64.13 Portugal: Peneda-Geres: PR7 trail to peak with another Lake/Dam Canicada overlook, colors by Autumn-Picasso, directed by Jenni-Ben.

Most days are a privilege to encounter the wonders of nature. In Geres thus far, all days have been such privilege. 

Our commencement point below Sao Bento Church. It amounted to one of the many attractive focal points along the route of PR7 to the peak. The latter point is visible on the left side of the mountain/photograph.
Always like a little perspective and here's another point at commencement, with some color. Good eyes will reveal the unusual structure that sits on the peak.
Finally, arriving at the peak after a delightful ascent to an unusual surprise of a swing awaiting Jen and the grandkids. The views, coloring and trail were phenomenal but then again, that's Geres. One reaches the top after a great workout, for us the critical aspect, always immersed in bright coloring including views of a fantastic lake/dam, surrounded by mountains, clouds forming and moving constantly, cattle staring at us and becoming bored easily, some rain and even sunshine. The towns and villages below add to the sights considerably. As we've stated often enough, cosmetic make-up may appear to add to one's beauty, nothing enhances it more than height.
In a follow up to the above, I tried to get as high as possible to capture this beautiful woman playing on the swing. I remember when it was sufficient to go with Jen to the park and play on the swings. Now she's become 'Kop Toe'...(serious).
Loved the terrain at the top but Jen thinks I'm very easy to please on the slopes.
Another perspective of the amazing lake. It is small enough to absorb its fascinating shape but large enough to be a substantial body of water. It has been the focal point of many of our hikes. It truly is a marvel especially for ('easy to please'). While some might think 'we've seen that before', we believe each occasion is different and therefore unique. Below is Sao Bento Church, close to our starting point.
On the way down, we gain a different perspective of Lake Canicada. On the right side of the lake one notices the two bridges, one heading to Geres town, the other toward the City of Braga.
Using the telephoto, we capture a clear picture of one of the bridges over the lake. See below for some perspective. Also, happen to love where we stood and what our eyes and souls absorbed.
The previous week, from close to lake level, we work on our favorite concept at water, reflections. The angle appears to be close to that of the above view. Note, inter alia, the 3 houses across the bridge just to the right including their reflections and that of the bridge. Elevation difference some 2,000 feet.
Every now-and-again, Jen rewards me with a little tidbit so I can show my friends how macho I am at the highpoint...well, both of them.
But I understand her game. She wants me to get to a highpoint so I might capture her in idyllic surroundings. Notice her pointing: Probably giving me instructions of how to capture her many attributes.
A close up of the small town with the lake prominent. For us to return home, we cross the left-bridge, make a left and travel parallel to the lake and through the valley for 5-6 miles. The lake stops well before then, but it illustrates the complexity of its beautiful shape. (The opening photographs show the trees with changing colors. Those same trees can be seen from where we stand.)
A view from the top of the trail and viewpoint toward another trail (and viewpoint) we have hiked the most. Note the water tank below the large cloud in the center...just past the tank sits the viewpoint we reach regularly. We live below the cloud on the left, in the valley (not in the cloud, although at times, it feels like it.)
Turning to face in another direction. Sometimes, most times, we feel very spoiled, except when we are lost.
Suddenly, we got hit with rain and dark.
We were lucky though, at least one cow took notice of us...well, in passing. A few days before, we thought we were tight with goats (see previous blog).
I request that you not look at the lake in this picture. I am often told that I publish too many pictures of the lake. Presuming that's correct, please ignore the lake as the purpose of this photograph is solely to illustrate the sun 'catching' the rock and wildflowers. The lake just happened to get in the way. (Thanks for your understanding).
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

P.S. The following two photographs should not be viewed as they are considered Jeffrey's indulgence and Jenni's diminishing patience. Jenni has conceded that while the photographs are different, (I seemed to have captured a few gallons of water more than in earlier shots), the differences are not that material to intelligent people. 

