Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground

It’s been a busy week with a trip to Tavira on Tuesday to explore where my new location will be starting on Saturday plus shop for art supplies and have lunch.

Wednesday was a group hike up São Miguel with the communication towers at the summit. It was a windy somewhat overcast day and the sound of the wind in the overhead wires near the summit was haunting. That group consisted of Randy, Patricia, Gary and myself, Marc having elected to spend time in his atelier back at the quinta.

Thursday threatened rain but I decided to risk going for a hike on my own in the late morning. It was a route recommended by Randy and Marc that made a circuit of the small summit behind the property beyond the highway. Luckily, it didn’t rain and , although hunting day, I didn’t hear any gunshots on the hillsides. However, I did stray off the predetermined route and had lovely time following a deserted farm road up hill and down dale. Passed a flock of sheep grazing under the benevolent gaze of their shepherd and his helpful dog. Saw at least two wild rabbits that hadn’t received the hunting memo and countless birds plus several dogs. There were some amazing views of the valley. It took me about three hours and I did arrive safely back in Estoi ready for a hearty lunch and a nap. Thursday, January 16 is also a very special day in my family. It’s my sister Carol’s birthday. I won’t reveal her age but she is younger than me. If you’e reading this, Happy Birthday my love, and many more. You’ve been on my mind all day in a good way.

Many of the almond trees are in full bloom. I enjoy them so much because they remind me of apple blossoms and spring.

A single white rose, I think…

on a hedge above a wall.

Bees and blossoms.

An abandoned trunk…

Paper whites or jonquils

the same from a distance.

Bee yard set up in an orchard.

The threat of rain continued but didn’t happen.

Roadside wall with aloe vera plants.

The orange house in the valley caught my eye.

Sheep may safely graze…

guarded by their ram.

A ruin of a farmstead.

And the road beckons.

Looking down into the valley.

another vista

The trail begins to descend the hillside.

and civilization becomes apparent!

This shy little guy crossed the road ahead of me..

and stationed himself behind the signpost to watch me walk by.

Another upward climb…

More almond blossoms.

White iris

Pink roses and an ancient window..

at the edge of the road.

Pink almond blossoms.

They keep the bees busy…

these were in an orchard close to Estoi.

And I made it home!

From whence I came.

Tuesday, in Tavira, we had lunch in a pizza restaurant featuring a wood fired oven. The pizza choices were extensive were of a thin crust nature. The beer was good, too. On the way to the art supply shop, there was a chapel. You know what happened next! There’s a concert in said chapel on Sunday evening featuring a pianist and contrabass duo that I plan to attend.

Champagne pizza – it contained shrimp and scallops.

Luzzo Pizzeria, Tavira

Birds of Paradise in Old Tavira

Chapel of Saint Sebastian High Altar

A chancel view of the High Altar

Faux marble decoration restored in the 18th century.

The pulpit.

A brief history.

The high point of the arch between the nave and chancel.

Wednesday, as mentioned before, was our hike up São Miguel. It was a great day for outdoor physical activity in terms of the weather. Gary and I took our time. We travelled upwards and downwards at our own speed and it was thoroughly enjoyable.

It was a long and winding road…

not too difficult to climb…

that required frequent stops…

for photo ops…

of dramatic views…

under constantly changing skies…

until we reached the top and the sun broke through…

and we came to the communication towers…

and the graffiti of others…

having climbed 411 metres

for a selfie!

Paper whites on the way down.

A view of the Atlantic Ocean.

They won’t fall over the edge.

A field of paper whites

…and unknown berries

as the path leads downwards…

past a waterworks

and a well

with water below

and a watering pool.

A cliffside dwelling.

At my feet a spiny plant…

…that I didn’t notice on my way up…

it’s amazing what you see…

when you look at the ground.

Yes, there was food involved in our Wednesday! It was a special day at the restaurant on the square in Estoi. The chef prepared her own version of fringe -chicken -oven roasted with a tomato and bean sauce served up with rice. It was delicious! That was followed with a short walk home through the Pousada gardens.

Lunch with wine, of course.

Jasmine in bloom…

the pinkish bud produces a white bloom. These were in th Pousada garden.

These lovely little flowers…

cling daringly…

to a sandstone wall.

Sao Miguel from the Pousada.

Climbing the stairs to home and a nap.