71.11 Portugal, Geres: While there is no funicular in Geres, one exists for us; and always will.

  

  Jen returning from the end of the waterpipe, a long, grueling climb. She probably realizes at that stage the walk down wasn't too tough. We refer to this as the 'funicular' because from distance, that's what it appeared to the naked eye. (See photograph following one below). We soon discovered it was a pipe through which water was pumped from the lake to the tank above. That humans are able to manufacture such pipes, cart them to the site and even more difficult, to assemble and build them into the mountain, astounds me. But then...We do notice there are tracks alongside the pipe which is indicative of a funicular. Our research indicates it may have carried coal in earlier days to the 'new castle' built at the time.

A look at the 'funicular' from the opposite side of the lake. The pipe transports water from the lake to the upper tank. It comprises 3 sections, the first from the pump station down to the 'bump', the second section down to the turn, and the third section left to lake level. While that might be irrelevant, it is a little more pertinent to those whom choose to walk down to the lake and up again for the distinct purpose of...let us think about that one...we'll get back to you.
After extensive thought and research into my data base, I eventually made sense of the photograph below. You will notice that the ground is covered in clouds, a very low position for cumulus, indeed. There is an explanation set out below.   

  This might be a long explanation but bear with us. Recently, we discovered a little-known law of nature, the 'Schmos Paradox'. It occurs when the world appears to be upside down. (This is nothing to do with human values and behavior which of course have clearly changed course, too). However, 'Schmos Paradox' begins and I quote 'When there has been enormous amounts of water condensed in the atmosphere, clouds become so heavy that they drop considerably'. There is a point when mountains, for instance, emerge way above the clouds making it appear the clouds, formerly above us, are now below. This actually does occur. However, it is not just below but they appear to be at ground level and pressing to go even lower. Given enough weight, theoretically, we could have underground clouds. As an aside, this would do wonders for the underground water tables, although it might require special seals and care to cover such tables to avoid their warping and eventual destruction.) 

  However, this has yet to occur or at least discovered. As you might be aware, just because one has never seen an imaginative phenomenon, does not mean it has not occurred. While I have been shunned, I still maintain one should keep an eye on the tables to monitor the level of moisture below. Let's rather err on the side of caution.

  It's in these rare situations that one looks down toward ground level from height and sees clouds resting on the surface, indeed a phenomenon. In order to experience this uncommon occurrence, as mentioned, one must be most fortunate, understand the science, keep moving upwards while looking down in uncommonly wet regions. Geres is clearly a solid candidate to qualify as a suitable region, in my opinion (as photograph above attests). Ancillary skills aid a person, too. Ideally, one should possess a vivid imagination and drink the occasional whiskey, which sure helps, too. 

  Unfortunately, someone who should by now be totally in agreement with this concept, a person who has been with me through very heavy rains over the years, disputes the paradox and has even laughed out aloud at times. We shall see who has the last laugh, my Jen. 

Let's move forward...well, carefully. From this additional height on the boulder, I was able to gain a very good perspective of the natural phenomenon before we walked down to the lake.
Thereafter, I joined Jen in making my way down to the lake.
Continuing down, only in section 1 of 3. Still having a 'lot of fun'.
Jen struggles up on her return. Guess who also found it strenuous. Jen counted 520 steps in section 1, (and she calls me anal, inter alia), section 2 was similar and section 3 was longer but with a steep section without steps. Let's call it 1,600 steps plus change. (see later picture)
Had we thought it through, we could have taken the road...perhaps even the car. Those that plan ahead, save much energy, apparently. As an aside, we fear the day when those rocks resting on boulders decide to change positions.
A big celebratory wave on the way down, perhaps a tiny bit premature from the heroine. The 'funicular track' supposedly alongside.
Our heroine may be struggling a bit as she makes her way up. However, she did notice the handrail was rather wobbly and so she held it to avoid it collapsing. Very nice and kind attitude at altitude, indeed.  

  With the frequent rains these days, people tend to congregate and try to have periods of social interaction. While this is good for the local society, unfortunately, "Smokers' Corners" develop in many places.
Stage 3 of the pipe with steps followed by grassy slope and then into the water.
Behind and up in the mountain, the telephoto brings in the pump-station.
A person takes his swan out on the lake for some exercise...for the swan, of course. (I will resist any reference to the ballet, dear Ellie, our delightful granddaughter.)
From deep within the forest, the rewards are magnificent.
Love the coloring although this appears to be the spread of disease, perhaps a jungle covid, Fella Fauci.
No jungle, forests, nor steep steps; just an old-fashioned gravel road with a reasonable gradient and magnificent views of the valley, Lake Canicada, and surrounding mountains, following a tough climb...does life get any better?

While General MacArthur 'will return', will Jen? 

 Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

71.10 Portugal: Geres: The Flora of Geres and Special Mothers...what a combination.

As this blog happens to be ready on Mothers' Day, why not publish it today. 

  Precedent is a critical aspect of law and its understanding of judgements passed. Sometimes, things are not easy to define as we found out when US Supreme Court Justice Jackson was unable to define a woman. The bar, legal and other standards, appear to be very low when a justice fails in such definitions. Fortunately, the bar for the high jump seems to be maintaining its level, possibly because it's part of a very competitive environment. Then again what do we know. 

  One other aspect, referring to the Supreme Court justices I found amusing, original, and perhaps random was that of a comment of Justice Potter Stewart. He said 'pornography' was something he could not define, but he would recognize it when he saw it. Hmm!  While I'm not as smart as Supreme Court Justices, I certainly have the knack for recognizing a woman when I see her.*** (see end.)

  Okay, what's going on as this certainly does not purport to be a legal journal. Try this. While we love and are forever admiring the beautiful flowers that surround us constantly (universally), many I'm unable to identify. I thus seek an excuse to avoid undertaking extensive research and rely on precedent of the highest court of the United States, together with the beauty of flora itself, to charm viewers without my interference. Alternatively, I am lazy.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey Laz(y)arow 

  *** Please forgive me as I might have erred. Whereas I respect women, obviously, and as I mentioned, am able to identify them easily, should I have given the impression that I understand women, then I was wrong. Please accept my apology.

71.09 Portugal: Geres: Cascada do Arado via Rocas but with a stop above Lake Canicada, to begin the treat of a day.

The position high up, the effort to get there, the clarity of the air, coloring, and shape of the lake (for starters), keeps us happy. The two bridges, which were the subject of reflections from the previous week, are something (special reflections) we don't see often. Nevertheless, in this context, we found the views delightful.
 It was a day without high expectations, and it turned out to be a treasure. We found a new region, came across an incredible waterfall, including a challenging (tricky) path to the top, an overlook stood out in the middle of nowhere on the way, and the sight of Lake Canicada has never looked better, partly because of good air quality and some sun as well as the surroundings (My bias helps, too). 

  Both the climbs, one to the Rocas Overlook and that to the waterfall-top, Cascada do Arado, added to the daily challenge and enjoyment for us. It's what we are always on the alert to seek. Even the boss, who began the hike with frozen toes, whatever that means, thawed (toes for clarification), and rose to her usual top form (Is that sufficient, Jen?) 

  There were no people on the trail again until we returned down the waterfall trail. We met a family, parents and couple of teenage sons, from the Czech Republic. The dad was a real character who communicated well. When I asked where he learned to speak English, he retorted, he had spent 5 years in Ireland. We suppose that could be considered English. However, his mannerism was far more Irish, full of spunk, inter alia, we liked him.

 A view of the mountains across the lake, places we hike up-and-along frequently.
Now we focus into the valley and absorb quite a sight which is aided by the weather and air quality that early morning. 

  Across the way is a sight we see frequently at height and from many different locations. We also walk past it often, that is, the 'futbol' field (soccer). Occasionally, we see it in use as well.
Enroute to the to top of Cascada do Arado, the waterfall.
I talk to the trees but they don't listen to me...can't say I blame them.
As we made our way to our destination, we were sidetracked by Rocas, the viewpoint. Of course, Jen needed to go up and explore it, test her mettle on the tricky 'path', so to speak. I did not have much else to do so I accompanied her...must have metal for brains.
You asked for it, it's yours, Baby.
The top is the easy part, it's well constructed. Someone forgot that the route to reach the top is probably more important. The river in the distance continues after flowing over the cascades, our next destination, should I succeed in enticing her down.
A view of the overlook (Rocas) in the distance from the the path of the cascades, with the river below.
Somewhere heading down again...a day spent coming and going and often meeting on the trail.
Let's take another look at the magnificent trees. We never believed there were so many different species.
Pardon the interruption but I'm having lake-withdrawal-symptoms.
While I'm loving the views of this magnificent lake, Jen continues to enjoy herself in the rough. When she played golf many years ago, she developed much experience in the 'rough'...(I humbly withdraw the comment).
Upon scaling the waterfall area, on our return Jen calls for brunch.
On our return to the overlook/viewpoint of Lake Canicada, the clouds became annoying by cutting out too much sun, hence, a change of shades. Nevertheless, we accepted it ('very big of us'), it's still a wonderful sight. Jen happens to be very tolerant of the erratic behavior occurring above in the sky.
At last, part of the waterfall, Arado.

Unfortunately, the growth of vegetation prevents a composite view of top-to-bottom. We like it though...much.

An earlier photograph captures the town/village with a little of the lake incorporated.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  By the way, we loved the hike, the views and everything in between. We feel most fortunate. (B'H)