Category: Uncategorized
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Paddle your own kayak
Kayaking is an activity I really do enjoy. It must be said, however, that my kayaking experience, until Wednesday February 7, was limited to fresh water inland rivers in southwestern Ontario and western Québec. My Quinta neighbours, Guido and Karine invited me to join their hiking group in a kayaking adventure organized by Kim. Our…
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From the valley, to the mountain…
Revisiting favourite places is how Jackson and I take each other for walks here in Estoi. On Monday Feb 5, we did just that, meandering back forth through some small valleys and up the sides of steep hills. There’s always something to discover particularly if I remember to look down. Half of Cerro De São…
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January melds into February
As February begins, it seems only fitting to mention an up and coming Irish saint, St Brigid. In 2023, Ireland officially declared February 1 as the day to celebrate her life and legacy. Here’s a link to an excellent article in the Guardian by Katy Hesel: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/feb/05/saint-patrick-beer-brewing-brigid-ale-ireland There are several reasons for including Brigid in my…
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The Fuseta Salt Flats & Beach
Invitations to hike are always appreciated and when Randy suggested a walk through the Fuseta salt flats east of that town and out to the beach on Wednesday Jan 31, there was no hesitation on my part. It’s one of the few places in the Algarve where the surface is flat, at sea level, with…
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We’ve been here before!
This is one of several hikes that have become a favourite. First off, it’s not too long, secondly, it’s relatively easy and thirdly, with seasonal changes and because of location, there’s always something new to see. So, Tuesday, January 30, the usual suspects, Randy, Marc, Pat, Gary, and myself and Jackson met up at the…
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The Cerro do Guilhim Challenge
As many of you know, I have a substantial fear of heights and that can be seriously tested on a regular basis in the Algarve. On Monday January 29, I decided to bite the bullet, metaphorically speaking, and explore Cerro do Guilhuim, a small mountain to the west of Estoi. From a distance, it looks…
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As time flies…
Almond blossoms like snow It’s hard to believe, but January will soon be over. Here in my little corner of the Algarve, the almond trees are in full bloom and the air is filled with their intoxicating scent and pollen. The bees are very busy! To close out the week, here are some images from…
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From the mountains to the sea…
Catching up might be difficult since it’s been a week since I’ve posted. However, we Have had a week of sunshine, blue skies, warm temperatures and lovely breezes. Here are a few highlights: Walking the Ludo Trail in the Ria Formosa – Monday 22 Jan Castelo de Paderne Hike On Tuesday Jan 23, Randy, Karim,…
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A Great Tit in the Pousada Park
From Wednesday to Friday, January 17 to 19, has been a constant game of avoiding rain squalls and thunderstorms. Not totally unusual for this time of year in the Algarve and the water is desperately needed to replenish seriously depleted reservoirs. It does, however, hamper hiking in a serious way. Trails become muddy and very…
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Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo
Invitations to participate in a variation on a theme are always welcome. In this case, my neighbours at the Quinta, Karim and Guido, invited me to join their weekly hiking group on Tuesday Jan 16 for an 8 km trek starting in Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo.It was a group of about 10 or…
Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground 