71.19: Portugal: Geres: The town of Fafiao in the middle of 'Nowhere'...which in this region is a lovely place.

The honesty or frankness of the early morning light and its effects.
The feeling continues.
  The roads in the National Forest are pretty good for where they take one and how edgy they are and can be even edgier. Often, Jen finds herself in a trance as she travels with me, a ghost-driver for want of a description, while sitting in the passenger seat. 

  We did notice that most of the tight and narrow roads are without painted lines down the middle. It seems that should they divide the roads in the usual manner, then motorists might believe there is room for two. Yet in essence, when cars cross, they have to make adjustments which can be tricky if one happens to be on an edge, often the case. Perhaps that's why Jen is rather quiet at times. Motorbikes have it easy though, but I don't believe she would like to be on the back of one or for that matter, anywhere on it. Who said life on the road was easy? 

We explored the one side of the river while rising to the peak, then returned to head to the overlook in the opposite direction.
From distance, notwithstanding the need for reading glasses, my eyesight is good. (Jen says I look better from long distances, too). This appeared to be a tower to ole 'good eyes'. We returned to head to the peak on the left of the "tower".
Why did we not think of taking the road? Sometimes we're a little slow in understanding the issues.
Jen reaches a high point during part 1 of the hike.
Bushwhacking occurs when you are frustrated so you take it out on the poor bushes and their thorns. Hence, sometimes you have to be 'cruel to be kind, kids.'
And again. 

  Aha! the target is visible as Jen wipes the bush from her eyes. Just get through a few more and we're almost there.
You have to love (admire) the places in the mountains where people settle. There's a 'Walmart' just over the hill within walking distance.
Meantime 'twinkle-toes' missed a turn and is now on the wrong side of the river.
Crossing the bridge in the distance to get to the right-side of the river which is on the left. Who would have thought of a right and wrong side to a river? You need binoculars to see him crossing the bridge.
Can't believe it. There's another part of Lake Canicada. Has the lake no boundaries?...Hope not.
Isn't that nice? They are preparing the overlook for our arrival. Cleaning it and hopefully, the coffee will be piping hot. No wonder we like Geres so much.
Just below the peak is the wolf-compound. Apparently, this is where the Romans kept the wolves. 'Don't fence... um...wall us in', could have been their cries or barks. We prefer 'keeping the wolves from the door', though.
Jen reaches the overlook. 'Look', she exclaims, 'No hands.' As if we need another show-off in the family.
The lake is really something special. It is shaped in a cross format with other ancillary legs branching from it, so it cuts across the region.
From up here on the lookout, one makes out the paths, roads, trails...however, it hardly helps. Looks different from below should you be able to find them.
How did you get where you are and why are you resting again, Jen?

He begged for a shot on the Overlook so in a moment of weakness, Jen gave in. Apparently, he felt wired for the occasion. Dumb comments like that nearly lost him the opportunity.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Whenever a person needs a pickup, don't 'Lyft', rather view reflections...an opinion.
Amazing: They moved the tower down to lake surface.

71.18 Portugal: Geres: Cascata do Arado (2) and finding another 'hill' to scale, a little gem discovered by accident and a prayer, accompanied with flowing water and music.

  Hats off to Jen who summarized the Peneda-Geres National Park, at least the sections in which we have spent much time, in one word: Enchanting or an enchanted land. While we are very fond of the town of Geres itself; clearly, meadows, forests/jungles, lakes and mountains are very different from built up areas. Enough said. 

  Generally, as we hit the trails, our demeanor as a general rule changes. There is a distinct difference in our mood, feelings, attitude, and outlook as we make the imaginary crossing. This is something discussed before, probably many times, and is not the subject for now. Briefly, getting back to enchanted, there are times when we look about half-expecting to bump into a goblin, a unicorn or two, together with the odd deer we see, the chirping birds and of course the cattle, goats and sheep, plus their guard dogs. It is often surreal as the tall trees numerous in variety, a multitude in shades of green and in a word, stunning, amongst the rest of the glorious and colorful flora on display. We'll stop there as well...continues below... 

  For accompanying music, click on the start button, continue SCROLLING DOWN, sit back and call back the past finding it's always in the present. In fact, it's a present to all of us should we so wish.

   

We reach and pass the waterfall, a wonderful display but partly hidden...seen a few weeks previously for the first time.
"How many flowers grow in 'An English Country Garden'......?" It just seemed to invoke the feeling. Is he nuts or just fortunate?
Perhaps a little rough but wonderful...(rough is the land, wonderful is Jen...some clarity).
After the climb, Jen descends for a while taking in the colorful flora.
The wilds have unique qualities that are not explained easily, if at all.
On our return from the end of the trail, I said to Jen, "I'd really like to reach the top of that 'hill'. It would conclude today's hike with a decent finish. Heck, wouldn't it be 'luverly' to have some form of trail heading upwards." Less than a minute later, I noticed a path and...
And off and up we went. Love it.
If a body meets a body coming through the rye, ...well good luck to you...at least a person knows where she's been.
It's not quite breakfast at Tiffanys but for us, it could not be better. Well, there's no accounting for taste, is there?
A view from the top.
Jen? I think I'm stuck. Have you a tree tool, a manual or could you just lend a hand? I've used up my allotment of prayers.
Where's a bridge when you need one? This is where I meant to be, a little late you might think.
  The views from the mountain tops, not forgetting the journey up-and-down, the beautiful lakes and flowing rivers, including a multitude of waterfalls all add to the beauty. Who cannot be overawed by the reflections on the lakes displaying a variety of images, sometimes making a distinction between real and image difficult to separate. Enough with that. 

