The Forte at Cape Sagres

Us...the end of the world...

Furna (an eroded hole in the cliffs that goes all the way to sea level)

The Church on the grounds of the Forte which has been refurbished, last year it was closed to the public but looks amazing now.

FISHING AT THE FORTE...

Locals come to fish for their supper off the cliffs at the Forte of Cape Sagres. It is extremely scary to watch them out there on the ledges with huge fishing rods and line down to the sea level about 100 metres or so. It is an amazing and crazy feat.

This local fisherman caught a fish in the surf so we stayed to watch the process of catching and getting it up the cliff and landed. Once the fish is hooked he then attaches a metal net onto the line and lowers it with a rope to the water, gets the fish inside and then pulls it all the way up to the top of the cliff.

This turned out to be the coolest picture as he pulls the fish up in the net from the surf.

Hard work!...The family eats good tonight on sea bass...

L

Cabo St. Vincent

This is the view across the bay from the Forte at Cape Sagres to the Point of Cabo St. Vincent and the lighthouse. The furthest west and south point of Portugal.

LUNCH AT "THE END OF THE WORLD"...

The Portuguese were well known for their sailing and navigation skills but they used to think that if they sailed out of site that they would fall off the end of the earth. So here we are at the "end of the world".Lunch with a great view overlooking Cape Sagres and Cabo St. Vincent.

L

Alan and Linda's

We went to visit Alan and Linda and see their house that they built in the hills north of Messines. We met them last year while we were here but did not get a chance to come see their place before we went back to Canada. They moved from England about 4 years ago to live and work in the Algarve.

The view towards the sea and several towns.

This was taken in Alte.

L

Alte

Matt and I spent an afternoon with friends who live about 40 minutes north of us near a couple small towns; Messines and Alte. It was a beautiful afternoon so we went for a stroll around Alte which is a very quaint little village and is very busy in the summer with bus tours.

Pottery store and cafe
The Church

It is so interesting to see these old buildings refurbished, this one is currently being used as a bank and has a walk up bank machine in the front, a slight contradiction in eras.

A river running through the center of town, there is a lot more water than usual with all the rain we had this winter. There is a dammed pool just above the falls where the locals go to swim in the summer.

This is the mobile fish truck that sells fresh fish to the locals in the later afternoon.

One of the homes in Alte (for sale), Matt will have to duck to get through the door.

This is a statue of a founder of Alte who made significant contributions to the progress of the town during his time.

L

Bad news...

Last Sunday at Salgados Golf Club we were victims of the increased crime rate in the Algarve this winter. Our rental car was broken into and my handbag stolen from the boot of the car. We had just parked and went inside the clubhouse to check in for our tee time. I had forgotten my golf glove in the car and ran out to get it; the car had already been broken into with the back rear window smashed in and my purse gone, about 15 minutes time from our arrival. I lost the usual stuff we carry with us in our purses which causes us huge inconvenience; my passport, house keys, phone and contact information. However, the most devastating was the loss of my wedding bands and an anniversary ring that Matt had made for me. I am so sad that these most sentimental possessions have been taken from us after almost 23 years of being together and that I will never see them again.

There is some consolation in knowing that the situation could have been much worse but it doesn't make me feel much better right now I'm afraid... time will help heal though...

L

Walking on the Cliffs of Falesia Beach at Vilamoura

Looking towards Olhos da Agua

View east towards Vilamoura Marina

Stairs down to the beach from Pine Cliffs Resort between Vilamoura and Olhos da Agua village.

Looking inland to Vilamoura, an old farm house ruins and parking lot for a small snack bar and rest area used in the summer months.

This is the snack bar building which is closed up for the winter months.

From the cliffs looking at downtown Vilamoura

L

Quarteira Food Market

The food market is about one block long and wide in the town of Quarteira with stalls of all kinds of fresh foods to choose from. You can find meats, fish and shellfish, cheeses, preserves, fruits, vegies, flowers, etc.

Meat and Fish
Fruits and Vegies

Even some pet birds for sale

L