We’ve changed views this week as we have had to return to England for a short while, and of course all I can think of it the wonderful views on our Portuguese doorstep. It is not just the birds that draw me back again and again to the salterns, it’s also the weather, the tides and the saltworks themselves. The views are forever changing from our Portuguese home, and I cannot wait to return after Christmas (subject to Covid19).
Unsurprisingly though it is when the skies are blue that I am most likely to take shots of the view. On grey days my focus is mostly on the birds.
Occasionally though I do remember to photograph the grey as well as the blue.
There seems to be a bit more of an even split in my tidal photography, although I never seem to remember to stand in the same spot. Nearly though!
The Ria Formosa is a wonderful shallow coastal lagoon, with an extraordinary ecosystem. It is considered one of the most important in Portugal; 55km in length, and of varying width. The widest section is 6km wide. The tides vary from 1.5metres to 3.5metres, so at very low tide you might think the land stretches almost to the barrier islands. It doesn’t!
There are six inlets to the lagoon, the majority of which have been created and/or are managed by humans. The largest is the Faro/Olhão, which has concrete jetties at its entrance and is regularly dredged. Its creation in the last century has affected the other inlets, particularly the one at Armona. Climate change is also affecting the waters in the lagoon, but despite all the research and ongoing monitoring and assessment, developments continue apace along the coastline. I fear for the Ria Formosa’s future.
How wonderful to have this glory to look at every day. I hope your return plans work out fine.
Thank you so much, we hope so too. Flights yet to be booked, but hopefully we will commence planning this weekend
Doing as little damage as you can and being mindful of the environment is all most of us can do. I don’t like negativity. Where is perfect? This place has a head start on many. I’d like to keep it that way. 💕
I am hoping it stays this way, as I said to Jude there are definitely positive signs.
🤞💝💕
Good to know you will be back to a place you love
Just need to book the flights!
That will help!
I can see why you love the view 😀 😀
And it is on our doorstep 😊
From reading the comment by JoMa who I assume is a resident the pictures don’t tell the whole story. It’s a shame that places like this aren’t better protected from human intervention.
It’s so frustrating as they are in a national park and should be better protected. However the authorities are extremely haphazard in monitoring and protecting these areas, and there are just not enough local groups or organisations to hold them to account. There have been though some improvements, the amount of plastic and visible pollution in immediate waters is much less than it was a couple of years ago.
So lovely Becky. It is like a lot of places. Being humaned to death.
Totally agree BB.
Everywhere in the world unfortunately especially the beautiful places historically and with wondrous landscapes and natural beauty
Humans have so much to answer for ☹
It is a pity humans don’t answer just carry on mindlessly 😡
I know – makes me so cross, but then at the same time I know there is more I can do. Guess we just have to keep going a little bit at a time
I have a Landcare meeting today which is a great recharge of enthusiasm and a chance to inspire others to work on their patch. Every little bit helps the environment and the soul 🙂
Fantastic
The Ria is badly polluted with sewage and clam fishing banned because of it.
Non indigenous oysters have been introduced despite the regulations that only native species should be farmed.
The famous seahorse colony is effectively destroyed and an attempt is being made to re introduce them.
The PONG from the ferry terminal is not the only one now as there is a new one opposite the new block of flats .
Have no idea what the polluted water ,used for salt production,ends up adding to the salt.
The western pile of salt has been loaded on lorries this week,possibly due to higher demand,with icy condition in part of Europe,including northern Portugal.
For us residents , it is a constant battle which photographs do not demonstrate
We saw the maps of the pollution recently, so not good 🙁 I just don’t understand why the council don’t take it more seriously
and yes we noticed just before we left how fast the salt was disappearing
It is easy to see how this spot has you in its thrall, Becky. Captivating photos are the proof.
It really does. Missing it so much, and only been a few days
Lovely photos Becky! I can see why you want to be there!
thank you so much
Clever photos. And no wonder you want to be there. Your first return was too tantalisingly short.
far far too short – still we will be back soon. My walking boots and camera are still there, so have to get back!