Bom Dia everybody !!
In the last Post I said “… I ate in a restaurant 2 times that day, the only time that happened the whole trip :)”. I was wrong, I also ate at a restaurant in Cacilhas and in Sesimbra on the same Day Trip in Post #196 :)
On Monday, February 3, I took a Day Trip by bus to Monchique in the mountains, about 18 miles north of Portimão.
The goal was to see some different scenery, cork trees, rural Portugal and walk the Percurso de Hortas (vegetable garden path) through and around the town. Not the ideal time of year for this trail, but it was interesting nonetheless.
The cork trees are very interesting, I never imagined the timing and planning involved.
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| See below for the “story” |
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| Trees are marked with the last digit of the year harvested |
“Cork oak is a tree that needs the care and love of future generations. It only enters the production stage after at least 25 years of life, when the trunk circumference has reached 70 centimeters.
Only then its 9-year cycle of growth can begin, which lasts for more than 150 years: our passion for cork led us to develop the Fine Cork brand. Because we love nature, we choose a way of working that respects its harmony and preservation.”
“More Detailed Info:
Lifespan and Growth:
Cork oak trees can live for over 200 years. They are evergreen, but drop leaves in the spring. First Harvest:
The tree can be harvested for the first time at around 25 years old, although this initial cork (called "virgin cork") is not of the highest quality. Harvest Cycle:
After the first harvest, the cork bark is harvested every 9 to 12 years. Bark Regeneration:
The cork oak tree is unique in its ability to regenerate its outer bark, allowing for repeated harvesting without harming the tree. Harvest Timing:
Cork bark is typically removed in spring or summer when the tree is actively growing, and the new, tender cork cells are easily detached. Quality:
The quality of the cork improves with each successive harvest, with the bark becoming smoother and more desirable. Harvest Number:
A single cork oak tree can be harvested multiple times (15-18 times) during its lifespan. Marking:
In Portugal, a number is painted on the trunk to indicate the year of the last harvest, with the number ranging from 0 to 9. Sustainability:
Cork harvesting is a sustainable practice that promotes healthy growth of the tree over its lifespan.”
Mission accomplished plus some nice views from the bus, unexpected Storks and their nests and a random guitar player near the Old Convent.
The “Old Convent” is a story in itself, Read about it here.
CLICK HERE for a Video created from my photos for the Day Trip to Monchique and the Walk back to my Hotel along the Arade River Promenade.
The next day, Tuesday Feb 4, I was undecided on what to do. I thought about going east to Albufeira or Faro or Tavira or even the border of Spain or going west to Sagres and the Atlantic Coast.
I decided to stay “close to home” and explore in Portimão. It turned out to be a full and interesting day. I started with the Municipal Market (Mercado) and then found many interesting streets and sights in the Old Town Section of Portimão.
I even passed a business called “Bar do Kim” and even more coincidentally it had a sign on the wall that said “Illinois Terminal Railroad Company”. That RR ran between St. Louis and Central Illinois, including my hometown of Springfield, IL.
The door was locked but I passed by again a few hours later and the door was open and an older couple was working inside. I timidly popped in and after they signaled they were closed I managed to show them my ID and pointed out my name and the sign outside. They understood that and in very broken “English” the woman said her husband’s name was Kim and he was from Angola. I tried to ask about the Illinois Terminal sign and it’s significance but they didn’t understand my pointing at Illinois on the sign and my ID :) They kind of politely told me that they opened at 18 pm (6pm). I told them “Obrigado” (thank you) and walked away smiling :)
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| Why is this Sign there?? |
Click Here for a Video created from my photos in Portimão Old Town and for “one more walk” on the Praia (beach) - watch for the “Sunset Surfers” :)
Did you notice the Bifana sandwich and restaurant? That was a cool place to stumble upon and a piece of Portugal that I had read about but just kind of forgot about until then :) The Snack-Bar Hortinha was a simple “hole in the wall” type of place, very welcoming and Great food!
Still with me? If so, thanks :)
Next came the inevitable “last full day in Portugal”, which for me was also a travel day by train from Portimão to Tunes to Lisbon.
In Lisbon I stayed one more night before my flight back to Newark/Chicago on the morning of Thursday, Feb 6.
I had a full afternoon to explore the area around the Vasco da Gama mall, The Vasco da Gama Bridge, the Tagus River, Moscavide (another Bifana stop:) and other sights near the Red Line Alameda Station and one “last sunset” at the Cais do Sodré pier.
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| CatsMeow |
For a Video of that “last full day in Portugal”, click here.
It was a very good and safe trip, exceeding my “expectations” !!
Thank you for “Following Along”, it feels good to share the experience.
Bom DIA !! Spring is inching closer :)
These photos are from inside Garfield Park Conservatory :)
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