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!