71.07 Portugal: Geres: A period to pause, a moment to treasure, a time to reflect.

  Every once in a while, one comes across sights that hit a spot deep within one, while walking between raindrops. Today's pictures reveal something of the concept. During a day when we ranged from damp to soaked, whether from sleeping 'under water' after being confused between a bedroom above and below water level, we dried off and basked in the glory of the daily miracles we live amongst. 

  If that sounds a little convoluted, as they say, you had to be there. Alternatively, take a stroll in a twilight region while remaining dry. 

Separate the homes on the mountain from the boat-houses on water.
We struggled and gave up trying to douse the flames of the 'burning bush'. The rain had no or little effect on the 'fire'. Apparently, there are matters outside of human influence (many).
  Life is dynamic in the sense that it might embrace searches for change, challenges, adventure and excitement, or on the other hand, a preference for a more sedentary life with less risk, stress and uncertainty. Neither are correct, nor wrong. It's a matter of what one prefers or perhaps the time of life one has reached. Perhaps the real test is not the choices that one makes, but rather the choices, chances and risks that one does not take. I believe the only regret one should have toward life-end times is that the person did not affect a particular decision, not so much take chances but rather, avoided intelligent choices presented that were rationalized into oblivion. 

  The easiest concept to understand but admittedly, difficult to implement equalizes life for all. A person only has to realize his/her potential. One is only competing against oneself. A best effort makes one a winner. Simple! 

  Anyway, one additional aspect that we have found fascinating and rewarding is exposure to ancillary facets of our lifestyle. Obviously, there are many and they are multi-varied in nature. We'd like to focus on one in particular. It is photography. It's particularly rewarding capturing a photograph of something that will resonate with a person thereafter, perhaps forever. In particular, we only wish to deal with a tiny aspect of this vast topic. 

  We realize we do not have any particular skills in this field, but we try to capture what our eyes spot and our imaginations develop. With this in mind, we found some years ago, a particular specialty,'reflections'. I love reflections...actually, really love the concept and views presented in such visuals. It has enabled us to add another dimension to life, albeit not vital, but rewarding, satisfying, exciting and including another part to try to complete the multi-faceted concept of life.  

  Today, we headed out to try to gain a few miles of hiking between raindrops and worse. We did not expect to accomplish much as the weather was projected to be the worst of the last 4 days. Fortunately, thereafter it returns to a better projection. Nevertheless, we often find that the harder we try, the luckier we become. Today was one such day when we reflected on the beauty of reflections once again. See whether it reflects for you.

  Should we have needed but one reason to visit Geres, then the sight of this together with identifying and photographing it would have been sufficient. I wrote in the text that the search, the sighting and capturing of such visuals does it for me. 

It appears at times (occasionally) such that one can use the lower bridge to make the crossing...huh? Jen said why don't we race each other across the lake. "You take the underpass, it's shorter," she smiled. 

  A place to settle down and be amazed constantly at the variations occurring on-and-around the lake and mountains.
Talking of reflections, those living close to the water have double housing...perhaps, that extra bathroom that's so desirable.
Swans' Lake, a place for the gang to 'hang out' or perhaps make a couple Euros on the side...on the water.
Fortunately, I have not had many fearful situations to face, but when I turned around at that moment, I thought of springing into the lake. It seemed an alien had landed right behind me. 

  The other bridge provides a differing perspective. (We only attained these reflections a month after arrival.
Stretching it out across the lake.
One of these is haunted. Until you've spent a night, you won't know which it is.
We waited so long, let's take another look
P.S. To the many thousands of viewers who find reason to visit the blog, we would like to extend our appreciation to you, especially the Brazilians, of late. 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  For perspective, below are a couple of photographs of Lake Canicada viewed from different positions. Literally, there are thousands of variations of views...one cannot live long enough to enjoy each. 

Standing on the western side of the lake after returning from the south. A view of the two bridges is clearly visible from a few miles distant, by road...as none of us are 'crows'.
A north-eastern view of the lake after a tricky climb.
On the eastern side of Canicada following a steep climb, a bridge or two, too far.

71.06 Portugal: Geres: PR 6: Miradouro da Junceda: A quick 2,500 feet steep climb with trailhead a whopping 30 meters from our apartment...(much less walking...huh?)

  Please join Jenni as she leads a few hikers along a wonderful trail on a logical path which begins at our front door, crosses the road to the trailhead, and climbs 2,500 feet to a peak over a short distance. Thereafter, a longer distance is spent walking on level and downgrades as one negotiates gentle obstacles. At the peak, in the dining hall, she invites you to join her at a catered lunch (cereal and fruit topped with yoghurt) followed by a gentle stroll down the mountain to an exit point from the forest/jungle and back to our front door, on foot. 

  During the pleasurable and relaxed walk, you will be encouraged to enjoy the fragrances exuded by the flora, the wonderful sights on display, while absorbing the atmosphere offered, a truly wonderful place to immerse oneself, as well as a achieving a sense of accomplishment upon completion.  

Glasses on. Spot the white cap. Under that lot walks a cute woman getting a close up of the flora and coloring.
"Yes, we're talking about you. You wanna know what was said? You're going to have to nag...a bit." Typical Jen, color coordination first class, yet again.
To reach this section of colorful flowers, Jen took some extraordinary roots and routes, too. Just to illustrate the point, try a couple of these. 

This one made her feel a little haunted...I had to calm her, give her a drink and 'throw in' a shopping gift incentive as well (Always worth it).

In this situation, she kept to the straight-and-narrow, maintaining herself within the tight boundary.
'By this time, she's had all the fun-and-games she required. I thought I heard her singing "Take me home, country road," but then she cannot sing like me...fortunately.' Trees in Portugal don't always adhere to standing rules and customs.
"Did I hear someone call my name?" The gray bag speaks...that's bag as in backpack not...
"Hello,". Please don't concern yourselves. All in a day's hiking. Here I sit after a steep climb with our village and apartment to our left, some 2,500 feet below, and my husband alongside who will no doubt carry me back down. I am fortunate indeed, aren't I Jeffrey?" 

 With 500 feet or so still to ascend, we spot probably the 8th unique position of our trip thus far where we gain a view of Lake Canicada. Each situation has its own highlights. For us, and probably many others, the lake is a prime focal point seen from height, when at distance.
We reach the summit and lo-and-behold there's a house on offer. I tried to convince Jen that a coat of paint is all that it would require to turn it around...maybe a bulldozer, too, she retorted. (This was not one of my successful days.)
The view from the summit is gorgeous, our apartment to the right. The trail, however, is somewhat less gorgeous.
Jen asks, "If you use the telephoto lense, will the hike down be much shorter?" I consider the question and reply, Let's try, you might have something there." (I think I'm beginning to really worry about us.)
The higher view above and across the way from the apartment buildings.
Oh dear! I've lost Jenni in all that color.
A glimpse of Canicada with a beautiful plant nestled on the mountain.
Because it's a loop, we come out of the forest a mile from home, but I am still contracted to carry her ladyship. I suggest we pass by the 'dollhouse', the fascinating structure (our opinion), and I consider throwing her into the pool. I'm thinking there might be something to the concept of 'sweet revenge'. 

 Soon after entering the forest, one of us is fascinated by the sight of the houses nestled below as seen through the trees.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

"I promise I will not dump you into the pool...you know I was only kidding,"...ahem. I was forced to take an oath, a mile from home, as we sat at the third viewpoint, catching our breaths...actually, come to think of it, I don't know what Jen had to catch...'based upon her seating arrangement on the way down'.

71.05 Portugal: Peneda-Geres: Trilho do S. Bento Miradouro: A wonderful day of hiking, views and absorbing some of the best sights from the region.

Open up with something special as Jen makes her way down from the peak, 'The Swing'. One of the many angles of Lake Canicada, on view.
As we move up, the views become even more spectacular. Sao Bento Church dominates the town.
  The hike is fairly strenuous, including in many places where additional routes can be added. Suffice to say, the views were gorgeous which were further enhanced when the light was good. The weather is variable, not being consistent thus allowing for surprises. Nevertheless, thus far, we are most comfortable with it...not that it makes a difference to anyone else. 

  We had a mix of subjects on display which allowed for some very special sights. It's difficult to limit the number of photographs displayed because there are too many variations, albeit subtle at times. In addition, we mixed it up with the cattle and horses as well as were able to see positions where we have stood before many miles distant, allowing us to enjoy different perspectives. We did limit pictures of the latter views. We have, one of us, a weakness for shapely lakes, reflections...actually, I'll stop there as the list is almost endless. 

  All-in-all, we'll be back to repeat the hike but in such a manner that the only place we will tread on the same path is when we reach the swing. Effectively, there are many hikes in this park in which a person commences from different positions arriving at common goals. It provides further variation, scope and continued enjoyment, plus the usual sweat, ideal results. 

Jen searches for the 'Swing' positioned on the peak, as we get closer. It can just be seen from this angle.
Should Jen look behind her (from above picture), this is what would confront her. Why go higher?
This fella exudes an attitude: We can almost hear him mutter "You wanna make something of it". This is what happens when they are so horny.
Cannot be more than a few days old. I fancy my chances with this little guy as opposed to 'old bull' above.
'Okay, you've had your swing, was it worth the trip?' (Trip as in 'journey', thank goodness.)
Peering at the mountain across the way. The water tank, visible from the 'swing', is in a position we reach or pass quite often, approaching from the other side of town.
A position with a view.
Horses above the village on a platform known as 'Animal Farm'.
Villagers below horses...and we are fortunate to view them both.
Multi-faceted lake, a place to gather one's thoughts, or just to enjoy the magnificent beauty.
A scene from "Rocky 245". About to attempt a dive into the lake, thinks the dreamer.
Perhaps, you prefer this one to the earlier sight.
Love it.
Jen showing respect or...fear...as she 'goes wide'.
Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  I suppose you could say we are rather disappointed in an aspect of Geres. When we were here eighteen months ago, there were some outstanding colors on display. We remember the trees about Sao Bento Church. Beautiful, we thought. On our return, we noticed either because of so much rain or a deliberate plan of the leadership, most things are green. Color variation has mostly disappeared. Alas, while it is still very attractive, we really miss the yellows, reds, oranges and in-between shades. I got into a conversation with a local and questioned him on it. Unfortunately, I am ignorant in Portuguese and his English was not good. All he seemed to be able to say "sesen sprin, sesen sprin, not ortim any more". After a while, we parted not before I thought I heard him utter "Dum foriner".

What was, was...I mean, is that such an unreasonable request.
Even the horse keeps its distance from bull.
Before the sun shone brightly, we had the silvery look.  

  Thereafter, it was even more gorgeous...one more to close.