Well, I love it.
Well, I also love it.

64.12 Portugal: Geres Peneda: Cidade Calcadonia, a great find, even better once completed.

  We continue to hike frequently in this fascinating region that experiences much rain, little sunshine, occasional bouts of wind and always beauty, tranquility and an Eden type of feeling. While we have no experience of paradise, we have enjoyed parts of the world that are beautiful, tranquil and we suppose most important of all, they do it for us. Geres and its surrounds within the Peneda National Park is one such gem. I feel most fortunate that Jenni discovered this region, my Vasco da Gama. 

  Probably a region where (weir) the water never stops flowing. The other day, we noticed that whomever we 'bumped' into, that is locals, they seemed to be rather downcast. We are not sure why, but we think it's because it hadn't rained for 2 days.
Another thing we have noticed over the last month is that invariably there's a controlled fire burning somewhere. We are puzzled how they are even able to light a fire in this environment.
We rest and are 'blinded' by the color.

The mountains and valleys are covered.
  Of course, this does necessarily deal with the quality of the hikes and terrain. Suffice to say, many outings have been testing, especially when combined with wet underfoot on rocks, thorn bushes and steep inclines, particularly on the way down in wet weather and tough conditions. Having said that, while we would gladly accept drier days, we have adapted, in our opinion, comfortably to the frequent rain. As mentioned, we have actually enjoyed it. 

  One hike that was particularly difficult in places was the Calcadonia, only on the way down. It was a fascinating experience as we climbed quickly, followed part of the way by a large herd of goats ably shepherded by 2 dogs. The human shepherds, a married couple, waited to ensure all was well, then left the 'gang' on their own—well, with us. The woman could not speak English and while we of course speak French, Hebrew, Russian, Bulgarian, cockney and a host of other languages, including an improving Australian, mate, are unable to converse in Portuguese. We gathered that she was reassuring us that the dogs would not harm us. They were rather loud and of course they suspect we are a threat to the goats. While Jenni is known to lose her cool occasionally and wrestle a kid or two to the ground, I’m rather docile and would never act without the correct decorum. Jenni often calls me ‘an old goat’ which I take to be an address of respect. 

  Although I commenced writing about the great hiking opportunities in the region, we do often come across animals that join us, in particular, dogs. They will string along, sometimes for hours. We tend not to seek the company of shepherd dogs as we don’t like to distract them from their functions and mostly, to avoid being bitten. I took a light bite in Bulgaria recently; we were stalked in Romania by rough dogs and Jen was butted by a cow in Nepal. 

  It was a good experience following the herd for a while and then passing them, showing off a little, we suppose, but then Jen is inclined to be rather rough on me. After all, I like to keep those kids in their place. The dogs kept an eye on us and periodically barked when we lost sight of the team. At one stage, the lead dog began barking loudly, close to Jen. No goats were in view. I suspected it was calling out to the herd to let them know to speed it up and where to head. Jen had a better idea: She guessed it was informing us that we had lost the trail, thereby herding us back on track. While this happens frequently (losing ourselves), we diverged from the group because the trail took a sharp turn. The dog accepted our independence and returned to its flock. We continued toward a peak, as yet undetermined. 

  Because we need to write something that appears intelligent and thoughtful, we felt that we had enjoyed reasonable communication with the dogs and goats as well as creating an environment in which we could build further upon this budding relationship...ahem! 

  We liked the hike that much to consider a second attempt with some personal nuances. Unfortunately, a light rain began falling which was actually pleasant but invariably ends up soaking us and our backpacks. We usually fit raincoats at that stage or earlier, but needed our bodies to be free of encumbrances while moving down the very tricky decline. Once we approached what appeared to be a top, the trail, well a sort of trail, took us in another direction where we climbed boulders and rocks through overgrown areas. 

