Hapless Humidity!!

In all my years of coming here, I have never been bothered by or noticed much humidity, at least not the kind we experience in the Ottawa Valley. Not so today. We headed out for another bit of galivanting and scouting out a few new routes and I swear, I was soaked to the skin in about 20 minutes. We didn’t let it deter us but both of us had to change clothing once home.

These days, with walking daily in our “neighbourhood”, we are a bit more apt to wander down a previously unexplored laneway or farm track. It makes for much fun, a few adventures, and sometimes a new loop to store away for another time.

This is at the bottom of our driveway. It’s in bloom the entire time we are here each year but with the rain and moisture of the last three days it’s truly vibrant and beautiful to behold at the moment.

The ever present lantana, which I love. I never grow tired of looking at it up close and seeing the details of each cluster.

I also love how it varies in predominant colour…..my favourite being the yellow and white, which we don’t see as often.

It’s usually the women we see outside harvesting the olives. Many trees are already stripped of fruit however you still encounter the occasional orchard that is still being worked. b

One of the many farm roads we wandered along this past couple of days. Lined with cork oak, carob and the ever present olive trees,

I love this old route up the outside of the Pousada palace walls. For us it’s a shortcut to home from the lower part of the village. All along the one side are orange and avocado trees.

I’m sure I’ve seen this tile before but today it seemed as if I was seeing it for the first time.

This cluster of trees is right beside our parking lot. You can see how tall they are and I bet next year will be almost double this.

We had a date for lunch with Harald and Bela, which we were eagerly looking forward to. We all seem to get occupied with our own things and don’t get to see each other as often as we might like. Hence, Marc made a date for us.

Harald offered to drive and suggested São Brás de Alportel. We headed off, four choices in mind. Our first destination turned out to be under renovation and our second turned out to be a perfect choice, and new to both Marc and myself.

I took this photo as we left the place and it was simply by chance that Harald stepped out just as I took the “snap”. The food was wonderful, both plentiful, and delicious. (yes, Pat and Gary, we will be going back with you)!

Marc had Bacalhau com natas and loved it.

I had the very traditional Bitoque de Porco. A pork cut grilled and always served with a soft fried egg on top. The flavour today was fabulous.

Bela had a grilled tuna plate and Harald a small pot of arroz de tamboril, Monk fish rice. I tasted it and I won’t need a menu the next time I go as it was delectable. (I forgot to take photos).

A lovely visit, a lively and vibrant atmosphere, great food, wonderful friends. How much better does it all get!!!!

10 thoughts on “Hapless Humidity!!”

Muse & Views Bookclub November 27, 2019 — 5:26 pm

Having made a depressing decision to stay in Ottawa this winter, I am even more envious of you two and your hikes and lunches!

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  canadianboystravel November 27, 2019 — 6:09 pm
  
  I’m sorry to learn you won’t get a break from winter this year. I will try to keep sending colour your way to brighten the days. Dream of next winters warmer vacation.
  
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Patricia November 27, 2019 — 7:21 pm

Line up all those new hikes and restaurants. We’re looking forward to all of them.youand Marc are keeping up the momentum….good for you guys.

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  canadianboystravel November 27, 2019 — 10:03 pm
  
  I’m going to wear you out!
  
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Deb L November 27, 2019 — 8:23 pm

A hike and an excellent lunch with good friends, a perfect day in my books!

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  canadianboystravel November 27, 2019 — 10:03 pm
  
  I’m right there with you.
  
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Gary November 27, 2019 — 8:23 pm

Looking foreword to visiting this restaurant, and trying the Bacalhau com Natas!!

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  canadianboystravel November 27, 2019 — 10:04 pm
  
  Yes, your ears must have been burning today cause we mentioned that. Marc said it was not only delicious but it stayed super hot to the very end.
  
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Joan MacLeod November 28, 2019 — 1:15 am

Love bacalhau com natos & it looked tasty! Great pepper plant.

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1. (Post author)
  
  canadianboystravel November 28, 2019 — 2:04 pm
  
  An entire piri piri plant. And yes, Marc’s dish was amazing according to him.
  
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