It’s not quite full yet. I shot this tonight as the moon hung like a crystal decoration in the sky, directly above the campsite.
Christmas Day was difficult. I had dinner in the camp restaurant and, looking at the silver cracker on my table, I thought of not having Sandra to share it with.
The day before, I had dinner with Ben and his family from Moone, as I did on New Year’s Eve. The glorious beach days following Christmas, helped to shake sadness away, as I strolled through shallow water that felt warm and comforting.
On New Year’s Day, I put my camera into my back pack and climbed the 110m cliff which overlooks Praia da Luz. There was a stiff and gusty wind which grew stronger as I ascended.
By chance, I met a group of French paragliders who were preparing to throw themselves off the vertical cliff edge. I watched as several attempts to fly, saw them dragged back across the rocky ground by the shutes.
I was mesmerised by the way they could swoop down to just above the waves and then soar up the rock face, popping up over the cliff edge and then hovering 2-3m above my head, balanced against the swirling gusts of wind.
I carried on my cliff walk and descended to a magnificent beach at Porto de Mos. There, a feast of baked ham and eggs gave me strength for the return trip.
Climbing back to the spot above Porto de Mos, Gerhard approached me from his villa which was perched on the cliff top, with unobstructed views. He told me that his 10-year tax relief was nearing completion, and he was considering buying a €1.8 million mansion in Ireland, in County Wicklow. I looked it up, and it’s in Greystones. He told me about his Portuguese girlfriend – who didn’t like him! Gerhard is 82 years old.
Best wishes for 2023 Des !
Blessed and Happy 2023 Des
Hi Des. Good to hear from you. Wishing you a very Happy New year and keep your camera clicking. Happy Days.