  We thought we'd taken a wrong turn until we noticed the appearance of an infrequent marking. We continued to bush whack, which took us to a peak with a difference. We entered a cave that had a rear ‘door’ through which we bowed, bent and scraped in order to reach the peak. This is known as Calcadonia Gap, 'go at your own risk'. (The area has a traditional Roman flavor of structures/walls on granite covered land.) Thereafter, it was downhill all the way through narrow overgrown paths containing thornbushes, great rocks and boulders but including hazards. We love boulders but these were steep, wet and thus slippery, many on low cliff edges. It was a challenge but one we are pleased to have completed. Our next attempt will return the same way we ascended, we think, and add some other features at the top which we noticed. 

  The following day, we found an interesting hike which ‘floored’ me regarding directions. It appeared to be totally illogical, this coming from a directionally challenged guy, but I believe my logic was nevertheless sound. It helped me not (my logic) but at least Jen was around to sort things. (The reason I bring this up is because I was short of at least thirty words to complete the essay; my editor is harsh about minimums.) 

  On our hike, we bumped into the same herd a couple of miles from our departure point of the previous day. We determined they were the same bunch although we did not notice dogs. We were probably a little disappointed that they ignored us completely. So much for the rapport we had developed and the relationship we envisaged. 

  We are descending to cross a stream after which we will rise but not before negotiating a way past the kids. This is one of the puzzles of 'spot the dawg' (New Yorkers only).
There's the protection and its assistant. Not unlike my 'protection', to which I'm an assistant.
'Water, water everywhere.'
The leader of the pack.
We're getting high, in a manner of speaking, while the low clouds hamper the views.
A glance at one of the peaks we'll reach.
Is it something we said that's got you displaying the 'inquisitive look'?
This is a segment of the downward route. Looks pretty but also pretty dangerous, too.
Jen catches me in an easy, open and dry section after we separate from the kids. It was a delightful stretch which of course proves the adage: 'Life begins when the kids leave home'.
One of the obstacles.
Pre-historic man.
Facing a tough challenge, she regains her smile. I'm safe for a while.
Rather disappointing that they're not big on trail lights.
Jen takes the 'gap' to try to reach the peak.

Heading toward the final climb but having no idea where it was leading, hence, the confident stride (I think).
'Oh dear!' This way up.
Reaching the cave.
'Ouch! My back.
Somewhere on the way down as we notice a village...where did that come from?
Yet, another waterfall.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

64.11 Portugal: Geres: Perhaps the best photograph we've taken...well, competition was on the weak side.

For openers: A view at Lake Canicada.
The photograph in question will follow after introductory shots to provide perspective.

Introduction of perspective: We view Lake Canicada following a 1,200 feet elevation gain. In the distance are the two bridges that open parts of the land to vehicle traffic, probably some 5 or more miles for the 'crows' from where we stand.
 At ground or near water level, we attain a close up of the bridge on a long walk around part of the lake and up the mountain to the right.
When we saw the photograph, without studying it or spending much time looking at it, we felt there was something very special about it. The concept of beauty being in the eyes (mind/heart/soul) of the beholder is indeed, apt. We knew this was special. Then we discovered why. 

  While the coloring in general plus the richness of the green on the water and surround, the close-clumping of trees in the forests, the reflections off the extremely tranquil lake surface all add to the beauty of the moment, we cannot help but be attracted to the bridge. When a person studies the bridge, one will take-away a couple of fascinating insights and puzzles, we think. 

The bridge(s). Does it even cross water or is it perhaps a forest bridge?
In a nutshell, the reflection of the bridge off the water appears perfect in all aspects. We found it difficult to tell the difference between what appears to be an upper and lower bridge. In fact, should you not detect the level of the water by looking to the wall boundary, it might not be possible to prove which is reflection versus actual (ignoring some logic).

And to cool off, a couple from other positions around the lake.

Jenni captures the scene.
One of us loves reflections, particularly of clouds. Someone's lucky day and hopefully, Maude's, too.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey