71.11 Portugal, Geres: While there is no funicular in Geres, one exists for us; and always will.

  

  Jen returning from the end of the waterpipe, a long, grueling climb. She probably realizes at that stage the walk down wasn't too tough. We refer to this as the 'funicular' because from distance, that's what it appeared to the naked eye. (See photograph following one below). We soon discovered it was a pipe through which water was pumped from the lake to the tank above. That humans are able to manufacture such pipes, cart them to the site and even more difficult, to assemble and build them into the mountain, astounds me. But then...We do notice there are tracks alongside the pipe which is indicative of a funicular. Our research indicates it may have carried coal in earlier days to the 'new castle' built at the time.

A look at the 'funicular' from the opposite side of the lake. The pipe transports water from the lake to the upper tank. It comprises 3 sections, the first from the pump station down to the 'bump', the second section down to the turn, and the third section left to lake level. While that might be irrelevant, it is a little more pertinent to those whom choose to walk down to the lake and up again for the distinct purpose of...let us think about that one...we'll get back to you.
After extensive thought and research into my data base, I eventually made sense of the photograph below. You will notice that the ground is covered in clouds, a very low position for cumulus, indeed. There is an explanation set out below.   

  This might be a long explanation but bear with us. Recently, we discovered a little-known law of nature, the 'Schmos Paradox'. It occurs when the world appears to be upside down. (This is nothing to do with human values and behavior which of course have clearly changed course, too). However, 'Schmos Paradox' begins and I quote 'When there has been enormous amounts of water condensed in the atmosphere, clouds become so heavy that they drop considerably'. There is a point when mountains, for instance, emerge way above the clouds making it appear the clouds, formerly above us, are now below. This actually does occur. However, it is not just below but they appear to be at ground level and pressing to go even lower. Given enough weight, theoretically, we could have underground clouds. As an aside, this would do wonders for the underground water tables, although it might require special seals and care to cover such tables to avoid their warping and eventual destruction.) 

  However, this has yet to occur or at least discovered. As you might be aware, just because one has never seen an imaginative phenomenon, does not mean it has not occurred. While I have been shunned, I still maintain one should keep an eye on the tables to monitor the level of moisture below. Let's rather err on the side of caution.

  It's in these rare situations that one looks down toward ground level from height and sees clouds resting on the surface, indeed a phenomenon. In order to experience this uncommon occurrence, as mentioned, one must be most fortunate, understand the science, keep moving upwards while looking down in uncommonly wet regions. Geres is clearly a solid candidate to qualify as a suitable region, in my opinion (as photograph above attests). Ancillary skills aid a person, too. Ideally, one should possess a vivid imagination and drink the occasional whiskey, which sure helps, too. 

  Unfortunately, someone who should by now be totally in agreement with this concept, a person who has been with me through very heavy rains over the years, disputes the paradox and has even laughed out aloud at times. We shall see who has the last laugh, my Jen. 

Let's move forward...well, carefully. From this additional height on the boulder, I was able to gain a very good perspective of the natural phenomenon before we walked down to the lake.
Thereafter, I joined Jen in making my way down to the lake.
Continuing down, only in section 1 of 3. Still having a 'lot of fun'.
Jen struggles up on her return. Guess who also found it strenuous. Jen counted 520 steps in section 1, (and she calls me anal, inter alia), section 2 was similar and section 3 was longer but with a steep section without steps. Let's call it 1,600 steps plus change. (see later picture)
Had we thought it through, we could have taken the road...perhaps even the car. Those that plan ahead, save much energy, apparently. As an aside, we fear the day when those rocks resting on boulders decide to change positions.
A big celebratory wave on the way down, perhaps a tiny bit premature from the heroine. The 'funicular track' supposedly alongside.
Our heroine may be struggling a bit as she makes her way up. However, she did notice the handrail was rather wobbly and so she held it to avoid it collapsing. Very nice and kind attitude at altitude, indeed.  

  With the frequent rains these days, people tend to congregate and try to have periods of social interaction. While this is good for the local society, unfortunately, "Smokers' Corners" develop in many places.
Stage 3 of the pipe with steps followed by grassy slope and then into the water.
Behind and up in the mountain, the telephoto brings in the pump-station.
A person takes his swan out on the lake for some exercise...for the swan, of course. (I will resist any reference to the ballet, dear Ellie, our delightful granddaughter.)
From deep within the forest, the rewards are magnificent.
Love the coloring although this appears to be the spread of disease, perhaps a jungle covid, Fella Fauci.
No jungle, forests, nor steep steps; just an old-fashioned gravel road with a reasonable gradient and magnificent views of the valley, Lake Canicada, and surrounding mountains, following a tough climb...does life get any better?

While General MacArthur 'will return', will Jen? 

 Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey