Becky will recognise this little chap straight away, but I’m not going to take her advice and walk the Boa Vista Trail the ‘other way round’. I would, however, suggest that you pay close attention to her post, if you one day find yourself up in the Algarve hills, with a little time to spare.
It was one of several grey days I encountered in April this year, not ideal for a trail named beautiful view, but pleasant enough for walking. From Vila Nova de Cacela in the Eastern Algarve, we left E125 and headed north on a minor road, EM509. A goatherd and his enthusiastic dog caught my eye as we headed for open country. At the village of Corte Antonio Martins, our 9km circular trail began.
There was a slight, blustery wind, setting the flowers to shiver and shake. As it died down, a spatter of heavy rain drops hit the ground. Up went the umbrella! (the other half, ever prepared) This is just like an English walk, you’re thinking!
But the flowers on the hillside told a different story. Cistus beamed at us- mostly the Montpellier variety, with their welcoming ‘face’, but large, plain white ones too. Tiny pink ones, and others resembling potentilla. Wild lavender and vivid yellow broom.
Looking over a cottage garden wall I tried to guess at some of the mysterious planting. Carobs and apricots, figs and aloes, I managed.
Just occasionally the sun peeped out, transforming our world. Well-marked paths rolled gently up and down the hills. Reaching a crossroads, we continued on past countryside wholely at ease with itself. Houses dotted the landscape, some, sadly neglected shells, others full of life. A cat gazed, unblinking, as we rounded a corner. A challenge in that glare!
The trail crosses the Ribeira do Rio Seco in a couple of places, ‘dry river’ a not entirely accurate description. Rather, a shallow stream, at this time of year, the surface liberally sprinkled with tiny white flowers. They seemed to link arms, reaching across the water.
Gently uphill again, cistus pointing the way. A sign for Pomar confirmed we were still on track. At a ramshackle old hill top cottage we came unexpectedly upon a family of small, brown goats. Engrossed as they were in giving a ‘short back and sides’ to the overgrown shrubs, suddenly we were eye to eye. After the slightest hesitation, we were dismissed us as unthreatening. Back to the job in hand!
We carried on, with huge smiles on our faces. Not far to go now. This is agricultural country, the hills green and vibrant with colour.
Our second crossing of Rio Seco produced still more delight. A shimmering green pool among the rocks. And more of those little flowers, holding hands as they stretch out on the cool water.
Over the hill and heading for home, that sky still looked very dark. I never did see a Eurasion jay, as the walking guide suggested I might. I think I’ll leave that to Becky. She’s so much better at that kind of thing than me.
This walk is on p. 156 in the Walking Trails in the Algarve guide, with a map and further details. If you saw my Saturday post, you’ll know that blue skies are more the norm in the Algarve. I’m off there, just to make sure, on Wednesday, so there won’t be a walk next week. Heaves sigh! Never mind- let’s put the kettle on, shall we?
Thanks everybody for your company and your great support again this week. I still have a fistful of gardens to share, but they’ll have to wait a little while. Meantime I have some wonderful walks to share with you. If you’d like to join me, you can post a walk at any time. I’ll catch up when I’m home again, because I don’t have Internet in the Algarve. Details are always on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or just click on the logo above.
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I hope you all have one of these. Drake does!
Or you could take a nice old-fashioned walk on the prom with Lady Lee :
Miriam’s a lovely lady but I’m so not ready for Winter yet!
A Canadian brewery tour with Jackie? Now that’s a different proposition :
I hope you’ve got your money handy? We’re shopping with Biti this week :
Or we could go looking for bluebirds and butterflies with Geoff. Hint- there are White Cliffs :
Carol’s been living it up again, in that delicious Hawaii place!
The big city beckons Jaspa. Look out for the graffiti fish!
A Stroll around Montevideo, Uruguay
I owe Susan humble apologies. She’s been diligently walking and I never even noticed! Not one small walk, but three!
Walking with Pelicans (sorry to show bias, but this is my favourite)
Kathrin is spending some wonderful beach time too. Watch out for the spray!
There you have it, for now. I hope you can find time to visit because I’ve included some wonderful walks. There’s really something for everyone. I’ll be back walking on Monday, 18th July. Take good care till then.
restlessjo 
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