From Ourique we went via Castro Verde to Almodovar, and straight on towards the Algarve. The road follows little valleys, in the fields we saw an abundance of flowers and trees, all colors and shapes.. We had to stop, get out and admire, smell, look, photograph…..at many places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We explored Alte, it is worth a visit. Narrow lanes, small shops, lovely terraces and backyards, little shrubs growing on an old tiled roof, a pot of scented geranium on a doorstep, a nice shop with soaps made of Olive oil, even some nice artesanatos, shops with the local traditional crafts and pottery..

On the way back up we didn’t follow the main road for long, but swung off towards São Marco da Serra, and then to the Barragem Santa Clara,, a huge dam with spectacular views.

 

On a lovely Sunday early April we set off on  a beautiful trip.

In Barranco do Velho we swung to the right and followed another magnificent road to Alte.

April is the month of growth, nature explodes almost, the citrus trees bear flowers while the last fruit are still hanging……..their scent is overwhelming! 

Sunny warm days, long bright evenings……

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One of our favorite evenings: A ride on horseback, or bike to “chicken maria”, a little restaurant by the dam of Barragem Monte da Rocha.

The route is partly cross country, partly on dust tracks, a bit stony and rough, but rewards us with spectacular landscape, views over the barragem and lots of birds and plants!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the meal, frango assado, (chicken grilled on charcoal with chips and salad), after a starter of fresh sheep cheese with honey!!!, tastes fantastic with a glass of wine or fresh beer. The way home is especially  romantic in moonlight and a jump into the pool at the end is the non plus ultra!

SPRING IN THE ALENTEJO!

 

The fields are covered with flowers of all shapes and colors, yellow and blue prevailing. It looks like a carpet!

Light and warmth influence nature.

Birds are busy building their nests, their

spring- call can be heard in daily concerts around trees and bushes. The cuckoo has been heard already and will be here for many weeks. Butterflies and bumble bees visit the bushes and shrubs already in flower!

The sounds are beautifully complemented  by the cicadas and frogs

Haymaking in the Alentejo is a sheer pleasure. The grass is cut when it is almost dry, and the next day it is baled. Pronto!

Still Hay is rare in this area. Normally the farmers make straw, from all the many fields of wheat and barley, which is fed to the animals.

Horsey people like the hay better!