Trip to Lugar do Vidoeiro - Gerês | Portugal

Today we continue on a journey through the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

In another geographical point, at a different time of the year, we are going to immerse ourselves in the abundant nature to the sides of the place of Vidoeiro, even there near the two bridges that give access to the village of Gerês.

As already mentioned in the description of the last visit to the village of Campo do Gerês, the Peneda-Gerês National Park, which is located in the extreme northwest of Portugal, between Alto Minho and Trás-os-Montes, is the only Portuguese protected area classified as a National Park.

In this magical corner of our country, we can experience a reality apart from where human activity is harmoniously integrated into nature, preserving very old values ​​and traditions.

This time and to counter the trend for altitude, we decided to explore lowland green tones with lush vegetation that includes a holly forest, unique at a national level, and endemic species like the Gerês lily, which brightens the fields with their shades of blue-violet.

As it would not be a visit for a day, we decided to set up the tent at the Vidoeiro campsite and define that location as the starting point for the exploration that followed.

There, rivers and streams run down waterfalls as they follow their natural path, flowing down the mountain and flowing into reservoirs.

The landscapes are absolutely stunning.

Nearby and for those who want to spend energy on activities other than hiking through the woods, there are conditions for activities such as canyoning or canoeing, and not only. The diversity and abundance of local flora and fauna provide a unique contact with nature and whatever the option, it is likely that medieval castles, monasteries and traditional villages form part of the landscape, always of a unique natural beauty.

But in our case, the idea would be to define an entry point in a stream edge and follow its path along the way.

The experience was extremely rich for the senses and to invigorate energies, which is the purpose of these retreats.

For those who like to take pictures, this place is like the playground for a child, whatever the direction, the surprise is guaranteed and the registration a satisfaction.

After a whole day of walking and with the sun showing signs of withdrawal, it was time to calculate the position and stipulate how long it would take to return to the camp site still in daylight so we wouldn't get lost… we wouldn't be the first adventurers to end their exploration with a phone call to the rescue team to request a rescue in the middle of the night, because in this place it is very easy for a person to get lost no matter how good their sense of orientation.

This was not the case - the stipulated time was necessary to return safely and stay overnight :P

That's all for today

See you on the next trip.

Thank you for watching :)

@aleister