James Gaston

Castelo de Marvão

Castelo de Vide

The Road to Portagem 25 Oct 2015 The Road to Portagem 25 Oct 2015 Marvao, Portugal

We were up early as daylight saving time ended in the night. Yesterday's fog was gone. Breakfast was in the hotel's comfortable dining room. The friendly husband set out a buffet of coffee, juice, fruit, cheese, ham, bread and a dessert.

We'd a goal for the morning, to reserve a table at the Sever restaurant, which meant we had to walk to the neighboring town of Portagem. The town is in clear view as Marvao is on the hill overlooking it.

We walked to the town wall, passed through an arch, crossed the road then started down a trail past a convent. From here we were soon on the Road to Portalegre. Though we weren't going as far as Portalegre, just to Portagem. As we walked we were largely in the shade, from cork trees, many showing signs of harvest, plus other oaks and pines. The road's stones were laid out in lines and stars. It was tranquil. It also felt well trod.

After about an hour we entered Portagem. Here the Sever river runs constrained by a cement channel. In stark contrast to the stark colors and lines of the modern channel there stands a beautiful old stone bridge. We walked along the river and quickly found the restaurant where we made our reservations.

We hiked back up the hill to Marvao to eat lunch and plan the rest of our day.

Passed on our way out of town

Our passage through the city wall

The Road to Portalegre between Marvao and Portagem

Cork tree post harvest, road to Portalegre

Cork tree after harvest on path to Portalegre

Rio Sever, Portagem, with Marvao on hill

Castelo de Marvão

Castelo de Vide