Heavy showers have blighted much of Portugal this week including hail and thunder!In the Algarve much of the land is sodden underfoot and quite muddy and after heavy rains on Saturday I realised that next Wednesdays walk could not take place on the planned route. Why? Well there was a stream to cross which in itself would not be a problem if there were stepping stones but this particular crossing is one which the cows of the local farmers use and they have totally churned up the land. I could see walkers up to their knees in mud!! So with the sun shining I went out yesterday to reroute the walk. I passed the Budens Lake (see photo)- this lake is a winter phenomenum and owes its origins to the ice age. There are several like this on the south west peninsular and they are part of a study which is ongoing by the Botany department of Oxford University, UK - groups of students come out every year to collect both samples and data. The whole scene was just magical and is now included in this weeks walk, this coupled with Acacia trees in full bloom, wild Arum lilies and fantastic views has now become a great walk and better than the original - come along and see for yourselves!

I have recently returned form a visit to my daughter and family in the USA and you know how it is - you return home but you miss those left behind. Yesterday I was feeling a bit sorry for myself so I took myself in hand and decided to go and look for a new walk which I promptly did. The sun was shining, the sea was blue and while I walked along the beach which was virtually empty I thought about all those people who dismiss the Algarve for being too spoilt. Just look at the photos which I have taken - fabulous! At this time of the year the whole countryside is awash with the blossom of the almond trees which lend a softness to the countryside.
I managed to put together an absolutley great walk from Ferragudo which we will offer in March and after the walk a beer and sandwich in the square was just the perfect end to a perfect morning. And as for those blues? Gone! I realised it is just important to appreciate what you have and where you are; I love my life and would not change it for the world.

Its a New Year and that for many means resolutions (usually around getting fit and losing weight)which more often than not are broken by the end of February. I have only one - to drink more water - many refer to me as a 'camel' as I tend to drink very little while walking - but that is all going to change!! I do know from my own body that if I drink more liquid (not alcohol!)then the water retention and puffiness is much less or disappears altogether plus water is good to keep the skin from drying out and less wrinkles - say no more.
I am intending to get much fitter this year as I do not want the problem with my knee ligaments and tendons again so I have taken up Zumba courtesy of a DVD from daughter. Basically it is a combination of salsa and merengue with extra moevements and is perfect as I just love to dance. It is just great fun and the latin beat is totally infectious.
The new year is the busiest time for holiday enquiries and I am spending a lot of time on the computer so a combination of Zumba and walking is a great balance. In the Algarve spring has sprung - with flowers starting to appear and blossom on trees - nature just never stops - it is just so fascinating.