Hi,
This week has been cold and rainy, but luckily, we managed to get out last Sunday when it was still warm and sunny. We drove to the eastern-most point of Portugal, stopping along the way to see a castle ruin on top of a hill. It was a fun day, with plenty of pictures and videos taken. The drive on the eastern border of Portugal was spectacular, since we were driving through the mountains that divide the two countries (Portugal and Spain). At several times, I made Chris nervous because he was on the drop-off side of the vehicle and had an open view to the valley below. Of course, if we had fallen, we would have all dropped off, but he wasn’t thinking about that as he stared into the abyss below him.
However, we made it there and back without incident, so his fears are all in the past…for now.
Our first stop was at Ruinas do Castelo de Outeiro (MCM5+66 Outeiro, Portugal). The castle really was just ruins, but the drive up to the top of the hill that it occupied was exciting. I was amazed that our car made it up there. That tells me that a 4-wheel drive is not necessary for the trip, but I can assure you that it is recommended. Our Ford Fiesta did a wonderful job getting us there, but it was certainly not in its element. Still, up we went and then back down again, with no problems other than sweaty palms. The video of the drive up there is worth watching, in my opinion. The views from the top and during the drive up there are beautiful.
Of course, since the castle was in ruins, the dogs were permitted to wander everywhere – by law, but not by Chris. He kept them on leash because he didn’t want them to accidentally fall off the side of the hill to the valley below. Prudence was the word of the day. It didn’t really bother Opal and Onyx, though. They enjoyed their time out exploring. They are such good girls!
After leaving the village of Outeiro, we headed for Paradela to see the eastern point of Portugal, i.e., Extremo Oriental de Portugal (HRF6+W8 Paradela, Portugal). It was a lovely drive ending in a breathtaking view. My pictures do not do justice to the site. I hope that the video gives you a better perspective on the scenery. The mountains of Portugal/Spain do not rival the Rocky Mountains or the Alps, but I was still a little uneasy stepping out on the viewing platform. Considering I fractured my leg a few years back by simply falling in my shower, I am wary of any drops in excess of two feet…and the valley below me gave me great cause for concern.
On a lighter note, the short we have of the sheep walking down the road is a good pick-me-up. Who can be sad when sheep and their lambs are swarming around your car? The shepherd and his flock greeted us on the road into Extremo Oriental de Portugal. It was a pleasure to see them, followed by a pleasure to see the edge of Portugal that was just down the road.
Both of the sites we visited on Sunday are free of charge, and dogs are welcome.
Nola