Living the Dream in Estoi

Now that we feel settled here and the sun has returned with a vengeance, the early morning opportunities to hike up  São Miguel are limitless.  Laurie had not yet had the pleasure and Marc was wanting to “hang out” in Estoi so off we headed, just the two of us.

The hillsides are alive with dancing cistus.

Laurie getting ready to take on the easy part of the trail!!

This purple cistus is just like paper

Lavender is starting to bloom and scent the trails.

I can across a lovely patch of these yellow ophrys orchids

yellow ophrys orchids

The honeysuckle is just starting to open. I saw a few blooms but I expect in a few more days the bushes will be bending. Another scent to knock me over.

I’m not certain what these are but the hills were alive with them. All the way up the mountainside in both sun and shade. I wish Patricia had been with me.

This is what those tiny little plants in the last photo look like when open. Kind of like the Star of Bethlehem but I’m not at all certain.

Laurie made it happily to the top.

Clusters of these mini daffodils were in abundance wherever there was a south facing view

We had taken fresh picked oranges and wet paper towel……amazingly refreshing in the heat of the day after the hike up. Recharged for the hike down.

Once home we caught Gwen and Marc just as they were heading to Ana’s for lunch.  Off we went.

In this one, Laurie looks as if she is dancing……

In this one, Marc and Gwen look as if they are dancing…..how I wish I could use photoshop and put the two photos together!!

Lovely blue and white against the cloudless sky.

Pretty in pink

Flower pots on a wall……….LOL

Look at this little fellow who was busy entertaining himself while his parents enjoyed a relaxed lunch. He was so quite and having so much fun.

Caprese salad

Marc’s wings and fries.

After lunch Marc and Gwen headed for home while Laurie and I headed out for a couple of hours of strolling around Estoi.  I adore this little town.

I love it!!!

Laundry day……colours!

In one of the gardens at the Pousada

Pousada Gardens

Love the tiles, angles and colours.

Laurie outside the Pousada gates.

These two doors always make me feel happy for some reason.

Lantana, in bloom since we arrived in November.

Look at the size of the almonds……..only a month ago they were flowers.

Inside the church, which was open and empty.

And finally, the bread truck delivering fresh bread throughout town. We have a fish truck, bread truck, meat truck and I’ve seen a veggie man a couple of times. They drive around, tooting the horn and people run out to buy. I truly love it.

Today Laurie and I headed out for a day of exploring in Alte and Silves.  I took the back roads and we had a great time.

Our first stop in Alte was for our special baked apple stuffed in pastry and a hot coffee, all the while with a wonderful view.

Just look at this happy face…….I don’t know if it was the apple, the view or the company!!! I know, I know, it’s all three.

A selfie where I almost cut my head off.

A series of lovely tiles depicting life in Alte, set in the wall along an old building.

This gorgeous, heavenly scented pot of freesia was decorating a lovely patio that overlooked the valley below.

A shot down into the valley and this farm house surrounded by recently turned farm land.

I took this shot from a distance….just look at that busy patio!!

I love this creative mailbox.

Wisteria is in various stages of blooming.

Wall art that spoke to me.

This tiny hand painted tile had recently been inserted in the wall. The mortar holding it in place still felt damp to me.

Chimneys

Mother Goose??

OK, this woman was actually doing her laundry at the spring!!!

Laurie enjoying her time in Alte.

I was beyond delighted to find this lovely patch of wild gladioli.

wild gladioli

I wish I could find this in my plant book. It is a succulent of sorts with what looks like lavender type flowers growing out of it. Quite beautiful, scentless.

A close-up of the bloom and leaf of the previous photo.

Dainty and dancing

A new and beautiful wall display in Silves.

Another panel from the wall display in Silves.

The cathedral in Silves……I love the shot up through the streets.

Enjoying a glass of vino, the sunshine and the day in general as we waited for our lunch

Laurie’s pesto pizza.

My pizza…….tomato sauce, cheese, chicken, oregano and……get this….mayo!!!!!

The electrical boxes in Silves have all been painted by local artists. I love this one.

I am enamored of the Portuguese use of colours!!

Speaking of colours…..I would love to see the inside of this house.

Love this

We had a great day despite rain starting just as we headed out to explore Silves and then on top of that, discovered construction in the area we had planned to walk……….Laurie got to see some of the town but has already decided she’ll spend a whole day there on her next trip!!!!