Algarve

Figueira beach

Figueira beach

I’m back in the business of lifting spirits this morning. My own as well as yours, I hope. It’s what Christine would have wanted, isn’t it? She loved beaches, too.

Do you remember that I took a walk at Barragem de Bravura, forgetting to take water with me? Stupid, I know! Back in the car, the plan was to head for the village of Figueira, just 15 minutes away. The attraction was a short walk to an unfamiliar beach. I can never resist checking out a ‘new’ one.

The village was very small. Not wanting to walk too far, when my husband spotted the ‘praia’ sign he turned into the narrow lane that led to the beach. I couldn’t fault the logic. If only there might be the tiniest of beach bars! But I had that sinking feeling as we left the car, far from the village, to follow a winding trail.

Will there be a beach bar? I don’t think so!

But there were some interesting looking ruins up on the top

And some beautiful rock formations

And a man, fishing from the rocks

And water, everywhere!

But you know very well that there wasn’t a beach bar, don’t you? It just wasn’t that kind of beach. It was undeniably beautiful though, and I had remembered towels! Michael slumped down against the rocks and closed his eyes. Are you feeling sorry for him, yet?

I raced off to paddle. Blissful, cool water between my toes!

I had all those interesting rock formations to explore

Then I explored all those interesting rock formations

Sculpted by the sea

And dramatic in their beauty

Looking back across the beach

And up at the cliffs

This is definitely my kind of beach!

Yes, I did eventually run out of steam, and slump down beside Michael. But not for too long. The need for water was becoming more urgent. Reluctantly we turned our back on the beach.

You’ll be happy to know that at our next stop, we did find liquid refreshment. But that’s a story for next Monday’s walk.

It’s July 4th and American Independence Day today, so some of you might be going to the beach. Have a great time, won’t you, but please don’t forget the water!

Jo’s Monday walk : Barragem de Bravura

The colour of this water delights me

Over the weeks I’ve shown you quite a few different aspects of the Algarve. Today we’re going to what the ‘Rough Guide’, my travel bible, describes as ‘the most picturesque’ of the Algarve’s many reservoirs. I could find no reason to disagree.

Situated north of Lagos, at the western end of the Algarve, we drove first to the village of Odiaxere and followed signs from there. It is also signed from Bensafrim on N120. Unspoilt countryside rolls away beautifully to either side.

I wasn’t sure if this meant we were welcome, or not!

This sign confused me rather, and I worried for a moment about overt commercialism, but nothing could have been further from the truth. The restaurant appeared closed and I don’t think we passed more than 4 people on the entire walk. The car park lay just beyond this point, and from there a pebbly path wound down to the dam.

Past what I presumed was the dam keeper’s cottage, in a lovely situation

And there was the dam

Crossing over the dam leads to a rough track around the edge of the reservoir. It wriggles prettily in and out of coves, disappearing into the distance. An invitation to follow.

Looking back at the dam

And out across the lake

The eucalyptus forms a screen

And that alluring water beckons!

While wispy leaves disguise

The wider vista beyond

Now is probably a good time to mention that at the outset I had no idea of the length of this walk. I expected to find an information board or two along the trail, as is customary, but none materialised on the stretch I walked.

You might have realised by now that I’m not always a practical, sensible creature. While full of good intent, I had omitted to bring bottled water with me on this warm Summer’s day. (In my defence, I did have a map and a guide book!) There was nowhere around at which a purchase could be made. Looking across the lake I could see from the many inlets that walking right around it was not going to be an option. So it was a case of walking to a point at which I could bare to turn back, and then retracing my steps.

This was no hardship, as the views in either direction were lovely. The additional good news was that I couldn’t possibly get lost.

The path continued to meander

Guarded over by the eucalyptus

Hiding amongst the tree roots were delicate flowers

Mr. Frog!

And little ‘lemon drops’, grabbing the shade

At one point we came upon a couple with a picnic. Now, wouldn’t that have been a sensible idea? You would certainly have needed insect repellent though.

