Introduction
Two or three times a week, we like to get out earlyish and take a walk along the Atlantic coast. It’s a pleasant walk that always seems to present something new for us to stop and examine.
We do a 4 kilometer loop – the first km gets us from our apartment through our neighborhood and down to the coast. The second km ambles along a sandy path above the ocean until we reach a natural roundabout which turns us around and points us back toward home. Here’s a sample of what we see along the way.
Our starting point is the Jardins da Parede – the Gardens of Parede. This is the condominium complex where we live. In the center of the complex is a park with a playground for the local kids and a big yard where we play frisbee with Sox.
There are several paths out of the neighborhood, but all require us to cross the N6 highway, also known as the Avenida Marginal. This is a 4 lane highway that connects Cascais to Lisbon.
Once across the Marginal, we are at the coast just above the Praia (beach) de São Pedro do Estoril. São Pedro is the next town west of Parede. Our neighborhood sits between the two towns, though it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.
On a recent morning, we saw people beginning to stake out their spots on the praia. By late morning the beach will be packed. We have enjoyed several dinners at one of the restaurants that overlook the beach.
All along the coast we see a variety of vegetation – often familiar, yet different. One example is these giant aloe plants.
An animal welfare group has installed the Colónia de Gatos – the colony of cats – to provide a shelter for feral cats that have been caught and neutered. We haven’t seen any kitties, but maybe they only show up at night.
A bit further down the path is Pedra-do-Sal (salt rock), a limestone formation that always looks like a moonscape to us. During the summer, salt water in the cavities evaporates and leaves behind salt crystals.
There is a wide shelf just down the path where we often see people doing yoga.
Heading west on the path, we get our first view of Cascais in the distance.
There are a number of these giant cacti along the way.
At one point there are several small fig trees growing inside larger bushes. We’re waiting for them to get ripe!
This bench is not quite permanent, but not quite portable.
Much of the coast here is very rocky, like this spot at about 1 1/2 km.
And at almost exactly 2km, we reach the spot we call “Turnaround Rock”. It’s time for a sip of water and the walk back home.
Heading for home
The walk back is just as enjoyable as the walk out. Plus, there are three mini mercados between the path and our apartment, so anything we need for the remainder of the day is easily acquired.
In an upcoming post we’ll take you the rest of the way into Cascais.
What have you seen lately along the paths where you live? Leave us a note in comments below or via the Contact Us form.
Until next week / Até a próxima semana
Mary and Mike
The Cook and The Writer
Those ARE some big aloe plants! On my morning walk in New Mexico, I see cactus, rabbits, goldfinches (this time of year). The other morning, I saw a young coyote wandering through the neighborhood, prompting me to walk purposefully toward it with a “clear off” look in my eye. It obliged.
Hi Esri,
Thanks for your note. It sounds like you have an interesting path to walk in the mornings. When we lived in Indiana, we had rabbits, squirrels, opossums, and an occasional deer on our lot. Our neighbor said he saw coyotes, but we never did. And we don’t see any wildlife over here, with the exception of a little lizard now and then. Sox misses the squirrels.
Have a great week!
Mike
I walk our neighborhood almost every day, seeing lots of trees, flowers, beautiful lawns and occasional dogs and people. The scenery is not as beautiful as your coast, but it’s familiar. Thanks for your morning walk. Keep enjoying.
Hey Alice,
It’s interesting to me that even when I’m walking along a familiar path, I see something different every day. And because it’s familiar, the new and different sort of jumps out at me.
Thanks for your note!
Mike
Truly lovely!
Thanks for your comment, Ludmila. We’re glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks to you both for the casual walk.
Thanks, Pat!
This is a lovely walk. Thank you for the pictures. Where is your starting point?
Hi Gayna,
Thanks for the question. Our starting point is the Jardins da Parede. That’s the common area in the residential complex where we live. I’ll update the post with that info…should have thought of it already!
Have a great weekend!
Mike