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.
"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 out 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.

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.