Still, the water was exquisitely turquoise

Winding around the lake

And back to our beginnings

On my return to the UK I tried unsuccessfully to find a website with a few more details about the trail around the reservoir. The nearest I came was a German walking site which suggested that a full circuit would take between 7 and 8 hours! This was not recommended because at some point the trail leaves the water’s edge and crosses higher ground, without benefit of any shade.

My cycling friends would probably be quite happy to make a full circuit. For the less energetic of us, I would suggest that it would be a grand spot to take a book and just listen to the birds. And picnic too, of course.

For me the walk was part of a three way adventure. I’ll tell you more about that next time.

Now it’s time to share last week’s walks. I have created a Jo’s Monday walks page, which I hope will answer any queries. Click on the logo if you need help, or come and meet my lovely friends.

Drake is quick off the mark! He was first again last week, with beautiful Strasbourg :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/cityscape-walking/

Some wonderful surprises occurred! Colline joined me, all the way from Toronto, with an expedition to Chinatown :

http://collinesblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/out-shopping-in-chinatown/

And Sylvia brought the Indian Ocean right to my doorstep :

http://anotherday2paradise.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/jos-monday-walk-challenge-up-the-hill-and-back-along-the-beach-front/

Remember Amy’s wonderful ‘hacienda’ in Spain? I bet you’d like to see more! :

https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/jos-monday-walk-ronda-countryside/

I was a little scared about the ghosts till I read Sue’s post. Then, I was gobsmacked! What a stunner! Take me to Banff, please :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/06/23/lake-minnewanka-banffs-lake-of-the-spirits/

Please do join me if you can. I love a bit of company when I’m walking.

More Algarve windows

The sight of Barril beach bar always lifts my spirits

It’s often the midpoint of one of my walks, or a place to linger when it’s too warm on the beach. Come, stroll with me around a few more Algarve windows. Just click on a photo and off we go.

There are plenty of places to linger in the Algarve

Nobody seems to mind here that the roof has fallen in!

These windows look like they’ve been around a long while too

I expect these are better on the inside!

Just as it should be!

Every window should have its own painting, don’t you think?

Or a chimney, like this

And there’s always a church!

The prettiest of street houses (from a strange angle because the owner was washing up at the sink!)

The perfect balcony to end the day

I know this isn't purely a windows shot but I love the atmsphere

And as the light fades, the windows sparkle!

Thank you for indulging me again. There’s nothing I like better than a stroll in my Algarve streets. I know that Dawn’s windows will be completely different, and it’s time to take a look.

A lingering look at Algarve windows

Can you see the lamp reflected in the top left?

It’s a while since I found time for a windows post, but I did find some rather nice ones in the Algarve recently. The one above is in the village of Cacelha Velha. The others are pure Tavira!

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I think I’ll save some for next week. You can have too much of a good thing, can’t you? I like a bit of a story with my windows. The one below is one of the upstairs windows at the cafe Anazu. You might remember I have a penchant for a glass of port there? The piped music is always gentle and relaxed and, if that’s not enough entertainment, you can watch the swifts swooping overhead, into their nests. The umbrellas provide a spot of cover, just in case!

Here’s one, just returning!

I wonder what kind of windows Dawn is featuring this week. Old, new, shiny, stained glass- they all have that something that makes you linger, don’t they? She’s up to #week 25 in the current series! Let’s go take a look.

‘L’ is for Loule

The peaceful market town of Loule

Loule to me means just one thing. Carnaval! This quiet inland market town in the Algarve is no Rio de Janeiro, but it knows how to party. For over 100 years they have celebrated the beginning of Lent with Carnaval, Portuguese style. No shortage of dancing girls either, though they often have to dance hard to keep warm.

Bring on the dancing girls!

Carnaval 2012 was a classic, and I made a surprising guest appearance! Fortunately I was very easily overlooked in the crowd. Numerous photos of the Carnaval floats, of a distinctly political but humorous nature, appear in my post ‘C is for Carnaval’, so I won’t reproduce them all here. The town’s main street, Avenida Jose de Costa Mealha, is closed for the event and there is a small charge. Don’t miss it if you are in the neighbourhood!

