that this isn’t a Monday. It’s been a difficult week and the unexpected death of my stepbrother, Tony, on Sunday left me adrift. He was a kind and gentle man, who will be sorely missed. Two days later the life support of a friend here in the Algarve was switched off. Neither deserved to die so young. Finishing writing my walk has been a good distraction. I hope to have one more Jo’s Monday walk before Christmas. I can almost guarantee it will be on a Monday.
What a nice present! I must start my Christmas shopping! Meanwhile please do visit Debbie and vote!
I’ve always loved cloisters, and these at the Nacional Museu do Azulejo in Lisbon are no exception. A seemingly unremarkable building, in a distinctly obscure area, it is well worth seeking out the former convent for the treasures within. Azulejos are normally blue and white but I’ve tweaked them a little. I think it makes you notice the details more.
Jude is a fan of cherubs too. She’s encouraging us to play about with black and white this week, for its story telling possibilities. It can take you back to another era. Was it only last year we visited Aveiro?
The last shot isn’t mine. We were outside another museum- an unexpected treasure, and a bit of fun.
restlessjo 
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