Today was my last hike with Harald, for this season, as he and Bela head back to Germany on Thursday. It made the hike feel bittersweet. That said, what another wonderful hike it was and this time we enjoyed the company of Laurie, Diane, Patricia, and Gary.
The hike (according to my Fit Bit) was 6.7 kms. A gorgeous old mountain road curving up and down the side of a deep ravine. The wildflowers were in abundance, which delighted many, and the sunshine and heat, sensational.
Many tiny pine trees growing up along the mountain path. Heavenly scent.
Here we are just setting out. Still a tiny morning nip in the air, which quickly disappeared.
Broom was growing in great abundance all throughout the mountain.
One of our lovely vistas.
Heather, both white and pink grew all throughout this area.
This lovely little flowers, which I have yet to identify, were in clusters along a section of the path.
These were growing all along the centre of the path. How they don’t get trampled is beyond me.
Green lavender, which grows only in Portugal.
A cluster of green and French lavender side by side.
Part of the pathway, which was probably an old farm road long ago.
Exploring the flora.
I took a selfie with the group behind me just so I could be in a shot!
This soon to be identified plant grows all throughout the mountain this time of the year
Loved this old cork tree and the tiny village off in the distance.
The white heather was quite tall
Gum cisitus and home to a very busy bee.
Wild gladioli. Patricia let out a squeal of delight when she spotted them.
This orchid was growing all along one specific area. Given the amount of green popping up through the earth, I suspect there will be many more of them relatively soon.
As Gary said, ” a couple of shady ladies!!! Staying out of the sun for a few moments.
Abandoned buildings from long ago.
Lovely pea plant.
Another crumbling empty building.
Came across this inviting picnic area.
Wild poppies along the road side
This deep orange poppy was quite beautiful.
Guard dogs??
We passed this property where freesia was still in bloom and cast a heavenly scent.
I noticed a cluster of irises on the embankment near this upcoming house.
Loved the two door and the different styles, these were the same building just two separate entrances
Second entrance.
Heading along this old road towards our final destination.
An abandoned property with a lovely old doorway.
Another from the pea family…..clusters of them.
Heather.
Look at the heather scattered all along the path
This old church was our final destination…..we simply had to circumvent the ravine.
Another selfie at the very end of the route.
WE walked up to the old church to have a look then I realized I had been there before, about three years ago.
Church tower.
We had planned to lunch together at the end of the hike and what a great meal we had.
I highly recommend this restaurant in this village (title of the blog)
A Camilla tree in bloom, you don’t see them often here in the Algarve but this one, tucked in a corner of the restaurant patio, was getting extra heat and therefore, thriving.
Our happy and hungry group….but not for long.
Pat enjoyed a succulent lamb shank.
Gary and I shared this platter of pigs cheeks and migas. FABULOUS
Laurie and Diane shared this platter of oven roasted black pork.
Harald attempted to eat this pot of javeli (wild boar) stew
Diane was quite happy with her orange cake.
A wonderful day all around. We headed home with full tummies, happy muscles and newly minted memories. Life remains good in our corner of the world.
The nesperas (loquats) are ripening in the jasmine vine.
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Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
Every time, I am just amazed at your pictures, Randy. Whether they show nature or food, they are just magnificent. Does it ever rain in Portugal? It looks like the sun is always shining in your photos.
10 degrees and bright sunshine as well here in Toronto. But snow and cooler on Friday. You are not missing much, Pat.
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Joëlle, thanks so much for the compliment. In terms of rain, we have had very little since arriving on November 11th and what we have had, has for the most part, happened overnight. Very very lucky this year. As you can see, Patricia is getting a tan and she is still smiling since touching down two full weeks ago. She is a happy woman.
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Thanks Randy. I guess that as long as there is rain falling at night it is alright.
Yes, I can see that Pat is enjoying herself. She may decide to stay in Portugal for ever!
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