71.15 Portugal: Geres: PR-2 Trilho do Castelo: From one mountain to the other, neighbors opposite each other.

  Once again, we enjoyed fabulous rewards in the mountainous region of Geres. On the previous Sunday, we headed to a mountain peak on a rather circuitous route. Across the way, we viewed other mountains, one in particular, that caught my eye and probably Jen's, too. It appeared there was a dirt road across the way which then became part of a trail or something similar heading in a different direction. From great distances, the imagination does get in the way at times. We both liked the idea of having a bit of time out of jungles and forests; this seemed to provide a solution. It appeared one could see views for miles and feel the open air forever. 

While this is based upon an opinion, a lifestyle preference, we believe the people who occupy this house know how (where) to live. The peaks at far rear were the end point for the previous week's tough climb.
When we stood on the peak of the mountain opposite, the previous Sunday, this is the sight that encouraged us to undertake the hike (see text).
  We have to give it 'a go', I attempted to persuade Jen. We would have reciprocal views of the opposite peaks where we had stood at the conclusion of each climb. It's a good feeling. She agreed as I held Jen in an arm lock which I would not release until we were in complete unison about the hike. Actually, it was a loving hug which I cannot get enough of from her. Okay, I'll stop there as I realize I'm way off base and far from the point...although I enjoyed it. When the day arrived for our experiment, we had to find the commencement point which is never easy although it hardly appeared complicated.  After a few misses, we did arrive at the right track, finally. (Jen had followed up with interim research after we had identified a possible trail.) To say it's a superb place is an understatement. The pictures may illustrate our feelings. 

As an aside, Geres has few roads traversing it, but they are sufficient to keep me in a state of bewilderment frequently. On our last trip, we headed toward a hike which was south-west of home. Off we went and ended up at our destination which was in fact north of our commencement point. It was indeed confusing which for me is typical, but at least, it was original. The answer of course is when traveling in the mountains, one ends up winding-and-wending furiously. Therefore, a change of direction occurs frequently which, for someone like myself, loses all concept of direction. In this latest hike, we headed south-west again and when we saw Canicada Lake, we were the furthest north we've been in Geres. (Obviously, we went round the bend). The view of the lake was unique, yet again.  

  We had a fabulous day but there was a period when life was a bit testing. We sat at the peak after passing 2 sets of horses grazing peacefully. Suddenly, we heard dogs barking, rather viciously. We noticed a herd of goats below, some 600 feet further down (continues below).  

   Jen keeps moving, a woman who could barely walk 8 months previously. A salute to a special and courageous person.
Let's glance down to the valley below. Across the way one can spot a trail making its way up/down the mountain.
Jen moving quickly...could be she's close to 'dog' country. Notice matching top with flora below.
She'll probably be safe up there as long as she keeps away from the edges.
Lo and behold, we are now the furthest north we have ever been in this region. As mentioned in the text, for the first fifteen minutes we headed south. What a treat to see Lake Canicada from another location. We wanted to take the horse below for a drink with us but found out you can take a horse to the water (lake) but you cannot make...
We don't recall seeing so many boulders before and of magnitudes beyond belief.
Horses of a different color...no wonder, the food is excellent. "Hi, kiddo."
These guys prefer the high ground...we think we understand...we relate to it.
Across the way is the "Swing", a hike we undertook a couple of times from two different commencement points.
He's hardly more than a speck in a big, wide and vast world containing a wondrous body of water.
The previous Sunday, we sat on the peak yonder, the next Sunday we hope NOT to repeat such folly...yeah right!
We keep moving higher as attested by this sight of the horses becoming smaller but still eating.
Wonderful opportunity to view Lake Canicada from this position.
Jen plays a role in real old-fashioned rock, hopefully, without the roll.
We mentioned giant boulders. We know of Boulder in Colorado, Boulder City in Nevada and this here is truly Boulder World.
  Unfortunately, there are going to be negatives in all aspects of life, even when one is walking in the glorious open air on mountains. While we come across dogs often, most of the time they are behind fences and bark their heads off as we approach. In the open, the sheep dogs are trained to behave but not all of them do. We have been attacked and nipped before, once in Bulgaria, another time in Romania, with a rather potentially dangerous occasion occurring in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. The latter was a situation of sixteen dogs together with 6 hostile hunters. Fortunately, we sorted it out satisfactorily. 

