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- Sep 7, 2017
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As we went to bed last night we had a clear plan to find somewhere to stay on the Algarve West Coast. This morning the weather forecast was for light rain, so once again we changed the plan and headed into the mountains. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth the effort of working out where to go the night before.
We are in the Monchique national park at a small town called Alferce. We are on the free air which has space for five vehicles. There is seating to look at the fabulous views, two washing up sinks, free services, a built in bbq and very clean toilets. All for nothing. Next to the air is an old laundry area, still in use, with covered drying. They have built a new larger air next door, that looks like it will be very good, but it is not open yet.
No idea what Claire is doing in this picture, certainly not acting like she is 60!
We came here to do some walking. There is a boardwalk crossing a gorge called the Passadicos Barranco do Demo, which you can do as part of a larger circuit. We felt a day of drizzle was the ideal time, although it was still warm, around 25 degrees. The walkway is not of the standard of the Caminito del Rey, but it was fun.
We did the Passadicos as part of a longer walk, through the hills. It should have been about 7.5k, but poor navigation took it up to nearer 10k. The misty rain persisted throughout, but we still really enjoyed it and we saw some good bird life including a Short-toed Treecreeper and a flock of Azure Winged Magpies. There were also a lot of cork oaks that had been harvested. We notice they all have a number on, not sure what for. The views even in the rain were stunning, they would be fabulous on a sunny day, but it was very up and down and would be tricky in hot weather. The photos don't really do it justice but here goes.
When we got back we made use of the laundry area, to hang our wet clothes. The little bar in town does one of those Portuguese menu de dia where you have to chose, meat or fish.... that's it. So we might give it a try although we aren't certain whether it will be open.
We are in the Monchique national park at a small town called Alferce. We are on the free air which has space for five vehicles. There is seating to look at the fabulous views, two washing up sinks, free services, a built in bbq and very clean toilets. All for nothing. Next to the air is an old laundry area, still in use, with covered drying. They have built a new larger air next door, that looks like it will be very good, but it is not open yet.
No idea what Claire is doing in this picture, certainly not acting like she is 60!
We came here to do some walking. There is a boardwalk crossing a gorge called the Passadicos Barranco do Demo, which you can do as part of a larger circuit. We felt a day of drizzle was the ideal time, although it was still warm, around 25 degrees. The walkway is not of the standard of the Caminito del Rey, but it was fun.
We did the Passadicos as part of a longer walk, through the hills. It should have been about 7.5k, but poor navigation took it up to nearer 10k. The misty rain persisted throughout, but we still really enjoyed it and we saw some good bird life including a Short-toed Treecreeper and a flock of Azure Winged Magpies. There were also a lot of cork oaks that had been harvested. We notice they all have a number on, not sure what for. The views even in the rain were stunning, they would be fabulous on a sunny day, but it was very up and down and would be tricky in hot weather. The photos don't really do it justice but here goes.
When we got back we made use of the laundry area, to hang our wet clothes. The little bar in town does one of those Portuguese menu de dia where you have to chose, meat or fish.... that's it. So we might give it a try although we aren't certain whether it will be open.
