71.07 Portugal: Geres: A period to pause, a moment to treasure, a time to reflect.

  Every once in a while, one comes across sights that hit a spot deep within one, while walking between raindrops. Today's pictures reveal something of the concept. During a day when we ranged from damp to soaked, whether from sleeping 'under water' after being confused between a bedroom above and below water level, we dried off and basked in the glory of the daily miracles we live amongst. 

  If that sounds a little convoluted, as they say, you had to be there. Alternatively, take a stroll in a twilight region while remaining dry. 

Separate the homes on the mountain from the boat-houses on water.
We struggled and gave up trying to douse the flames of the 'burning bush'. The rain had no or little effect on the 'fire'. Apparently, there are matters outside of human influence (many).
  Life is dynamic in the sense that it might embrace searches for change, challenges, adventure and excitement, or on the other hand, a preference for a more sedentary life with less risk, stress and uncertainty. Neither are correct, nor wrong. It's a matter of what one prefers or perhaps the time of life one has reached. Perhaps the real test is not the choices that one makes, but rather the choices, chances and risks that one does not take. I believe the only regret one should have toward life-end times is that the person did not affect a particular decision, not so much take chances but rather, avoided intelligent choices presented that were rationalized into oblivion. 

  The easiest concept to understand but admittedly, difficult to implement equalizes life for all. A person only has to realize his/her potential. One is only competing against oneself. A best effort makes one a winner. Simple! 

  Anyway, one additional aspect that we have found fascinating and rewarding is exposure to ancillary facets of our lifestyle. Obviously, there are many and they are multi-varied in nature. We'd like to focus on one in particular. It is photography. It's particularly rewarding capturing a photograph of something that will resonate with a person thereafter, perhaps forever. In particular, we only wish to deal with a tiny aspect of this vast topic. 

  We realize we do not have any particular skills in this field, but we try to capture what our eyes spot and our imaginations develop. With this in mind, we found some years ago, a particular specialty,'reflections'. I love reflections...actually, really love the concept and views presented in such visuals. It has enabled us to add another dimension to life, albeit not vital, but rewarding, satisfying, exciting and including another part to try to complete the multi-faceted concept of life.  

  Today, we headed out to try to gain a few miles of hiking between raindrops and worse. We did not expect to accomplish much as the weather was projected to be the worst of the last 4 days. Fortunately, thereafter it returns to a better projection. Nevertheless, we often find that the harder we try, the luckier we become. Today was one such day when we reflected on the beauty of reflections once again. See whether it reflects for you.

  Should we have needed but one reason to visit Geres, then the sight of this together with identifying and photographing it would have been sufficient. I wrote in the text that the search, the sighting and capturing of such visuals does it for me. 

It appears at times (occasionally) such that one can use the lower bridge to make the crossing...huh? Jen said why don't we race each other across the lake. "You take the underpass, it's shorter," she smiled. 

  A place to settle down and be amazed constantly at the variations occurring on-and-around the lake and mountains.
Talking of reflections, those living close to the water have double housing...perhaps, that extra bathroom that's so desirable.
Swans' Lake, a place for the gang to 'hang out' or perhaps make a couple Euros on the side...on the water.
Fortunately, I have not had many fearful situations to face, but when I turned around at that moment, I thought of springing into the lake. It seemed an alien had landed right behind me. 

  The other bridge provides a differing perspective. (We only attained these reflections a month after arrival.
Stretching it out across the lake.
One of these is haunted. Until you've spent a night, you won't know which it is.
We waited so long, let's take another look
P.S. To the many thousands of viewers who find reason to visit the blog, we would like to extend our appreciation to you, especially the Brazilians, of late. 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  For perspective, below are a couple of photographs of Lake Canicada viewed from different positions. Literally, there are thousands of variations of views...one cannot live long enough to enjoy each. 

Standing on the western side of the lake after returning from the south. A view of the two bridges is clearly visible from a few miles distant, by road...as none of us are 'crows'.
A north-eastern view of the lake after a tricky climb.
On the eastern side of Canicada following a steep climb, a bridge or two, too far.