Twas a perfect day to pickup Debbie and Fred then head off to enjoy, what turned out to be, an 8,93 km. hike in the mountains near Loulé. I had chosen the trail, Amendoeira, as it provides a medium level challenge, has a very varied landscape and, if the past was any example, provides a wonderful opportunity to see wildflowers. It didn’t disappoint.
Debbie and Fred has just said goodbye to company and were (like me) itchy to get back out on the trails. This one took us 2hours and 40 minute and was challenging enough, along with the heat of the day, to help us break out in sweat a time or two.
We wound our way through dry orchards lined with stone walls, then path then intersects a sleepy paved road called Rua do Carvalhal before swerving abruptly in a totally different direction that you might expect. From here, we encountered fields populated by fig, carob, olive, orange, and almond trees. The scent of wild fennel, thyme, and a few undermined things (wonderful scents kept us company from time to time. As well we passed by honeysuckle, lavender (not yet blooming), and mastic trees. Debbie and I spotted three very excited partridge, made us hungry!!
The walking trail then starts its slow ascent towards a viewing point called Alcaria do Gato, and today is was slick enough to demand we pay attention to where we were stepping. Luckily nobody took an spills during the hike but it certainly wasn’t all dry. By then we could also hear the soothing sound of water as we headed towards Fonte Filipe, where there is a lovely picnic area, and yes, there were folks there today enjoying themselves dining al fresco!
From here we headed upward to a hamlet called Almarjão. Sitting in the yard of a small house there was a painting……maybe it was drying in the sun??
We moved on a bit further and the path got quite muddy, then I could hear, and finally see, a stream that was much deeper and fuller than I’ve ever found it in the past……. we obviously needed to traverse the stream ostensibly by stepping on a few large stones. NOT!!! I was trying to cross these large stones (without much luck as they were slippery and the spacing was not uniform. I suddenly heard a loud “splash” and Debbie went walking past me, almost knee deep. Go Debbie Go!!
On the final stretch the trail follows a centuries old track paved with oddly-shaped limestone rocks., they don’t hesitate to roll out from under foot, therefore requiring attention. I read somewhere that “it’s a fitting reminder of the strenuous work performed by the countless generations of farmers that moulded this fruitful but very craggy landscape”. It had to have been back breaking.
Thanks Debbie and Fred for the consistent good company, the energetic conversations, and the growing friendship.
A quick stop on the way home……….
We were chomping at the bit to get out again and it didn’t disappoint. So much to see and just enough of a challenge to work up a bit of a glow. We feel so fortunate to have such a knowledgeable hiking guide and are looking forward to our next adventure!
You might want to wear a parachute for the next one……just in case!!!
Parachute?! Seven Valleys?? Umm…curious. Can’t wait.
We did this trail with you and James?? Trying to jog the memory.
All those orchids, happy dance
Yes on all counts…..LOL Sherlock
What a wonderful trek! I love the variety of orchids, and your knowledge of them is great! Will I ever get the chance again to follow you??
I sure hope you do, I’d love to have you tagging along.
I never tire of your hikes, knowing I cannot do most of them, I still absolutely love the flowers; all sizes, shapes, colours, scents and uniqueness, and most of all, the beauty! The richness of the landscapes, the oddities of found objects, the allure of the somewhat secret ‘unknown’ trails, and your commentaries, all make for such an enjoyable read. Another great one today, my Friend. 🤗
This particular trail is quite varied, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. Also, it’s not far from “home”, only about 20 minutes. The orchids, in particular, today were astounding.