  Unfortunately, Jen is a little fearful in such positions (understandably so) and that there were no shepherds around to control their dogs, exacerbated the situation. I felt so poorly for her stress level which had risen quickly, but we had to deal with this crowd. As we approached, the guard dogs of the goats became pretty loud as they undertook their jobs of showing how conscientious they truly were. Naturally we presented no threat, but we do have to concede that they did not know this or in the alternative, probably were showing off. Still, Jen projected and imagined the worst outcome. 

  I found a rock which I hoped I would not have to use. (Lovely to carry extra weight and limit the use of a hand because of the additional burden.) In addition, I did not fancy my chances against 3 large dogs on a mission to protect their charges. We continued toward them while they kept their eyes on us; (they) approached slowly as well as barked vociferously. It looked like one of these standoffs, 'The Good (Jen), Bad (dogs) and Ugly (guess)'. Long story short, we must have appeared less of a threat than envisaged originally. We were able to pass, off-load the rock, continue on and complete a wonderful hike, but for twenty minutes of additional stress.

The energizer bunny keeps going, this way and that way in a lush environment.
Absorbing the sights, a continuous period of upliftment even when heading downwards.
I suppose he is pleased. He's in the mountains, found a rock to play on, is about to be summoned for brunch and is with his 'favorite'.
Cheers, 

 Jenni and Jeffrey 

The region is rife with beehive boxes, typically shown below. We jumped to the conclusion, therefore, that there are many bees in Geres. Contrary to common belief, we can be extremely perceptive. (Notice we humbly refrained from using 'intelligent' or even 'modest'.) After further research, we realized the reach of the Amazon, that is, the corporation not the jungle. One can order these boxes in various colors and have them delivered within Geres on the same day. Admittedly, it's expensive. However, Amazon takes the sting out of bee-boxes by offering seniors a 25% discount.
Finally, we discovered the straight-and-narrow path through life and Geres...that's the easier part.

71.14 Portugal, Geres: A Handful of attractive pictures in a salute to Geres and the surrounding districts.

  We have so many unpublished hikes but thought a mix of pictures from various outings would be nice. However, this does not impact the unpublished lot but then again, one only lives once. Therefore, with all the courage and dare we could muster, we went ahead and did just that. Of course, the real issue became so which do you display, Smart Alexa? Seems like a person cannot get it right so we hope you enjoy this tiny selection. We salute Geres, a small town for which you might realize we have deep fondness. 

  Jen said to me, "You develop fondness for most places we visit." 

I cannot sneak much past her, it seems. I suppose that's true, the fondness of towns visited. However, after preparing a reasoned and deeply thought through reply to counter her criticism, I made the point that "I really, really love this place." Need I add more? 

 We'll get wet today but maybe it will be cleansing...convince yourselves anything should you wish.
The time was early, the light was good, the camera was working and we were fortunate. During this trip, some of the trees appear surreal, at times. Can't get enough. Fortunately, our tally thus far is in the hundreds of millions.
Aguila do Sarilhao reflections.
Along the Rio do Fafiao, we were tested on the mountain but rewarded with beauty. The apparent gentleness surrounding us in glorious colors and calm, but for the steady flow of the water with its consistent sound, was outstanding.
We circled the town one wet morning and could not resist the temptation...perhaps not that wise.
When I was a kid, should I have expressed such fondness for flowers, people would have been concerned. Now I'm an old man, who cares?
Jen goes rock climbing, some pretty serious stuff, we thought.
A view from one mountain to another at Trilho da Cidada da Calcedonia.
Roses are red...so we are told.
Reflection of a bridge across Lake Canicada.
Ho-Hum. Yet another beautiful flower.
Jen keeps trim; one of the reasons is so she can negotiate the gaps while not staining her clothes.
Another stunning sight from height. A little tough on the edges and downward movements, but the rewards were fantastic.
Hedging on red.
Talking of interesting views.
At the commencement of a tough hike on Trilho da Cidada da Calcedonia, something to soften the blow.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

