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  We have so many unpublished hikes but thought a mix of pictures from various outings would be nice. However, this does not impact the unpublished lot but then again, one only lives once.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.

71:12 Portugal, Geres: Sarilhão Eagle Trail, PR 5 (2): (A little part of heaven)

  We had a rather strange experience which was a little 'fishy' at the time but might work out well in the end. We relate the experience a little further down and hope that sympathetic readers will empathize with Jen...it would be appreciated. 

 This used to be a lake until it was overtaken with growth of trees and plants. Nice! 

 Actually, it's still water but dominated by reflections which lasted for less than another ten minutes.
After an hour of ups-and-downs along a trail, we glance through the trees and love what our eyes view.
A little color, a little mountain, a big and attractive view.
"You expect me to walk through that?" she inquired.
"Not difficult was it, my dear?" as Jen came through to the other side only to re-enter once again, but who's counting entries?
"Doesn't that make it worthwhile?" Asked one of us.
"Was that question necessary?" Answered the other. (Can one discern a little tension building?)
  We arrived at lake surface and noticed a fisherman casting off. We were a little surprised as fishing is 'verboten' at this beautiful lake. Nevertheless, who are we to judge, we don't even fish. I asked him how were "things going" in my best Portuguese accent. (The sad thing is that it coincides with my worst, too). His curt reply, "The fish are biting". I explained the meaning of this to Jen and she nodded her head. 

  We sat and watched him haul in the little critters vigorously and thereafter, he packed his paraphernalia and left us alone. I was sitting back absorbing the sun. It was wonderful. We had just reached a total of ten minutes of sunshine over the last 9 days, and I was recalling what it felt like. I don't like much sunshine generally, but after an extensive period of absence, it's wonderful. Suddenly, I heard Jen shout out in pain, " Yeow, ow, ow." 

  I jumped up and noticed she was at the water's edge, shaking her right arm and hand. Water was dripping from them, and it appeared slightly red. "What's wrong, my girl?" I shouted as I rushed toward her.

  "A fish bit my hand and in 2 places. Look! It's bleeding." 

  I noticed a rather ugly cut, I suppose, from the bite. I could not help but reprimand her for which I felt bad.  

  "But you heard what that fellow said earlier. He told us the fish were 'biting'. You were aware of it." 

  "I know, I know. However, his hands were in the water a lot of the time, too."

  "Yes," I agreed, "but his fish had his hooks in their mouths. They had other issues to worry about." 

  She looked at me, almost close to tears. "It does not seem fair, does it?" She asked. 

  "What's not fair, my girl?" 

  "Here we are, not transgressing the law, not harming anyone or fish and I get bitten. This guy is breaking the law, killing fish and he comes out a winner. That's not justice; it's not fair, is it? She uttered. A fair observation I guessed. I thought about it and knew I had to reassure her, so I thought quickly. 

  "If you look up to the trees in the distance, you might not see them but they're there," I pointed far out. "They have CCTV cameras in the vicinity. You know that when we watch British movies, each police story relies on closed circuit TV to solve the case. It seems like their standard procedure is to take a look at CCTV. Remember? 

  "Well, I believe while that fellow is sitting down to a fish dinner one evening and you are watching a detective hard at work scrutinizing screens, this guy will receive a visit from a Portuguese detective with a picture of him hauling in a fish. You might even be on the tape, too." 

  I suppose that's the best I could think of at the time to assuage her.

A strong flow of water up in the mountains. At this rate, the 'drought' might be broken finally.
Apparently, this is a meeting point where one can pick up a woman, especially when she's tired and refuses to walk any further. Jen thought this was a bus stop, but we're not sure. Being such deep thinkers, we don't want to rush to judgement.
As he approaches the beach toward the end of the outward journey, he seems at odds with the logic of his young woman who is still waiting at the stop for either a bus or a ride on his shoulders. Life is not easy. What to do!
Meantime, across the water, we lost reflections, but the replacement is a pretty good alternative. Maybe!
"I'm beginning to think we missed a turn earlier."
"Not to worry, Jen, I remember coming across these two the other day. We're probably still on track."
Can't say I recall this unruly bunch. Remember the old days when 'kids' were seen but not he(a)rd. That era is not returning.
Here's an attractive but wild place to move (dump) those 'kids'.
Jen peruses the menu as she enjoys the lakeside atmosphere after the fish incident. I know what she will not be ordering despite the renowned dishes of this famous restaurant.
We're in a hurry on our way back on an incline and we have to slow to keep within the speed limit. Don't you just hate that. (You flatter yourself, Speedy.)
No reflections but very attractive, we think.
Jen returns home via the jungle...just about to enter it.
Another position we found particularly special.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  On our return in the car, we face further obstacles. How are we going to make it home? It's at a time like this a person wishes the 'kids' had undergone military training. How about a bit of discipline: What about marching in 3's abreast? Anything, guys. And you don't even pay licence fees for road usage. Heck, this is just darn right selfish. Are we wrong? 

This was group 1...a younger herd, thus well ahead of their elders.
This was the bigger group under the control of a tired looking group of dogs, well behind. (Taken while we were moving, unfortunately)