Saturday, June 15, 2019

Alporchinhos - Carvoeiro - Alporchinhos: 21 kms, Sunny, 25

Sete Vales Suspensos 

Yesterday we drove south to another place that called itself the ancient end of the earth. I guess they weren’t communicating too well as there’s also one north in Spain and I’m sure I could come up with a few more. There was the site of an old fort and a cool light house across the bay.

We drove out there, but there were so many people trying to also see it that we just got back into our car and drove in the other direction. That’s ok. We’ve seen lots of lighthouses and sometimes you just have to recognize when something isn’t meant to happen. So we drove onwards to our habitacion for the next week. Cool bridge!

We found the supermerdo and bought groceries for the first few days and had a nice evening with a home cooked meal and a nice bottle of wine all at an earlier hour than we’ve been use to of late. Nice not going to bed full! 

Today we had planned to walk the coastal route to Carvoeiro where my cousins Gord and Karen have been many times before. We connected with their daughter Melanie who was in Porto vacationing with their family to find our what town it was. Unfortunately the town was largely sold out and what was left was more than we wanted to spend. Fortunately Annemarie located a great apartment some kilometres to the east in a less developed, but nonetheless developing community. 

Up reasonably early, given we are vacationing peregrinos, and after a nice breakfast we set off in our car to the trail head. Well it was pretty amazing right out of the gate! The trail was very quiet and the parking lot almost empty.



It seems that this trip we are meant to walk coastlines no matter the country. Ok by me. I loved them in Spain and today was pretty wonderful as well!



It felt a little like a Camino. There was even a cat who was very intent on what might be in a particular bush.

The way is called the Sete Vale Suspensos, the Seven Suspended Valleys. 



But it wasn’t just about a stunning piece of coastal cliff walking. There were some very beautiful flowers and even a nice selection of fossilized shells. 







We arrived at our lunch destination and found a descent tapas place for lunch where we sent a photo of town to Gord and Karen. It’s getting all dressed up for a Black & White party tonight to welcome summer...and the many visitors they will no doubt enjoy. Yup, that’s the beer truck, and just in time!



We walked back the way we’d come with the light from a different direction and many more folks on the trail, and the beaches too.

See, another lighthouse! 

Look at one of the firs5 posts and you’ll see the difference.

Now cooled down with a couple of nice beers and getting ready for a nice evening ‘in’. We will be out for dinner tomorrow because it’s Father’s Day. I suggested a beach day and a day hanging out because it’s a Sunday, but Annemarie thinks I’ll get bored. So she’s looking for another hike. Wonder what she’ll find? 

I found this a lunch in the bathroom, but I liked its message and you know, I had my camera handy, so...

This has been the message we’ve endeavoured to live for many years. It does involve a little dreaming too!

5 comments:

  1. Another great day of sightseeing--the cat looks a little like our new cat, Edie, who as I write this has managed to wrap herself in a blanket and is being tormented by Sol. I'm not sure whether I should step in, or whether they are enjoying themselves.

    You ocean people and your coastlines! Just kidding--I'd be walking along there, too, looking at the flowers and fossils and eroded arches.

    Ken

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  2. Stunning coastline - what a great day you've had. Plenty of sun too - bet you're loving that!! Great photos and views. Thx for sharing it all. N

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  3. PS. I see that Canada beat NZ in the WWC today - they are looking good.

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    1. Yes, we have an awesome team, but they need to be more clinical and break down opponents defending earlier in the games. Looking forward to watching more of their games when we return home.

      This is a beautiful area and you would love the geology!

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  4. Hi from Parksville on Fathers Day Sunday !! Glad you have found your way to that area of the Algarve where mom and I spent a couple of weeks with Uncle Geoff a number of years ago. We were located a few miles west of the village where Gord and Karen usually stayed but did visit the area and stopped in one of the small eating places in the harbour for lunch. some lovely old fishing boats on the shore as I recall waiting for the incoming tide. We also spent a day in Sagres but it wasn't too busy then and we were able to explore the old fort and area along the cliffs where "King Henry - The Navigator" reportedly despatched the Spanish Fleet to conquer the New World. Hope you find many more interesting places to explore - wines to sip and not to forget the famous ports that go nicely in the late evening after a nice dinner.
    Hot and sunny here today and more of the same forecast for the next week. Our love Mom &Dad.

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