71.13 Portugal: Geres: PR7: A Second visit to the Swing above Sao Bento: Another privilege.

  I feel so humbled when looking at these photographs (most others, too), particularly from the mountain peak, where the views were even more humbling. When one is immersed, or looking from above and absorbing the privilege of enjoying these sights, views that are available to anyone willing to strive and stretch a little, one feels so insignificant in the scheme of the world. The elation we feel, derived often, makes us feel spoiled. The more it occurs, the more we accept our insignificance, in fact, as the norm and with joy. 

  It did not take long to accept these roles gladly once the beauty and privilege poured over us. It also did not take long to welcome a minor role while soaking in the gratuitous rewards on offer. 

  It was when we understood that we give so little and receive so much that it all made much sense although almost a one-sided treat, or bargain or that we were in fact, taking advantage. We are grateful. 

  Let's take a look at some of the sights that are/were so meaningful. This was a second approach to the swing above Sao Bento. However, other than the time on the swing and around it, there was no common ground. Our approach was from the opposite side as well as not in a forest but through a village at commencement and thereafter, in the open. One other point: This part of the lake is separate (almost hexagonal in shape with mountains separating parts of it) from the many other views of Lake Canicada displayed thus far although joined somewhere near the bridges. Superb. 

We are probably the closest we've been to the right side of the bridge...well, there isn't a right or wrong side unless, we suppose, one has toppled into the water. 
This is multi-faceted parts of Lake Canicada which is stunning. It seems to extend in at least 6 directions.
The view that drives us wild. We are over more than usual to the right allowing us to see the bridges which appear perpendicular in relation to each other.
Jen crests the peak...it never is less than thrilling no matter how many times one achieves it.
At the first peak, Jen takes her place on the swing with an excellent view.
Meantime, her spouse enters into a face-off. Who will give in first? Can you guess?
Jen takes a hike not wishing to see the result of the clash looming above.
She heads higher into the mountains to absorb height, color and calm.
"Hey, Jen, wait up! Hang on. If you wait, I'll let you ride with me on Tonto."
"Too late, Girl. 'I've left on a jet-plane, don't know when I'll be back again' but I did leave Tonto for you to ride down. Also, be thankful should you not have heard my voice handling those lyrics."
A change in light, a changed perspective. Notice the bridge as seen from afar which displayed magnificent reflections a couple of weeks before.
Across the lake is a scene from an earlier hike which is opposite Sao Bento Church. Hike 71.08
Follows a bend on the way down and views Lake Canicada in the distance.
Like to keep an eye on the car, a 'telephoto-eye'. There it sits, well parked to the right, in sight as we ascend.
Contrasting the beautiful shades of blue are the equal coloring in greens.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

While you were scrolling through earlier, Jen continued to grind higher. 

Jen sends me to explore what's behind this fascinating group of boulders.
My appreciation to Jen for her photograph of me climbing/exploring on the rocks. She explained that she had managed to capture some of my 'finest' facial features as I prepared for a somewhat tricky maneuver. She went onto explain that it's not always what a person sees that is so attractive but rather what is perceived. She mentioned that this photograph encompasses that concept and so much more. Truth be told, while this might all be way above my ken, I'm so excited she captured the best of my facial features. Thanks, Jen. 

As an aside, I found the positioning of the sunglasses also very stylish, if I may add, although I say myself, Benny Boy.