Wednesday, February 11th – Spring : Marmelete – Bensafrim

A cold and early start, but with the third last day in progress, there is something special in the air. I could almost smell the coast, and having heard the water temperature is fifteen degrees, I’ve promised myself a swim when I get there. Life has not been this exciting since Swedish prog-rock band Europe released “The final countdown” in 1986.
The rain seems to have moved on, nothing but blue skies all day. Early morning was downhill through the mountains; pretty sure I heard a woodpecker along the way. By mid-morning the temperature had risen to the upper teens. The hills were ridding themselves of their excess water, all rivers, streams and rivulets were gushing, noisy and full.
Spring was in the air, bettering the timeless long distance views with youthful vibrant energy, all happening five feet from your face. It seemed each puddle I jumped over sent a frog jumping left of right. Lemon yellow butterflies played kiss chasing through the heather. Dragonflies. Buttercups. All of nature there and drunk on sunshine.
I made steady progress and by half four, I was in Besafrim. I had decided to go just a little bit further, to Monte Rosa, which came highly recommended.
I had the loveliest walk there through a cork forest, in the last hour before the sun set, the sun throwing long shadows across my path and painting all else it could see golden. Cricket calls and bullfrogs in the still evening air adding to the atmosphere.
I had put in a good 35k walk, so was glad of a very warm welcome from my Dutch hosts in their tranquil, homely idyll. Although they were not serving food, they found time to rustle me up an omelette which would satisfy any hunger. They couldn’t help themselves from finishing me off with some tart, cream and almond cake.
I then got myself tucked away in a colourful little houeslet, with clean towels and a hot high pressure shower. They told me I was the first Via Algarvania customer they have received. Monte Rosa, may you get all the weary paying customers you deserve.