Posts Tagged ‘Adventure Tour’

Portugal, Day 9 – Mountain Bike Riding, Bacalhoa Winery, and Tile Factory

Friday, September 28th, 2012

Clare and Dennis Mountain Biking in Portugal

Dennis was super happy, we finally had the chance to go mountain biking. Pedro drove us out to the country and we road down a gravelly jeep style road. It was slightly hilly, but beautiful terrain.

Bacalhoa Winery - Odd Statues
At the Bacalhoa Winery there were these odd sculptures out in front!

On the way out there, we stopped at the Bacalhoa Winery and bought some delicious Moscatel Roxo (Red). I wish we could have purchased an entire case, but we were going to be travelling over the next week and didn’t want to lug it around from place to place!

We also visited a Mom and Pop tile factory named Ceramica Do Lapidario (email them at lapidario at clix dot pt or call them at 212191123, for tour information and products). We met with the crafts people and purchased some hand painted mosaic tiles. It was neat to take a small tour and learn how they make the tile. The gal who painted our tiles has been doing so since she was a little girl.

Clare Playing on Beach in Portugal
Later that afternoon, Pedro drove us to another area and we rode the bikes downhill to a very nice beach. We lounged about on the beach for an hour and then called it a day!

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Portugal, Day 8 – Day Hike, Cabo Da Roca (Westernmost Point of Europe)

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Lighthouse at Cabo Da Roca
Approaching Cabo Da Roca and the Lighthouse

Clare and Dennis at Cabo Da Roca
We Hiked for 6.5 Hours to Get to Cabo Da Roca

Clare and Dennis Reach Destination
View of the Atlantic

The Atlantic Ocean From Cabo Da Roca, Portugal
Can you see New York?

We completed a lovely but strenuous seaside hike to Cabo Da Roca (The Westernmost Point of Europe). The trail wound it’s way up and down multiple ridges which abruptly cliffed out into the Atlantic.

We scaled up and down these undulating spines and enjoyed the path most when it wasn’t covered by this evil spikey bush. At times, we each were writhing in pain as the little needles stabbed our calves and ankles. Luckily, Pedro usually charged ahead and managed to find the way. But he was the least prepared to bush whack, having worn 3/4 length pants.

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Portugal, Day 5 – Hiking the Postman’s Way (Carminho do Cartiero)

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Pedro Pointing to Our Route
Pedro pointing the way. Hiking signs are color coded, so it’s relatively easy to stay on route.

Pretty View on the Postman's Way
The high point of our journey along the Postman’s Way!

Beautiful Forest on the Postman's Way
Beautiful Fall Colors!

Our adventure of the day was to do a lovely and historically significant 13km loop hike in the Rio de Frades area. In a not so distant past, this huge area was serviced by one postman, who would routinely hike along this path to deliver the mail. In this hilly and mountainous region of Portugal, it was quite the task! I imagine the postman being a superbly fit guy!

Later that night, Jess made us a very special meal of roast lamb, potato, garden greens, and rice. The food was so amazing it’s just hard to describe the level of deliciousness. The best I can do is a picture:
Traditional Portuguese Dinner

And, here’s another one of Jess, Pedro, myself, and Dennis about to devour a very special meal!
A Splendid Portuguese Table

For more pictures of our fantastic hike, click on the following:
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Portugal, Day 4 – Rainy Day

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

Clare With Luna - A Lively Portuguese Pup
Me With Luna (Portuguese Water Dog Puppy), Guardian of Uchas Country House!

Uchas Country House Owners and Outdoor Oven
Octavio & Jess (Uchas Country House Owners!) and Clare & Dennis
We are standing in front of their huge outdoor oven. I want one!

It rained all day, so we lingered around Uchas Country House. We caught up on email and spent time reading books in the cozy main house. In between storms, we took a tour of the farm. Jess showed us how the eggs are collected from the hen house and how various veggies are harvested.

I loved Jess’ tour of farm life. Having spent a good portion of my youth living on a mini-farm, it was nothing new to me. However, for Dennis, I think it was interesting and helped to bring perspective into my adolescence. It’s one thing for me to say I woke up at 6:30am to milk the goats and when I got home from school, I brought in the eggs. It’s another thing entirely, to walk around the farm and actually see somebody doing those things!

It was also cool to see what sorts of vegetables they can grow in that part of Portugal. We noted a lot of the same fall veggies as we have; squash, cauliflower, broccoli, and beans. They had already harvested the potato and the corn, which was stored for fall and winter.

Later in the afternoon, Octavio and Jess shared a video with adventures offered by Nomades. The video was awesome! Nomades takes people canyoneering, rafting, and rock climbing. They also offer team building activities to corporate clients. It is a separate business than the Uchas Country House, but some of their Uchas clients who come for a “get away” weekend, to be treated to the bed & breakfast may also want a little adventure!
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Portugal, Day 3 – Canyoneering

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Clare Rappeling a Waterfall

Clare and Dennis Floating

Our adventure tour started with wet canyoneering on a beginner’s section of the local creek. Octavio at Nomadas.pt was the lead guide and Pedro was our assistant. We spent the morning rappelling down slick rock precipices and waterfalls, jumping and sliding off of mossy rock walls, and swimming through pools of water.

Octavio once said canyoneering is like an adult version of the playground and I think he’s right. Once we got used to maneuvering the creek in our wetsuits, we had a blast. The many pictures following prove the point, canyoneering is fun!

Pedro and Clare in Goat Village, Covas do Monte
Pedro and Clare marveling at the goats in the streets!

In the afternoon, Pedro took us to a small mountain village called Covas Do Montas. It is a Nationally Protected mountain town; it’s population is dwindling but there is a very important history which must be preserved for future generations.

The village is full of goats and since I love goats, Octavio thought I should go check it out. It was a fun little half day afternoon adventure thanks to Pedro’s expert navigation of the windy mountain roads! I hadn’t seen that many goats in one place since the California State Fair in 1992!

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