A Change in the Weather

The last couple of days have been rather unpredictable with the weather, literally hour by hour.   A front has moved into the area and will stay with us for at least another two days, which is bringing lower temperatures and high winds.  Mind you we are still in the mid to high teens which means we have nothing to complain about.

Yesterday we debated a couple of possible day trips but spontaneity won out and we actually ended up driving into Spain and enjoying some time on the beach (walking not tanning) in Isla Canela, which is a small island located south of the town of Ayamonte, in Andalusia.  It’s a very popular summer resort and consequently, is virtually vacant right now.  We did, however, manage to find a restaurant open and enjoyed a delicious Spanish lunch.

Chloe and her reaction on seeing the ocean for the first time this trip!

Henry and Chloe with the mighty Atlantic pounding in the background.

Marc and Patricia……I wonder if they co-ordinated the red outfits??

Don’t we all look cute? It was sunny and about 17 but the wind was very strong and nippy.

A first dip, albeit finger only.

This ladybug seemed to be quite at home on this old piece of wood/rock.

My fella enjoying the sea, sand, and being in Spain!

The only restaurant open but it turned out to be delicious.

I had this amazing dish with eggs, two types of chorizo, black pork, fried potato and hot peppers. A real zinger and very generous.

Marc and Patricia had a garlic chicken with truly delicious homemade fries.

Chloe enjoyed a very generous portion of swordfish

Henry kept it simple with grilled chicken.

I think it safe to say we all enjoyed the trip, especially the beach and the walk along the shoreline.   On the way home we stopped at the chinese store in Tavira and I decided to take a few shots just to show you how amazing it is.  Plastic “things” in every imaginable colour.  We love going there from time to time just to wander the aisles and see what we can find.

With this being Saturday we decided to head into Olhão and enjoy the local market, pick up a few provisions for the next couple of days, and as it turns out, have lunch.  The market was not as congested as most Saturdays, which for us, was fine.  It allowed us to move around a bit more freely and when ready, secure a great table on the patio to enjoy a coffee before heading back towards the car.

Just arriving at the market.

Many flowers on sale today, gorgeous colours and choices.

Yes, I know, they match my sweater so of course I had to purchase them to brighten up our living space.

This vendor was selling quite a few snails and periwinkles.

A close up of his periwinkles.

A close up of his snails. He had a line up of buyers.

This lovely soul sells small packets of tissues every Saturday from the same bench. I bought one just to support her. What a smile you get when you make a purchase.

Marc amidst the blonds!!

Loved the reception line to the boat.

Incognito selling honey!

Many large bouquets of lavender for sale today……..go into the mountains and pick it then sell it to the tourists….why not. Honest work.

I watched this woman picking out her various purchases from the vantage point of the cafe, while I enjoyed a bica. She tenderly felt each item to ensure it was exactly what she wanted.

Miss Patricia enjoying her solo wanderings. There was a small gypsy market next door and we lost her there for a while!

Lots of purchases, a short visit with Jean, Louise, Denis and Joanne who were also shopping for provisions and for fun.  We had decided to head off to the local marina for lunch and they too decided to head there.

Denis, Joanne, Louise and Jean enjoying their Saturday in Olhao.

Here we are with a seaside seat.

We made a couple of more stops on the way home and were delighted to say that no rain doused us today and sunshine was our constant company.   I took a short walk on the way home as I had noticed the passion flowers near the Pousada and wanted to get a few shots.

A wall of passion flowers, many in full bloom, some about to pop and many just forming. I never tire of seeing them.

I think this may have been the new leaves unfurling on this vine, whatever it is, the colour was delightful.

These are pomegranate buds forming on the trees. Which are currently showing up in abundance.

This is the pomegranate bud when it opens into a flower which then turns into the fruit. They are exceptionally beautiful and unusual.

Our sage bush on the patio is starting to look a bit tired and the blossoms fading but, still beautiful.

And last but not least……my morning alarm clock…….much to my dismay!