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Today we travelled to Cape St Vincent.
Most southern part of the coast in Portugal.
When travellers centuries ago, reached this rugged coastline and huge cliffs, they were certain they had reached The End of the World.
And I can see why!
Looking one way you have the fierce ocean to the south with huge waves and sheer cliff drops.
Turn your head another way, and more sheer cliffs and crashing waves greet you to the west.
And as far as the eye can see is ocean, just going on forever.
St Vincent was killed by a Roman Governor in 304 AD in Spain.
Later, 2 monks moved the body to this Cape and buried the remains here.
This area started the Golden Age of Discoveries for Portugal.
Being totally surrounded by either Spain or the sea, they needed other trading partners to survive.
So they took to the sea.
Henry the Navigator started a maritime school here.
He gathered very clever people to solve their greatest problem.
With the huge seas and winds, they could leave the shore but could not return.
So they created the 3 triangular sails, narrow boats and a zigzag method of sailing.
Now I have to work this one out.
I think Tiago told us that if they sailed right, they checked the North Star.
So the right side of the boat became starboard.
And something about the left side being nearest to Portugal, so the Port side.
( Sounds a bit romantic, I'll admit. So I'll check.)
After a battle in North Africa in 1578, the King of Portugal was killed with no heirs so Phillip the First of Spain ruled Portugal for 60 years.
This was when Portugal lost most of it's colonies.
All ships to Europe pass here.
Now with technology, this area of the coast is monitored like flight control at airports.
There are 60 metre cliffs and huge swells!
And the wind!
I can tell you about the wind.
I was nearly blown off my feet at this stop.
Hence, kept a safe distance from either edge.
It is a beautiful place.
The views are simply breathtaking.
And you simply cannot believe the size of the cliffs.
We had spectacular views at Baleeira Beach as well.
Then were taken to a coastal spot that Tiago told us was like the 12 Apostles in Victoria ... only better!
I don't think he was wrong either.
The views were amazing but then you could hot foot it down an amazing amount of steps almost to the water to get a close up view of the caves and rock archways.
I loved it.
There were sailboats, canoes, swimmers, speedboats and these incredible rock formations.
Then onto Lagos, a seaside town for a wander.
Seaside market and beautiful weather!!
Back at the hotel about 5pm.
Just sitting and watching ...
Also, I noticed at breakfast ( you'll see why ) that they must have a problem with birds landing on the pond next to the restaurant.
They are trying the fishing line from the trees to the balconies.
I don't think it works with the smaller birds!!
- comments
A Bird tweet tweet
.Amanda Phillips Or was it romantic as Tiago was telling the story!! I hope your toes had a paddle at the beachGreat day :)
M Hi mum! That all sounds amazing! What a view... I think it may be better than our twelve apostles!You look amazing. I love those white shorts with your colourful handbag!Interesting about the sailors and navigation. You would need to be clever to not crash into the end of the world!I love you
Andrew Browning Hi Carolyn, You have certainly covered some of Portugal – Cape St Vincent!Rugged and hostile coastline – end of the world indeed.Stunning views everywhere and then onto Lagos.How spectacular are those cobble stone streets (no pun intended) the patterns and all that work, much nicer than boring plain concrete.Love the ice cream sign and your little breakfast guest! Sunny here today (Sunday) finished what I need to do and about to head out for a drive.Don’t know where but “out” while the sun is shining.Keep having a grand time.AndrewXx
Andrew Browning Great photo,love the colours.
Andrew Browning Yikes!......thats a few steps.
Andrew Browning LOOK!!!
Andrew Browning Great sign.
Daryl Spectacular looking coast!
Holly Hi Carolyn, Looks amazing! I remember reading once that the body of the King Sebastian of Portugal was never recovered even though Phillip II of Spain (had to look that bit up) said he had brought his ashes back from Morocco....so maybe there's a conspiracy theory in there somewhere.... Enjoy! xx