Leaving a bleak winter in England behind us we arrived in Portugal …… soon to be in Spain. Two countries divided by the river Guadiana. From the Algarve to the Costa de la Luz, the border crossing is easy – no checks here – one of the benefits of being in the European community!
Everything in Spain appears to be on a much larger scale ……… the intensive farming, (mono culture,)strawberry fields forever (under plastic). Oranges and almond trees grown in vast monotonous rows. However, spending time in the Donana National park and the Bay of Cadiz, we discovered beautiful unspoilt marshlands where spoonbills and storks feed in the shallow water and reed beds. Hotels and villas continue to spread ever closer but for the moment there appears to be a pause in developing the increasingly rare nature areas along the coast.
Vista de la Bahia de Cadiz
Strong northerly winds keep the temperature cool – really chilly! Then the wind drops, blue skies return the sun shines and the heat of the land creates a profusion of yellow flowers in the orchards and wild areas.
Returning to Portugal the almond blossom, white gorse and wild flowers are in full swing. The landscape is more intimate and small pretty farmhouses can still be found everywhere. My favourite place, the Ria Formosa estuary is enchanting and tranquil.
We watch spoonbills, egrets and herons feeding and our minds become still.
Almond blossom time
Capturing the essence of Spain and Portugal is a wonderful challenge. The light is strong, sunsets incredibly rich in colour, skies deep blue. We will soon be returning to England – winter grey skies, but Spring is not far away and the days will be getting longer. Snowdrops and daffodils, Blackthorn blossom followed by Hawthorn. Even a few blue sky days! There is never a reason not to paint.
Sunset in Cadiz
Back