Travel, is beloved by so many, but then there are those whose connection with travel is beyond love. For a group of us, Travel is very much etched into every fiber of our being. Travel makes us who we are, it brings life to our soul. To say that many of us are missing the freedom to travel, the freedom to explore or merely the freedom plan and book all these adventures — well it’s an understatement. When that part of us is put on pause and the certainty of being able to even think when are next adventure will be, well it’s like a part of us is also missing, not fully present. What fills that void is a constant wanderlust daydream passed with the clouds and sunrise each day…
So my fellow travelers at heart, we’re going on almost a year of living through a pandemic and although, yes you can travel, whether it be a day trip, weekend getaway or a vacation that comes with a list of tests, safety protocols and limitations — how have you kept that wandering soul at bay all these months? What has soothed that part of you that feels lackluster because you can’t freely roam, see and do?
I found myself constantly looking back at all my photos from past travels {of course not getting too hung up on the fact that I haven’t been to nearly as many places as I’d like, or that last year was the year I was planning on doing more traveling} reliving those moments, those memories. I’ve enjoyed re-editing pictures from years ago when my photography skills weren’t what they are now. I’ve made those memories come to life by putting together recordings and videos, and transforming them into mini travel movies that I can rewatch, and enjoy whenever I need to be mentally transported back to a special place.
You know another great way to feel like you’re traveling … watching international shows! I’ve always loved languages and works from other countries, and this past year I finally had the time to watch the series and movies I’ve been wanting to enjoy from places outside the US. Merely hearing a different language or accent, seeing different locations and a peak into different cultures and lifestyles — is very much like taking a trip without actually going on one.
And you may be thinking, why not go through planning trips to all these places you want to go? Well, that might be a great thing for some, but for someone who has had years worth of mental travel lists or rough travel guides on Pinterest already saved, going through the in-depth detail planning of a trip only to not be able to book until who knows when — well that’s more defeating than mood-boosting. So whatever you need to do to satisfy that wanderlust traveling soul, do it for you!
I may not have been going anywhere these months, but this year certainly made me even more grateful to be from Portugal and have my family living there, because I was able to take some time away and retreat. Most of my family resides in the central mountain region of Serra da Estrela, and if you’ve been a longtime reader you know spending summers here shaped who I am today, and I will highlight and share the beauty of Portugal whenever I can. Yes, I’m very lucky that despite living through a Pandemic and avoiding any places with people for almost a year now, I could travel to the countryside, be with my family and be wholeheartedly content simply being immersed in nature.
When I traveled to Portugal this past Autumn, I was perfectly content not getting around and seeing things as I’ve often done. But the beauty of living in a mountain region is having endless wide open nature-filled locations to experience that are a car ride away, and all without having to interact with many people. I finally made it to Loriga, and was thoroughly at peace enjoying this lovely spot without the usual crowds. Yes, it’s a plus when you can experience places without the rush and buzz of people. On this particular afternoon, on our way to Loriga, my cousin and travel partner for this trip, spotted a sign pointing in the other direction for Poço da Broca. We had never heard of this place, but we knew if the word Poço was in the name, a waterfall was somehow involved…unless it’s the middle of summer after a rainless year and you show up to a waterless one at Poço do Inferno, but you can read all about that here 😉
Not thinking anything of it, we continued to enjoy our Saturday afternoon, but when I returned home I quickly looked up Poço da Broca and to my surprise was met with picturesque photos of multiple waterfalls cascading onto one another. I couldn’t get these photos out of my head, naturally the following afternoon, on an slightly overcast Sunday, one with the brisk winds of a changing season, we took the scenic drive to see these lovely spot for ourselves.
The moment you’re there, you are graced with the soothing sounds of water cascading onto the rocks. The quiet sounds of the wind rustling the trees, the late Autumn birdsong still making its presence, the crackling of rocks and earth beneath our feet.
As you begin making your way along the main trail alongside the ever moving stream, you’re instantly graced with the picturesque stone house on the edge of the water flowing onto the stones, moss and wild forest greens, and alongside the restaurant still standing with its water wheel. My mind instantly traveled to the past, to all the things that water wheel may have propelled, the women who may have come to the water to hand-wash their clothes. Carefree warm summer Sundays of yesteryear and the people who would gather and cool off in the crystal clear mountain water.
With rough trails and overgrown pathways up alongside the prominent waterfall cliffs, we were convinced Poço da Broca couldn’t be a spot for swimming — but after a quick online search, it turns out it’s considered a Praia Fluvial {a river beach with conditions for swimming} and people do in fact still swim in specific areas above the waterfalls.
Oh, what a treat that would be, I’m already looking forward to a hot summer day I can do just that!
Looking back at these photographs, I’m instantly filled with that grounded feeling I had walking along. Still in awe that this place, Mother Nature in its simplest beautiful form, exists in the Serra da Estrela region, less than an hour from our home. A place that in truth reminds me of somewhere commonly seen in New Zealand or a Canadian forest — but in fact a gem close to home.
Even now, Poço da Broca is relatively unknown to some locals of the region, just like our experience — many who are frequent travelers of Serra da Estrela and are often finding hidden gems like this one, have already discovered this relaxing spot while on a drive or journey somewhere else. Just as we had done…
The mere sound of the falling water and sights of varying forest greens, will do wonders to forget worries .. .even if for a mere afternoon. I’ve watched the videos I’ve taken of the falling water numerous times, and I don’t question it, but isn’t it beautiful how something so simple as the sounds of water can have an immense impact on you!
There are a few trails to walk around and picnic tables nestled beneath the shady grass area, making it a great place to bring a picnic and throughly enjoy an afternoon. You’ll even find some farm animals from sheep to donkeys grazing about the lands from farmers who live close by.
The best kind of travel memories, the ones I find linger with you, are the ones you don’t plan for. The kind of travel you experience as you go with the flow, where you happen to see a sign that intrigues you and you follow that instinct. That really is my favorite way to travel. Yes, I always like to have a plan or idea of the things I want to do and see, but going off the beaten path, going in the direction my soul feels called — that’s why travel is so special and very much integral to our soul.
Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost…
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