  Lastly, we suppose that which makes the planet earth most amazing, inter alia, is that in each part of the world there are similarities as well as vast differences. Add in the deserts of American, Australia and Africa, what about snow of a different season, ice and oh, there's the ocean, too, covering a greater part of the earth's surface. By now, I realize I have made a fool of myself in trying to touch on a subject in which only tomes of writing could even attempt to do it justice. I will not only stop there but cease altogether. Perhaps, had I been given an ability to sing, now would have been appropriate to leave on a higher note "With Some Enchanted Evening". Goodnight! 

A fascinating waterfall...aren't they all? On our return, we pass it and absorb as much as is possible.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

As we conclude our horticultural class, it's clear we are not too bright, but we do know what we like.

Okay, okay, Jen...no more.

71:16 Portugal: Geres. Barragem da Canicada: Another leg of Lake Canicada, the actual dam. 71.17 The Lake and forests some 15 miles further north along the PR-3

We've mentioned our fascination of Lake Canicada numerous times. We set out on a Sunday morning to explore another section of it during a day of expected rain. It's in the area that the dam wall is situate. The wall is massive, even intimidating from the side view, but most pleasant to walk across. In Europe, large vehicles are not practical as roads are inclined to be narrow and treacherous, particularly in the mountainous regions and small towns. One has to be competent in parking it in tiny spots and driving in narrow places. Hence, those who don't learn to drive proficiently, should drive small vehicles, at the very least. 

Should a person need some serenity, we believe this position with its ideal coloring could do the trick. 
Here's a perspective of the dam wall with a mere spray of water flowing over.
What's behind the wall? Don't fence me in wouldn't cut it in this context no matter how kind one wished to be to the water.
  When we arrived at the lake, we drove toward the bridge where a red traffic-light indicated we should stop. Did this mean stop and turn-around or wait one's turn to cross? My first reaction was to turn around as the road across the bridge looked far too narrow to allow us to pass. Obviously, it was a pedestrian bridge--it made sense. Then we saw a car roar across once the green light shone. Great instincts on my part. 

  Thereafter, we parked our vehicle and walked--after all, that's what we do. However, we took careful note to check whether the car ahead of us was an illusion or really did drive to the other side. Sure enough, I was wrong. More than enough room, perhaps 2 inches on each side for a small car. It reminded me of a time in Spain when we had to cross with an oncoming car approaching on a narrow road over a river, sort of bridge (you had to be there). I stopped and the irate driver got out from his vehicle and gave me a few tips. He also ensured that the side-view mirrors were folded inwards. Every inch counts in those situations. I wondered whether I should hold my stomach in just to create extra room. 

  Jen got out the car, deciding it would be a good time for her to take a walk. I think that was probably the closest I've driven while holding onto the wheel, reciting a prayer and having my eyes closed and my stomach tight. 

  In closing, I would add that the drivers of this country, including those of Spain and Italy have a rather relaxed approach to speed limits, negotiating narrow roads at reasonable speeds and courtesy to fellow drivers. Heck, who are we to judge? 

Heading deeper into the forest, enjoying the curve.
Now we are really in deep when one sees a strange sight ahead. I admit I felt intimidated until I realized...
Passing homes abutting the water...lovely.
A reminder for us of the Drakensberg Mountain's rock formations (South Africa). Hope to hike to the top before we depart.
Another (beautiful) view of part of this amazing lake as we move further in, walking northwards.
A perspective of the dam wall showing the road and 'sidewalk'. Alternatively, we look at 'the wall from both sides now'.
Part 2: PR-3. A hike to the peak which overlooks Lake Canicada from the north-eastern side. In other words, some 15 miles further along the water, north of the above position.

The part that follows below deals less with hiking aspects but rather, concentrates on the composition of the forests, focusing on trees.

Lake Canicada from an overlook. Once again, we are able to prove that where there's smoke, there must be a fire...further enlight(en)ing you. 

Jen and I agreed instead of walking on a trail down to the commencement, "She'd take the high road, I would take the low road, and we'll see who might arrive first in Scotland"...after all we are in Europe.
Because I am 'very sharp', I recognize the smile. It's requesting help up the steps. Now is when I have to 'play my cards' smartly. Unfortunately, it's a time when I'm not 'card sharp'.
5 separate and different scenes in a forest, all photographs taken close to each other.

'An interruption'. A view of part of the village of Geres.
Lake Canicada again, stretching and touching the physical and perhaps at times, the spiritual facets of life. Beyond the bridges leads one to the southern side, the end of that 'damn' wall. To the right of the bridges, the lake extends to Sao Bento, where we are able to climb mountains on both sides of it and look down on beautiful vistas of the area and of course, the water. (The 'Swing Hike' (71.05/08) overlooks that part of the lake.
Three further forest scenes.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  While in Geres, we enrolled in a course on horticulture studies which is proving to be at least, colorful. It won't be long before we will be able to identify this flower and others, too.

The course seems to be working for Jen as she is able to identify the colors without hesitation. I'm a bit behind but the lecturer, an optimist apparently, says there is still some hope for me. He suggests I purchase a pair of rose-colored glasses.
I find this difficult to identify because there so many buds. But the lecturer suggested I take one step at a time and it will all fall in place. Hopefully, I'll remain standing during the process.
This is your basic white flower with a green background.