As you know, I’ve just completed another cycle around the sun and looking back on it, it’s been a wonderful year. The anniversary itself was spread out over a few days as I had decided I didn’t want any big event this year but rather simple get-togethers with a few folks at a time. I loved it.
Not bad for sixty five huh?
This man pampered and spoiled me all day long.
Given the marvelous temperatures and abundant sunshine we’ve been receiving, I was pretty confident that the wild orchids would be popping their little faces up all over the place and I wanted to see as many as I could. Yesterday Pat, Gary, and I headed off into the mountains at Fonte da Benémola …orchid hunting!! We weren’t disappointed and who knew that Gary possessed such great instincts in eeking them out!!! I wonder how he’d be with truffles????
I quite enjoy seeking these out and when you find as many as we did today, it’s amazing. These are so tiny yet full of detail.
Several different varieties today.
Many had several blooms on a stem as opposed to only one.
A tiny cluster of bluebells.
My favourite gardener and flower finding companion!
This particular trail has a lot of limestone, which obviously, they love. i
This dainty cluster was made up of microscopic sized blossoms, vibrant in colour.
A mirror orchid.
Our personal orchid hunter!!
You can never take enough photos
Just look closely at the detail
These are truly tiny. Not much larger than an apple seed.
Very tranquil and burbling today.
You could hear the birds chirping, calling out and fluttering through the underbrush.
Patricia enjoying this wonderful outing and me enjoying Patricia
Some leftover paperwhites nestled in the underbrush.
I love the shades of blue grey in this one.
I think I took about 10 shots before I managed to get it focused.
Daintiness and detail.
In addition to orchid hunting, we also took immense pleasure in the trail today as it wasn’t busy at all and for the most part, we had the forest and trail to ourselves. It was lovely and quiet which meant you could hear more of the running stream, the birds, and the sounds of the foliage gently rubbing up against itself.
This is a close as I am getting to jumping in the river!!
Pat told me the name of this but I forget…..a scab something or other!! Tall and willowy, gently swaying on it’s stem in the breeze of the day.
The actual fonte!
Part of the trail near the end, close to the well.
A place we attempted to stop for lunch turned out to be closed and Gary suggested a place back in Estoi. I phoned Marc, who was entertaining himself at home, to meet us there and we enjoyed a wonderful lunch together at Casa De Pasto O Vitor.
Marc and I had some other friends stopping by in the afternoon and after lunch, we said our goodbyes then headed home. Of course, there is always something that captures the interest and the eye.
As is common in most small European towns, people take pride in their homes and not matter how small the property, there is always a splash of colour to please the eye.
These grow close to the ground and have such subtle changes of colour from the tip to the end of the petal
This large bush grows in abundance here and is such a lovely splash of colour once it blooms.
I know a certain someone who is going to oooooh and ahhhhhhh over this potos and the featured one of the day! I stumbled on it by sheer accident while waiting for our friends to arrive
If you listen closely you can hear her toes tapping and a tiny squeal of delight as she dances to the music!
And in closing, one of my favourites from my day of wandering and watching. Life remains wonderful for us here in the sunny Algarve. I hope the same can be said for you.
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Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
What a wonderful stroll it was!! Your pics turned out well.
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You didn’t see the 30+ I deleted!!! LOL Yes, it was a wonderful stroll. Especially the company.
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Another lovely Travelogue A wonderful way to start my day…thanks Randy😊🌺….
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My immense pleasure mon amie. I love that you are following along.
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Love the little orchids & I was so lucky to seem some in 2015 when I was there. What is so amazing is how small & how low to the ground they are. So enjoyed your pics of them!
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They sure are gorgeous. I love finding them each year.
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Gorgeous photos. Next year I want to tag along.
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You’ll have to be a very good “girl” if you want me to take you orchid hunting!!!
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Still reeling from seeing the blue poppy! I can’t thank thank you enough for your keen eye and your great photography skills…almost want to cry it makes me so happy! All your shots of the orchids made me envision you doing a happy dance! Yes, Nature certainly has blessed us with extraordinary beauty in so many places, making the search always such a joy in finding the prize. I love that you have helped me realize what gifts are just waiting to be discovered! Loved your hike today with such wonderful companions! Thank you!
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Yup….that flower had your name all over it!!! I am so enamored with the quantity and availability of wildflowers here. Every day is a new treat.
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