Can you, feel it in the air…a more distinct Hope…the kind of hope and positivity my very soul clings to. Yes our nation can let out a sigh of relief, a big sigh of satisfaction that although there is plenty of work still left to be done to get our country in the right step, our newly elected leaders are that first and crucial step to get us there. So yes, this weekend has been celebratory and in some ways peaceful. And now we must take that hopefulness, that positivity and fuel this week and the next, and all the following weeks after, for us to keep doing what it is needed for have us more kindness, love, joy and justice than ever before!!
Speaking of joy, I may not be fully joyful at the moment, as I’ve been back in the states and not in my little countryside village in Portugal surrounded the quiet beauty of nature. And ohh those devilish memory reminders, yes those on our phones, taking me back to this beautiful early spring-like Saturday. As the delectable scents of comforting chocolate banana bread fill my home and the much needed, and dearly beloved sun, warmed my body — I was transported back to one month ago, to the day in fact, to that lovely October Saturday, much warmer and full of bright green and golden colors as far the eye could see…
…I took one of my favorite scenic drives in the Serra da Estrela, towards Loriga. A road that’s become a sight of comfort; that curvy road that forces you to be present, to glide mindfully along the edges, cautiously never losing sight of the beauty you have now immersed yourself with. The gorgeous sights of mountains and vast green fields that simply take your breath away. Every so often a darling little village nestled within the mountains catches your eye with its warm terra-cotta rook shingles…that is one of the many beautiful things about the Serra da Estrela region, you’re only a short car drive away from having Mother Nature take your breath away, every, single time!
and into the Forest I go,to lose my mindand find my soul– John Muir
If you’re planning on staying and seeing the natural beauty of the Serra da Estrela for a few days, which I highly recommend you do, a day is not nearly enough — especially if you’re fond of good cheese and wine, as I suspect you are. I suggest finding accommodations in one of the few gorgeous and modern eco-friendly mountain hotels such as the Casa do São Lourenço or Aqua Village {which offer amazing spa and massage treatments, plus they are great places to lounge in the middle of nature’s beauty on an afternoon} or perhaps stay in one of the many quaint and darling countryside AirBnBs available in surrounding Natural Park villages, like Manteigas, or Seia.
And as most do whenever they are in the area visiting, Loriga is located about 16 miles, like a 30 minute drive, from the Torre — the highest point of mainland Portugal, and second highest after Mount Pico in Açores. The Torre is perhaps the most visited location in the Serra da Estrela. And in my opinion a bit of an overrated attraction compared to the many natural sights and locations in all of the Serra region that offer open space and areas to explore. Ahhh but the drive to the Torre, now that is worth it!!
You will see such amazing sights of the Serra landscapes as you make your way to the top, and then back to the bottom. It’s a drive that should be done slow, it’s highly curvy and often without guardrails. Ohhh what but a thrill to be riding along the side of the edge of the mountain…I love it!! {I certainly suggest you get yourself someone who is a comfortable driver on these types of roads to join your adventure 😉
it is in the still silenceof naturewhere one will findtrue bliss– j.j.c
Leave a Reply