When I woke up this morning, as I always do, I looked out the open windows to see what the weather held. Sadly it was overcast and I felt a bit disappointed but, it turned out to be perfect for what the day had in store for me.
Marc is a member of an arts community here in the Algarve and today was their annual Christmas lunch. He had invited Bela, a fellow artist, to join him and Harald and I were going to head off, in the same direction, for a day-long hike.
This particular hike requires two cars……..Bela and Marc would be driving to Armação de Pêra for their luncheon while Harald and I would head off around 9 a.m. for Vale de Centianes to start, what turned out to be, an 18 km hike. We would arrive in Armação de Pêra roughly the same time as they were to wrap up their luncheon.
This hike, which is supposed to be a medium level hike but is truly a bit more demanding than that at times, was simply breathtakingly amazing. The views over the cliffs were stunning with indented coastline, arches, caves, gorges, stacks, and hidden beach after hidden beach, many of them accessible only by boat.
The vegetation, for the most part, was stubby but at times the trees had the opportunity to grow to full height. Pines, junipers, Kermes oaks, and all kinds of wildflowers not yet in bloom.
I don’t think I can say much more but will simply let the photos speak for themselves….and they will. Enjoy.
A truly wondrous day for me and again, much thanks to my friend Harald for his generosity in allowing me to tag along on these amazing outing. I know I get out and hike/walk/explore every day but these lengthy excursions are not something I would necessarily do on my own and when I think what I would miss out on!!!!!!!
We literally walked into the hotel to meet Bela and Marc at exactly the same moment they were walking out of the dining room!!!!!! How propitious!
Harald drove us back to the start of our outing to allow us to collect our car and start the journey home but not before the four of us shared in a relaxing tea overlooking the pounding surf and the golden cliffs. One last look before heading back to the Quinta.
Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
Wow is right! I bet it didn’t even seem 18k with views like that. I’m green with envy, what a perfect day for you both.
LikeLike
You’re so right. It was over in a blink and at the end I mentioned that I could easily go for another 10 k! I love the opportunities for hiking here.
LikeLike
What a glorious hike with views “pour nous couper le souffle”! Thank you for sharing through such wonderful photos!
LikeLike
A perfect expression! It did that more than once today.
LikeLike
Fabulous photos. Quite a walk.
LikeLike
Thanks Ken. I’m bushed tonight.
LikeLike
what a fantastic way to spend a day! Great photos of an absolutely gorgeous view.
LikeLike
Thanks Eileen. It truly was amazing.
LikeLike
Wow, Wow, Wow is right!!! My goodness what a beautiful hike. The sights with the beautiful hidden beaches and that gorgeous colour of water! Just amazing.
I bet Beverley would have enjoyed that hike as well. That’s right up her alley.
I’m so glad you have a hiking partner that enjoys the same, long hikes you do. It wouldn’t be as nice without someone to share it with and exclaim over all the beauty with.
I’m sure Marc and Bella had a wonderful time as well. They both looked pretty happy.
Love and Hugs,
JoAnn.
LikeLike
Thanks. It was a pretty amazing outing and happily I don’t have a ache or pain this morning. I thought of Beverley throughout the hike, she would have been in her element. Marc and Bela had a wonderful time with lots of stories to tell!
LikeLike
What an exhilarating day! Your awe, wonder and joy rang true in every written word and your photos, which were extraordinary! I think my blood pressure went up! Ha!Ha! Loved the rock formations, the colours of the rocks, the turquoise water, blue skies, just great! Bela and Harald look lovely and healthy as well…a banner day for the four of you! More to come I am sure! xo
LikeLike
I’m busy now researching what other hikes I might like to do while I have a hiking companion. The photos are great but to see it all in person was overwhelming. I had to stop taking photos and simply see it all. Combine the visual with the scents and sounds and it was hypnotizing.
LikeLike
Oh my that is simply breathtaking! Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.
LikeLike
Thanks Erika. It certainly took my breath away with the majesty of it all.
LikeLike
Wow! Breathtaking vistas. Thank you for sharing it with us.
LikeLike
You would love it and even if you don’t get to hike it you are able to access a couple of the beaches with a relatively minor walk from the parking and take in part of it then perhaps a picnic on the secluded beach.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to checking it out. We’ll chat more when we arrive in January. Hugs for both of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person