I cannot believe that it is almost two weeks since my last post - not sure where the time goes but we have been so busy with enquiries and bookings plus I am still going to the gym (see last blog) - the novelty has not worn off yet!
Last week I received an e-mail news letter from Flora and Fauna International of which I am a member, the main feature was promoting the use of cork stoppers in wine bottles in order to save the cork oak forests in Portugal. These forests are the main habitat for the Iberian lynx which is close to extinction. Personally I believe that while individual action is good it is the need to change the attitude of the government towards environment protection. There is only one National Park in Portugal that has full protection status that is the Penedes - Geres Park in the north most other parks have the status of 'natural' here the protection is much less and frequent encroachments by builders is common (as in the Algarve).
This government appears to be commited to installing wind turbines whereever it wants but I would have to question whether 3 wind turbines for example in one area is really making a contribution to the environment - I am thinking of Pico Alto in the Algarve where the habitat of some rare bee orchids has been totally destroyed for the installation of 3 turbines which due to a lack of wind are frequently motionless!!

New Year, New resolutions and for most us that usually means attempts to lose weight or get fit. Well I am no exception to this rule as I write this after just returning from the gym. Really this not my favourite place but in a strange way working out becomes addictive as each piece of equipment tells us how many calories we have used up, how many miles we have biked or walked and the next time we go there is a determination to beat yesterdays total. The only reason I am in the gym is that I have a busy year ahead and years of walking have taken a toll on the tendons in my legs culminating in acute tendinitis not that long ago - this year I am determined it will not happen again.
All our walking and biking holidays are not particularly difficult but they do require a certain amount of fitness. Occasionally we get people come for a weeks holiday that have never walked or biked before - they think it will be easy! They soon realise this is not the case, for while the distances may not be long if one is not used to walking or biking everyday for 6 - 7 days muscles soon begin to play up. But do not be put off! Just some form of regular exercise even walking the dog everyday should be enough for you to come and enjoy your holiday.

Northern Europe especially the UK is experiencing extreme cold which is prolonged and has had serious consequences on everyday life. Whereas in Portugal there has been excessive rainfall also too in Brazil where hundreds have died from mud slides caused by torrential rain. People may wonder with such cold and wet how can there be global warming ............ a good question!
Websters dictionary defines climate as:
the prevailing or average weather conditions of a place, as determined by the temperature and meteorological changes over a period of years.
and weather as:
the general condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, with regard to the temperature, moisture, cloudiness, etc.
Weather therefore is something experienced everyday and climate is long term. There is no doubt that global warming is being experienced by the planet and a consequence of this is a disruption to general weather conditions. We are frequently asked what the weather will be like during a particular month and these days our answer is always the same - we do not know!