Normally Loule (pronounced Loo-lay, incidentally) is rather more sedate. One of the most distinctive features of the town is the Arab style market, pictured in my first photograph. Smaller shops surround the market stalls and it is a treat for both eyes and nose. On Saturday mornings an open air market takes over the outdoor space too. Parking becomes no easy matter.

On my first visit to Loule I remember having to search for the remaining fragment of the town walls and the 13th century castle, but I liked what I found. Entrance to the walls is through a small museum, which traces the town’s history back through Roman to medieval times. It has the vaulted brick ceilings that I love.

The clock tower

Loule Municipal Museum

Busy in the bandstand

Graceful town house on the main street

Animal antics at Carnaval

Keeping a watchful eye!

The older part of town is fairly compact , and the narrow cobbled streets reveal artisan workshops and some lovely craft shops. Following the twists and turns you will come to a small square containing the town’s main church, Igreja de S. Clemente, and a tiny garden, Jardim dos Amuados, an ancient Arab cemetery.

Loule’s main landmark is visible from the A22 motorway when driving past the town. Nossa Senhora da Piedade is a dome shaped modern church which sits on a hill to the west of town. At Easter there is a huge procession in honour of the Sovereign Mother. This must be one of the few things I haven’t yet managed to see in the Algarve.

Nossa Senhora da Piedade- courtesy of Wikipedia

The procession to the church at Easter

Loule is well worth a look when you’ve tired of the beaches and need a little historical detail, or a shopping bonanza. A few parking hints and a lot of photos are available in C is for Carnaval.

For now I’ll simply thank Frizz for his inspiring A-Z series. With Tagged L this week he is just about managing to keep me on track. Grateful thanks are also due to Julie Dawn Fox, who started the Personal A-Z Challenge a long time ago! Some day I’ll manage to complete it for both countries. Join me in the challenges if you can.

A place to relax

I ‘heart’ this view!

My perch in the sun!

This week, Jake was wondering if I have a place to relax. Well, for me that can only mean one thing. My roof terrace in the Algarve. I’m always in the mood for a swing.

And if I get tired of swinging, there’s laid back Shell Beach

Or I can laze by the anchors at Barril

Or maybe chill in the shade of the beach bar.

Or you can fight for beach space on Armona

I could even fight for beach space on Armona!

I’d abandon the kite

But I do get better as we approach the lovely village of Santa Luzia

And take to the water

Then it's back to the terrace for sunset

Till it’s time for sunset on the terrace

Evening’s are nice and easy on the river bank.

Truly, what could be more relaxing than this?

I only have to look through the albums and it’s calling me back again. But for now I’m sharing my memories with you and Jake.

Do you have a place you go to when you need to relax, even if it’s only in your mind?

Six word Saturday

Feeling “all at sea” this morning!

And needing something soothing to look at.

This little guy too, I think

He’s ok now. He’s found a playmate.

Or two?

And so have I!

Safely back to shore.

It was a “girl’s night” last night and I overindulged. Feeling decidedly rocky today. Hope you have a nice weekend planned. Join Cate on Show My Face if you have time. I usually do.

A bridge too far?

Well, it’s long, isn’t it?

I had no idea that it would be so long! But then, I’d only ever seen it from the sky as I flew over the Algarve. I knew it to be a part of the swish resort of Quinta do Lago. Not my usual stamping ground, but curiosity impelled me to take a closer look.

Parking alongside a selection of resplendent villas at Vale do Garrao, I descended some steps and followed the path around the salt marsh in the direction of the sea.

The villas at Vale do Garrao

Sure enough, there was the beach

Not too many people to share it with on a January day

I plonked myself down for 10 minutes, to enjoy the gentle warmth and the glinting sea. Then it was time to head off along the beach, in search of the bridge.

And there it was, bridging the gap across the lagoon.

In the far distance, Praia de Faro

A burst of colour awaits at Quinta do Lago

And on the shoreline, a riot of colour

While the bridge stretched all the way back to the beach

The bridge stretches all the way back to the beach

But now we’re in elegant Quinta do Lago

From the map it looked as though there was a footpath to where the car was parked. Otherwise it would be a long walk back along the beach. Following the path, I was surprised to discover a large saltwater lake, with pedal boats tied up for the Winter.

The lake and the country club

Back in the land of unaffordable housing

But the flora and fauna are free

And the bird life in the marshes

The colours of nature, sublime!

It just goes to show that you don’t need a pot of money to enjoy the Algarve. The beauty is all around you and it’s free. The walk took just a couple of hours and the sun was beginning to dip as I returned.

Flying home, I didn’t see the foot bridge, but I did get a hazy shot of the road bridge out to Praia de Faro. It was a little cloudy, so not too sad to leave!

The road across the Ria Formosa to Praia de Faro

And from another angle

Flowers for Jake!

Flowers in bread oven

You have to smile, don’t you? Whenever I’ve done one of Jake’s challenges, I’ve always sang along to myself as I selected the images. Don’t ask me why, but it’s become a habit. I didn’t spot this challenge till late in the week so even by my standards it’s a bit late for a Sunday Post.

What am I singing? Well, I was humming away to an old tune “Where have all the flowers gone? Long time passing”… I don’t know if you know it, but when I got to the line “gone to graveyards everyone” I realised what a very sad song of war it is. And that just won’t do. So, determined to make you smile, I’m singing the Move’s “Flowers in the rain”. Far more appropriate for many of us, I’m sure you’ll agree?

Yes, it rains in the Algarve, but it’s still beautiful!

I think I may have seen these in England, too

It’s always amazing what you can find in the hedgerows

Just growing completely wild and beautiful

Or tamed in the landscape

I found this pretty fellow shining in some bushes

But I always love a “pop” of colour

So we'll end in the rain. This might be the guy for me!

So we’ll end in the rain. This might just be the guy for me!

As ever, I hope you enjoyed my singing. You’re quite lucky not to be sitting here in the front room, with me! Please give Jake a little of your time and attention. His graphics are totally inspiring (unlike my singing).

Thursday’s Special in Cacela Velha

Beyond the wall

There are few places more special to me than the tiny village of Cacela Velha in the Algarve. Long before I ever came to Portugal I had read about it in the Rough Guide. A cobbled path surrounds the church, and on a day with even the merest hint of sunshine you can sit on a bench, with your back against the church wall, and gaze dreamily out to sea.

The occasional footfall disturbs and a visitor will appear, round the corner. Some will nod, “Bom dia!” with a trace of a smile. Others avert their eyes or focus on the view beyond the wall. There are two benches and sometimes the other is occupied. A bike might be propped against the wall. There is no transport into the village. The birds sing, and alight shyly on the wall. All is peace and tranquillity.

The lagoon stretches as far as the eye can see

The clouds bump and blend- endlessly fascinating

After a while I rise from the bench and walk round to the front of the church. The carvings around the door each tell their own story.

The church doorway, in Manuelline style

A noble head

And another

A knight of yore?

And a bull

Weaponry

Decoration

and the harvest.

The village is Sunday quiet, but then, it’s like that most days! All of the activity centres on the cemetery and the bringing of fresh flowers. But I know that this village can erupt into life. I was there once for the Festival of Enchanted Nights. Hookahs, Turkish tea and dancing ladies! Can you imagine it?

There is really only one “wind around” street

The houses are all traditional style

Many with colour trim

The church is closed but the cemetery open

The well or “nora” is still central to village life

Changes come, as they surely must, but I so hope that Cacela Velha hangs on to the integrity which, for me, makes it a very special place.

Wishing Paula a very special Thursday. It’s her birthday!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Algarve

Figueira beach

Jo’s Monday walk : Barragem de Bravura

More Algarve windows

A lingering look at Algarve windows

‘L’ is for Loule

A place to relax

Six word Saturday

Feeling “all at sea” this morning!

A bridge too far?

Flowers for Jake!

Thursday’s Special in Cacela Velha

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Feeling “all at sea” this morning!

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