It registered at 26.5 degrees today but having lived through it, I can tell you it felt more like 35!!!! Very little breeze with a cloudless sky. A perfect day to head off and enjoy a slow hike through the Barranco do Velho. I clocked it in today at 7.19 kms but with the heat it felt like 27!!!!!! Kidding.
Patricia and Marc both wanted to see and enjoy this trail and I think it safe to say that they both loved the experience. The mountains were alive with wildflowers and in every colour imaginable. Rather than ramble on I’ll let the photos do the talking.
Here they are before they were wilted by the heat and sun. Great hiking companions and appreciative of the entire experience.
And then came the colour……endless colour.
The broom is going to seed and even the seen looks as beautiful as the blooms!
As far as the eye could see was colour, specifically lavender. And the bees….although you can’t see them you can hear them and it sounds as if they could lift you up and take you away.
Just starting out, full of energy and look who is out front!!!
Gorgeous lavender….you’ll see lots in this blog
New growth on a tiny pine tree.
Look at the center and you’ll see a tiny bug drunk on pollen. It is covered.
Mother Nature does a great job matching colour.
So many shades of yellow today, mixed with the purples it was stunning.
This very tall and willowy plant was the loveliest shade of blue.
This plant, the last time I saw it, was just off the ground. Today they were towering at about 12 to 14 inches. I was quite surprised. I don’t know what they are but they are lovely.
Mixes of plants and colours.
The wild gladioli are still in abundance all throughout the hillsides.
Spring in Portugal!
These are from the pea family and today they seemed to have staged a takeover! The were wrapped around every available tree and branch and flourishing.
Hiking ballet!!!
My happy husband. He enjoyed this hike very much and I loved having him along.
Look at this happy camper.
It amazes me that this……turns into……see next photo
this!!!!! the gum cistus. I never tire of seeing it.
A cluster of gum cistus buds. Despite being everywhere, the bushes are still covered in enough buds to keep it all going for another month.
This enormous bronze/brown mushroom was growing beside a lavender bush. I checked underneath for fairies but alas, none to be found!!!!
U liked the lavender colour against the darkness of the cork trunk.
She’ll be coming up the mountain when she comes….she’ll be coming up the mountain when she come!!!
A tiny portion of our breathtaking vista.
Green lavender.
This is from the cistus family but I’d never seen it before. I was used to the large bush type but this one is ground cover, only about an inch or so off the ground.
This is about the size of a penny coin!
The medrhono are starting to fruit again.
One shady lady!!! Taking a much deserved breather
This is another form of cistus and look at the bugs……covered with tiny little critters taking care of business.
These I adore and rarely do I manage to get a good photo of them. They are about the size of your little fingernail!!
Another gorgeous bloom being “bugged”
More green lavender, of which I will never tire.
Thistles all over the place.
The blue and purple in combination on this tiny plant was gorgeous.
Lovely combination.
More of this ground cover cistus.
A bee making love to the green lavender.
A large portion of eucalyptus had been cut down and these two acorn type nuts were sitting in the middle of the leaves.
Some sort of fruit vine that was dangling from a cluster of trees. I couldn’t identify it.
A huge cluster of green lavender near the end of our hike.
Almost at the end of the trail we passed this lovely patio.
One final burst of wildflowers before we arrived back at the car.
To say we were wilted is putting it mildly. Wilted but happy!!! We drove the car to Tia Bia and headed in to claim a table in the shade and a cold beer each!!! We celebrated with an amazing meal…..no photos but trust me…..fit for a Princess…..just ask Patricia!!!
And on the route home we passed by a property that caught our eye. We stopped and had a little walk about and took a few snaps. Cute and whimsical.
I can tell you that the rest of the afternoon was spent in the shade and/or the pool, or both! The long-range forecast tells us that this past few days will probably be the normal temperatures for our time left here in the Algarve. I expect permanently shriveled skin as I may just live in the pool. Life remains wonderful and although we are not officially counting down the time we have left here…..we have an acute awareness of the light at the end of the tunnel.
I’ve been very lucky this year Debbie. To have had a good friend to head off with and explore with was a bonus plus the Algarve has worked diligently to mark many of the trails. You can get great free maps at the tourist information offices. Some will tell you they are out but just head to another. Excellent maps, fabulous detail so you truly can’t get lost.
How lovely that the three of you got out for a hike together!
All the flowers…. beautiful. Gosh I do love the Cistus with it’s crumpled paper look. I loved seeing the little bug covered in pollen! Nature at it’s finest.
Even when it’s still in bud form it’s beautiful.
The little man and his dog at the end are too cute.
Looks like a wonderful day was had by all. I’m staring out at dark skies and rain. sigh*
Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
I am so envious of the fabulous hiking you have done this year – I’m seeing an Algarve Camino in my future!
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I’ve been very lucky this year Debbie. To have had a good friend to head off with and explore with was a bonus plus the Algarve has worked diligently to mark many of the trails. You can get great free maps at the tourist information offices. Some will tell you they are out but just head to another. Excellent maps, fabulous detail so you truly can’t get lost.
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How lovely that the three of you got out for a hike together!
All the flowers…. beautiful. Gosh I do love the Cistus with it’s crumpled paper look. I loved seeing the little bug covered in pollen! Nature at it’s finest.
Even when it’s still in bud form it’s beautiful.
The little man and his dog at the end are too cute.
Looks like a wonderful day was had by all. I’m staring out at dark skies and rain. sigh*
xoxoxox
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It sure was a great day and I think everybody was tired out by the end of it. I wish I could send you a big bottle of sunshine.
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Yet again great photos. Marc looked especially cute!. No-one lives life to the full so much as you. x.
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WE only come this way once mon amie……I’m going to make sure I live each day to the fullest.
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Aren’t those wildflowers hanging on! Gorgeous pics. Reliving the hike. So happy Marc and Pat enjoyed it as well.
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The flowers were amazing yesterday. As far as the eye could see was yellow, purple and lavender. Of course you know your name came up a few times?
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