Today is Mardi Gras and guess what, we are not going!! LOL. Neither of us is up to the throngs of people vying for a spot to watch the parade and all the dancers when we’ve seen it so many times over the years. The only “gras” we’ll be seeing is what shows up in dinner.
Instead I headed off (with Debbie and Fred in tow) for the Malhão e Cerro da Bemposta, behind Estoi, for what turned out to be another wonderful walk. I’m just home and my Fitbit is telling me that in total I’ve got 16,914 steps and accomplished 12,42 km. Not bad for a bunch of old folks huh?
As a result of our “water experience” of yesterdays walk, we opted to stay on the mountain and farm roads today. We still saw much evidence of the rain water from the last three storms, the small brooks, and gullies along the roads, are flowing steadily but out paths, clear.
We spotted lots of folks out today, enjoying the temperatures and working around their properties. Trimming olive trees, wedding vegetable beds, collecting food for the chickens, working on the tractor., etc.. Always a wave and a cheerful “bom dia”. You can count on it.
We spotted a large flock of sheep being tended on a small verdant hillside and of course, where there are sheep, there are sheep dogs, and not always friendly. We did hear them barking and acknowledging our presence but they stayed where they were. I had my hand in my pocket clutching a dog treat…..just in case!
On arriving back in Estoi, where we had parked, we headed down to a small cafe to enjoy a bica before heading back to the car with a sidebar trip into the gardens of the pousada. ( Pousada Palácio de Estoi)
The three of us ambled though the lower gardens of the palace enjoying the sweet scent of orange blossoms, imagining what it all looked like years ago, and simply basking in the pleasure of our day. Life for us expat Canadians, is a grand one.
Perfect photo of the little man in the window. It was a great way to spend a few hours ❤️
It certainly was, wasn’t it? Mind you, now that I’m home and have my hiking boots off, my feet are whining!!! LOL
Catching up on the hiking!!yah
The trails are still well off limits as the flooding is going to take quite some time to be absorbed but, still lots of wonderful walking places as you well know. I’m loving being out and about. Also, so many new trail signs and trail extensions. I’m very impressed.
What are you doing for Lent? Since you didn’t take advantage of Fat Tuesday looks like you are off to an early start of renunciation😀
Nothing for lent, I haven’t had a drink since December 31st so I figure that’s good enough. LOL We should chat again soon??
Such a nice day for a walk! I loved the man peeking out of the tree trunk. And the naked man orchids! To be back at the Pousada was a treat!
Your boots are made for walking and that’s what you’re doing! Thanks for letting us tag along!
This will be the last year for those particular boots but boy, have they served me well.