Birthday picnic at Salvaterra do Extremo - Portugal

For a long time we have wanted to return to Salvaterra do Extremo to walk through the gorges on the River Erge. It seemed a good day to go on my birthday so we were on the road early(ish) It took the usual 2 hours and we crossed over the ford into Portugal when it was still not too hot. We dumped our picnic under a huge shady tree on the river bank and set off along the track. Passed an old water mill with a tunnel design to withstand the winter torrents, there was debris caught up in the trees 3 metres higher than the present water level. As we walked along the castle of Pennefial on the Spanish side was constantly in our view. The walk is named Rota de Abutros,

the Vulture route and there were certainly plenty circling around the castle towers.
The track became quite steep as it meandered along the river bank. Finally we approached the first gorge which was quite atmospheric, quite narrow with several cascades.
We soon realized that it would not be possible to continue on to the further gorges as the track disappeared and it would mean a scramble on the slippery long grass or an attempt through the water, we will come better equipped next time, I can hardly wait to return to discover the further more inaccessible gorges.

Roxy was in heaven splashing around in the shallow parts of the river, we saw several kingfishers, lots of herons and what seemed to be a black stork but they are rare so could have been wishful thinking.

We reached our tree feeling ready for a small feast and some cool wine. What bliss sitting on a river rock, toes in the water balancing precariously yummy Torta de Casar cheese, cherries from La Vera, cold pizza, paté and small black wrinkly olives plus a glass of wine which was still quite

chilled. 

                                                                                                                  

We only left the ecologically sound footprint before heading back to car and a coffee in the village, the village that seems to draw us back quite magnetically.

On the way home we visited a castle which we had seen on the way, Marmionda. There was not much left but the outer walls but a beautiful Mudejar double arch was still surviving, just.

We arrived home looking forward to a swim and a quiet dinner with the total eclipse of the moon to observe at around 11ish.  Suzanna and Helmut were on holiday at their place just along the lane and they visited after dinner with yet another celebratory bottle which was perfect for the moon toast and a lovely end to the day.