71.09 Portugal: Geres: Cascada do Arado via Rocas but with a stop above Lake Canicada, to begin the treat of a day.

The position high up, the effort to get there, the clarity of the air, coloring, and shape of the lake (for starters), keeps us happy. The two bridges, which were the subject of reflections from the previous week, are something (special reflections) we don't see often. Nevertheless, in this context, we found the views delightful.
 It was a day without high expectations, and it turned out to be a treasure. We found a new region, came across an incredible waterfall, including a challenging (tricky) path to the top, an overlook stood out in the middle of nowhere on the way, and the sight of Lake Canicada has never looked better, partly because of good air quality and some sun as well as the surroundings (My bias helps, too). 

  Both the climbs, one to the Rocas Overlook and that to the waterfall-top, Cascada do Arado, added to the daily challenge and enjoyment for us. It's what we are always on the alert to seek. Even the boss, who began the hike with frozen toes, whatever that means, thawed (toes for clarification), and rose to her usual top form (Is that sufficient, Jen?) 

  There were no people on the trail again until we returned down the waterfall trail. We met a family, parents and couple of teenage sons, from the Czech Republic. The dad was a real character who communicated well. When I asked where he learned to speak English, he retorted, he had spent 5 years in Ireland. We suppose that could be considered English. However, his mannerism was far more Irish, full of spunk, inter alia, we liked him.

 A view of the mountains across the lake, places we hike up-and-along frequently.
Now we focus into the valley and absorb quite a sight which is aided by the weather and air quality that early morning. 

  Across the way is a sight we see frequently at height and from many different locations. We also walk past it often, that is, the 'futbol' field (soccer). Occasionally, we see it in use as well.
Enroute to the to top of Cascada do Arado, the waterfall.
I talk to the trees but they don't listen to me...can't say I blame them.
As we made our way to our destination, we were sidetracked by Rocas, the viewpoint. Of course, Jen needed to go up and explore it, test her mettle on the tricky 'path', so to speak. I did not have much else to do so I accompanied her...must have metal for brains.
You asked for it, it's yours, Baby.
The top is the easy part, it's well constructed. Someone forgot that the route to reach the top is probably more important. The river in the distance continues after flowing over the cascades, our next destination, should I succeed in enticing her down.
A view of the overlook (Rocas) in the distance from the the path of the cascades, with the river below.
Somewhere heading down again...a day spent coming and going and often meeting on the trail.
Let's take another look at the magnificent trees. We never believed there were so many different species.
Pardon the interruption but I'm having lake-withdrawal-symptoms.
While I'm loving the views of this magnificent lake, Jen continues to enjoy herself in the rough. When she played golf many years ago, she developed much experience in the 'rough'...(I humbly withdraw the comment).
Upon scaling the waterfall area, on our return Jen calls for brunch.
On our return to the overlook/viewpoint of Lake Canicada, the clouds became annoying by cutting out too much sun, hence, a change of shades. Nevertheless, we accepted it ('very big of us'), it's still a wonderful sight. Jen happens to be very tolerant of the erratic behavior occurring above in the sky.
At last, part of the waterfall, Arado.

Unfortunately, the growth of vegetation prevents a composite view of top-to-bottom. We like it though...much.

An earlier photograph captures the town/village with a little of the lake incorporated.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  By the way, we loved the hike, the views and everything in between. We feel most fortunate. (B'H)