Hiking at Barranco do Velho

Barranco do Velho is a small village situated in the amazing Caldeirão Mountain, a short 30 minute drive from Estoi.   It’s a landscape completely different from the touristic Algarve of golden beaches and crystalline waters.  Filled with ancient cork trees, holm oaks, and the wonderful medronho (strawberry) trees.

Barranco means ravine and Velho is old.   You can figure it out!!

It was a perfect day to go as it wasn’t blazing hot and the cloud cover provided us with a lovely cool breeze.  The only thing missing from our hike was Harald…….he and Bela had other plans, out of town, for today and as today was James’s last full day here in Estoi (he moves to Tavira tomorrow) we didn’t want to miss out on the co-operating weather and the opportunity to enjoy the circular 7.6 km hike.  Here is our motley crew, all fresh as daises getting ready to head off on the path right behind us.

One thing that was quite lovely about our walk today was the fact that we started early before the sun had time to warm up the earth.  This meant that as the earth warmed the glorious scent of all the flora and fauna came up to greet us.  I’m certain at times we must have looked a bit like a pack of hound dogs as we kept sniffing at the air as we hiked!

My happy husband, totally enjoying the great outdoors and for the most part, leading the pack as we followed the circuitous route along the edge, then down into the ravine.

A view off into the distance.

Your nibs……..I don’t have to tell you how much I not only love these hikes but also having friends to share them with.

And yes, tiny splashes of colour are starting to show up.

Another view off into the distance.

The ubiquitous cork tree in all it’s splendor. Each one has a personality of it’s own.

Other distant hills and valleys.

The ruins of what was probably an old farm building.

Gary and James enjoying the hike and a good chat.

Patricia and Marc having just navigated a huge hill at what is probably the 2/3 mark of the trail.

I climbed a hill and saw this old, what seemed to be empty, chicken coop.

Came across a patch of lovely calla lilies.

Almond blossoms against the grey/white of the old wall. It was quite stunning.

An old windmill off in the distance.

Gary enjoying a tranquil part of the trail surrounded by cork trees.

The mimosa trees are starting to bloom!!!

A close up of part of the mimosa tree. In another week or so each of these tiny yellow balls will resemble large popcorn!

The old church off in the distance at the end of the trail.

Although we were taking our time and enjoying every aspect of the hike we completed it in just over an hour and a half, which put us a tiny bit early for lunch at our chosen spot.  Providence took care of that as we pulled into the parking lot and discovered that in fact they were not open!!!!  Thankfully I knew of a place not much further down the highway and so, we headed off to Cortelha and Casa Dos Presuntos, where I had eaten recently with Harald.

I walked in the restaurant and there was a very old woman at the bar who smiled widely at me.  I asked her if she spoke English or French, “no”.   I then tried to ask her if we could eat outside on the patio…..remember it’s winter here for the locals…..she wrapped her arms around herself, shivered and said, muito frio (very cold).  I smiled and agreed and she started to laugh, pointed at me then put her finger to her temple and made the sign for crazy!!!!!

They were very happy to set us up outside and what a great meal we all enjoyed.   The by now blazing sun, good vinho, great food and wonderful companionship.

Bochechas de Porco/Pork Cheeks for Marc and Gary.

Javali Estufado/ Wild Boar Stew for James and I

Borrego no Forno/Oven Baked Lamb for Patricia.

We left here very satisfied and quite stuffed.   For certain we will return again before we all head back to Canada.   By now it was nearing 14h00, time to head back home and as it turned out for most of us, enjoy a tiny siesta!!!!

On the way back we stopped at a roadside vantage point to have a look at the views.  Nicely surprised with a few more things in bloom

And one of my favourite photos of today, and not because I am in it but because of the play of light and colour.   I think the happiness shines through.