Rain and Nostalgia

We have had very little precipitation since our arrival in November and the Algarve is thirsty!  It called for rain yesterday and it didn’t show up.  A small downpour overnight, just enough to tease, and today, although very gray and foreboding, still nothing other than the occasional drizzle.

Marc is still recovering from his recent bout of vertigo and I was feeling antsy and thought that a lovely walk along the salt flats, into Fuzeta and vicinity, would help.  I was totally right in my assessment!!

The sea birds were in abundance and vocally energetic.   They made for wonderful company as I trudged along, not a body in sight.  I keep recalling incidents from trips past and the many times I enjoyed that walk with Gwen, Diane, Pat, Gary, Pat, Marc, James, Bonnie, Beverley, David, alone….and probably a few others.  Had a few little smirks thinking of some of the moments!

I had parked in the tiny village of Arroteia and set off for Fuzeta, which is in the distance.

There were several large flocks of flamingo feasting in the various flats. Most of them were a bit far for photos and I didn’t want to disturb them by trying to get closer.

The black-winged stilt, scurried away from me as fast as it could

Flamingos feasting near the salt pile.

Dowitcher or sandpiper. I stood still for a few minutes in order to get this without my zoom.

A small flock of flamingos took flight

More flamingos, you can’t quite make out the pink on them.

The salt pile from the Fuzeta side.

The borage was gorgeous from the tiny sprinkling of rain.

I love how the flowers face downward.

Once I crossed the flats I decided to continue into Fuzeta, walk down to the sea, along the sand, and around the harbour and back across the flats.  I had forgotten that today is mardi gras and consequently, almost everything was closed.  A few children in costume near the main square but otherwise, very quiet.  I loved it.

Fuzeta, like many words with a Z in it, is spelled with both a Z and S. This is the train station.

So much gorgeous colour, both the flowers and the buildings.

I thought the richness of the wall added a perfect backdrop for these osteospernums.

I don’t recall seeing this before and have a suspicion that it was recently installed.

This tile is on the third floor of an old building……..I’m certain I must have seen it before but thought it worthy of another photo.

This lone vessel was getting ready, so I thought, to head out…..turns out he was simply moving it from one side of the harbour to the other!

I love thee acacia/mimosa trees when they start to bloom. A rich canary yellow. I liked how it umbrellas this fishermans work space.

Ya gotta love the mixture of colours!

This succulent was beautiful.

I had turned up a tiny street and when I looked back, high up on the corner was this patio…..

I popped into the grocery for a moment to see if they sell a wine I am looking for, no luck but happily they also have a bathroom!!!  Wise for the walk back I thought!!

I loved the combination of colours in this one shot.

Watching me carefuly to ensure it was safe.

The egret was happily fishing and not at all put off by my presence.

Very intent on catching something. He did get whatever it was but swallowed it so fast I didn’t see what it was.

These two were loudly complaining about my presence. What a ruckus!!

Once I returned to the car in Arroteria I decided to poke my nose into a tiny alcove of houses that I’ve visited a few times over the years.  They have developed a tiny park area and the colours were wonderful.

As I walked back to the car a curious, but usually timid blackbird was watching me.  They tend to move quickly but I managed to catch him.

Further along the journey home, I always like to check out roads I haven’t been on before, I came across a few things that begged to be photographed.

I thought this was a kumquat tree but when I got close it seemed to be a tiny lemon tree with rather uniform sized, and shaped lemons. I’m still not totally certain.

The peel (in the photo) looks like that of a lemon but up close it looked like a kumquat.

This sign, in the middle of absolutely nowhere, gave me quite a chuckle.

I love this gate.

And finally, this wonderful flowering foxtail agave…….I love them

A perfect way to spend an overcast day.  It didn’t rain but at times there was a lovely gentle mist in the air.  Hopefully tonight we finally get some much needed rain, if not, tomorrow looks promising.

And here I am…..writing THIS blog….compliments of my husband.