Peneda

Continuing our whistle stop tour we headed for the shrine of Nossa Senora da Peneda.  This is a replica version of Bom Jesus but the setting is much more dramatic and the actual sanctuary is in excellent condition with much restoration work already completed and still some being carried out on the surrounding buildings.  Everywhere looked cared for and fresh.    

The waterfall that tumbles down the mountain just to the left of the shrine was in full flow and formed a perfect backdrop.

Unfortunately for Rob the sun came out at precisely the wrong moment which meant my secretly planned ascent of the mountain behind could take place.  A well laid out path rose steeply from the back of the sanctuary, and zig-zagged all the way up to the top and its mountain lake.  There were terrific views of the waterfalls on route and even Rob enjoyed himself!  

 We continued our journey through the Park and saw some stunning landscapes, pretty villages with their espigueiros (raised granite grain stores) which are typical of this area. 

Our route took us through the border to Spain and half an hour later back again, then down the valley along some very narrow roads often cobbled, to the spa town of Geres and then up the other side of the lake to Camp do Geres and our campsite Campismo De Cerdeira.