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 gorgeous...one more to close.