Where is Jam?

March has just ended, and I'm excited to recount my recent escapade along the picturesque Passeio Ribeirinho de Loures, an enchanting riverside promenade that offers a blissful retreat into nature. It's a newly inaugurated pathway in Lisbon, and starting from Ponte Ciclopedonal do Trancão, we walked approximately 8.8 kilometers along the banks of the majestic Tagus River.

🌊 A Riverside Odyssey 🌊

As we meandered along the pathway, I found myself enveloped in the soothing ambiance of the river, with each step unveiling new vistas of beauty and tranquility. From the vibrant flora lining the riverbanks to the gentle rustle of the breeze, every moment was a testament to the wonders of the natural world.

One of the highlights of my journey was the chance to observe the diverse avian life that calls the Tagus River home. The promenade's strategic location near the mouth of the Trancão River provided ample opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to spot a variety of avian species in their natural habitat. 

📸 Capturing Moments of Serenity 📸

Throughout my exploration of Passeio Ribeirinho de Loures, I couldn't resist capturing the tranquil beauty of the surroundings through my little GoPro. From the intricate wooden pathways to the sweeping vistas of the Tagus River, each moment was a snapshot of serenity and wonder.

Mid-way!

Until next time, happy trails and happy exploring!

If you're seeking an adventure that will challenge your spirit and ignite your imagination, I highly recommend embarking on your own kayaking expedition to Castelo de Almourol, which is a medieval fortress perched majestically atop a rocky outcrop in the middle of the mighty Tagus River. Despite facing unexpected challenges, including inclement weather and biting cold, I embarked on this unforgettable journey that tested my resolve and rewarded me with unparalleled views and experiences.

🌧️ Braving the Elements 🌧️

As we set out on the tranquil waters of the Zêzere River, excitement coursed through my veins, eager to explore the historic wonders that awaited me downstream. However, Mother Nature had other plans in store, as dark clouds loomed overhead, threatening rain and plummeting temperatures.

🏞️ Navigating the River's Mysteries 🏞️

As we journeyed downstream, the landscape unfolded before me like a tapestry of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Passing through the confluence of the Zêzere and Tagus rivers, I marveled at the serene transition from one waterway to another, a testament to the timeless power of nature.

🏰 Conquering Castelo de Almourol 🏰

Finally, as I approached the imposing silhouette of Castelo de Almourol, a sense of awe washed over me, mingled with exhilaration at the prospect of exploring this medieval marvel. Docking my kayak on the island's shore, I embarked on a journey through time, ascending the towering battlements and immersing myself in the fortress's storied history.

📸 Capturing Moments of Resilience 📸

Despite the challenges posed by the elements, I couldn't resist documenting my kayaking odyssey and the awe-inspiring sights that unfolded along the way. 

Until next time, may your adventures be filled with courage, curiosity, and boundless discovery!

Hey fellow adventurers! So after a little hiatus due to an injury, I'm back to hiking, trekking, and exploring trails! To kick off 2024 on a high note, for the first month of the year, my destination was the mesmerizing Covão dos Cochos, a place shrouded in mystery and beauty.

The trail leading to Covão dos Cochos promised an enchanting journey through gravel paths and breathtaking landscapes. Spanning nearly 10 kilometers, it was a trek that beckoned to those seeking adventure and tranquility alike.

🌊 A Glimpse of Lagoa Comprida 🌊

As I ventured along the path, the natural beauty of the surroundings captivated me at every turn. The trail eventually led me to the stunning Lagoa Comprida, where a small dam greeted me, offering a gateway to unparalleled views of the extraordinary "water hole."

🌲 Immersed in Natural Splendor 🌲

Throughout the hike, I found myself immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty of untouched nature. Towering trees, lush vegetation, and the tranquil melody of flowing streams accompanied me along the way, creating an atmosphere of serenity and peace.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this hike is its versatility. Whether embarked upon in the summer or winter months, it promises a unique experience tailored to the season. From vibrant foliage to glistening snowscapes, each season unveils a different facet of Covão dos Cochos, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure waiting to be discovered.

📸 A Glimpse of the Journey 📸

Here are some snapshots from my unforgettable journey to Covão dos Cochos:

Until next time, happy trails and happy exploring!

For this month's hike, I was able to explore a place where they claimed that Portuguese elite who visited the thermal spas of Caldas da Rainha would often go on walks. This circular route in Costa de Prata starts and ends in Foz do Arelho, going along Lagoa de Óbidos and Serra da Bouro. It spans 13-14km in total, and includes a coastal trail with stunning views of the Atlantic, as well as the chance to see and walk along the Passadiços da Foz do Arelho, which was near the end of the hike. Check out some photos of the beautiful views along the way:

I woke up on Sunday and decided that I needed to hike. So I got up, turned on my laptop to plan a route, took a shower and basked in the beauty of waves hitting the cliffs for 12km as I cleared my head for 3hrs. This month's hike was along Costa dos Anéis in the seaside city of Peniche in Portugal. The circular route starts and ends in the bus station in Peniche (or wherever you come from really), and goes around the coast. 

The highlight for me was Papôa, which is a rocky formation on the outskirts that offered really great views. The coast in itself was beautiful, definitely not lacking in miradouros and beaches along the way. To get there, you can take the RedeExpressos bus to Peniche from the Sete Rios station.

Recently, I needed some time to just be calm and clear my thoughts, and I found the perfect way to sort of get away and do that! So this month's hike was from from Penedo do Lexim to Cascatas de Anços in the municipality of Mafra in Portugal. The half-day hike offered a nice trail and amazing views. Both stops, on top of the rocks and down to the waterfalls, were breathtaking and peaceful.

The route goes through the former volcanic chimney Penedo de Lexim all the way to the waterfalls, Cascatas de Anços. The path to get to the top of the rocks has a lot of open and grassy areas, which was good, but be sure to have a hat if you're going during the sunnier months since that also means several unshaded parts of the trail. To get down to the waterfalls, there's a creek that has to be crossed, and although I didn't need to get wet since there were some parts to hop on to cross, some have said that this isn't always the case. 

A 12-13km circular hike with a 300-meter elevation gain, it is not a challenging one overall, but there are a few steep climbs mostly near the end. Along the way, you can pass by the picturesque renovated village of Mata Pequena, which serves as a good stop as well. To get there from Lisbon, you can take the regional train (Caldas da Rainha) to Pedra Furada from the Entrecampos station.

Penedo do Lexim

Cascatas de Anços