Lagos, Portugal was the first of my two family holidays with the Clarksons. I was lucky enough to be invited to a holiday which included a Villa with 5 Bedrooms, a swimming pool and most importantly a Tennis Court. There was also a pond in the front garden full of frogs - but we'll come to that later I'm sure! It was a fantastic opportunity for me to get to know the other half of my new family, and where better to do it than in sunny Portugal? I have such brilliant memories which I will never forget, here are my favourites;
1) The West Coast Adventure Co "Sun Set Tour"
If you have read any of my previous blogs from past holidays you will have noticed that all of our trips share a common love for wild places, secluded beauty, active pursuits, and out-of-the-ordinary experiences. A bit of background reading on Trip Advisor and The Sunset Tour seemed perfectly suited to our spirit for adventure! 5* reviews galore, teeming with recommendations from like-minded people who share our passion for exploration. This had all the ingredients for making the most incredible memories!
This was a journey beyond the beaches all the way to the very edge of the map, down the wild and wondrous West Coast of the Algarve. This was the opportunity to leave the trail behind and explore some of the coast's most secret and awe-inspiring spots. We would have to use our hands and legs - coupled with grit and determination - to achieve the best Sunset view Portugal has to offer!
Luckily our Tour Group was made up of 'like-minded' and 'adventurous souls' from all around the world! It was great to hear some of their travel stories en route to the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, where we would begin our journey.
It wasn't all smiles on the way to the coastline, however, as we noticed there was a baby donkey seemingly lying ill on the floor, and being shaded by his Mother in the 30°C heat. I remember feeling helpless, there was nothing that could be done now we were completely off road and hours away from civilization. It really was heartbreaking, and with the comforting thought that he was at least with his Mother - we continued our journey.
We had driven as far as possible off the beaten path and from this point, we hiked towards the coastline. Even in the early stages of the Tour, we started to get the feel of this hands-on adventure. This was a big outdoor experience that rewards you with that feeling of appreciation, that only comes after some good old-fashioned hard work. The hands-on, up-close-and-personal experience continued with every step bringing us further, closer, and deeper into the most remote and dramatic landscapes of the West coast. While the focus of the Tour was primarily on exploring, there would also be plenty of opportunities to spare a few well earned minutes basking in the afternoon sun and taking in our surroundings. During our 'downtime' we would be treated to expert geological analysis from TJ (our Tour Guide), who was clearly very passionate about giving the full outdoor experience. After hours of trekking with blood, sweat, and tears (of joy of course), we had made our way to the famous and historical Cape of St. Vincent. Little did we know this would be the climax of the experience - a sunset from the clifftops in the most south-westerly point in Europe, rounded off with a delicious homemade picnic and a glass of wine.
I can't say that I have been deprived of a good sunset, I can, however, say that Peel in the Isle of Man could never come close to what we had witnessed in Lagos that evening! I’m not sure how much time passed, but by the time I had finished my cheese and crackers the previously blue sky was streaked with the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen. The sky was ablaze with fiery colours, only broken now by wisps of cloud and aeroplane trails. I remember watching the sun fall behind the horizon, eclipsing as it melted into the sea, which now reflected the last of the dying rays. What an incredible ending to the most inspiring outdoor experience to date!
**Footnote: a few weeks after the holiday and back in the Isle of Man again, we all received an email from TJ. At first thought we expected this to be a "Thank you for being part of the experience" etc. However it did not come close, to our surprise, it was an update on the baby donkey, who had somehow made a miraculous recovery and was spotted on his feet running and playing! Simply amazing! **
2) Sea Kayaking
One of my favourite memories from 'Cubs' was a number of times we got to go Kayaking. Now about 15 years on I had the perfect opportunity again. Even Ben couldn't resist the temptation of paddling through the ancient caves and grottos Portugal has to offer!
Natasha was not sure about whether this was for her at first, however, I managed to persuade her when I mentioned that we could share a Double-Kayak! Another wonderful and romantic setting, so long as we didn't capsize!
The Double-Kayak was far heavier than a Single. On water, of course, it weightlessly glides, but we struggled even though it was two of us hauling it down to the shore. I remember being encouraged though by the thought of hours of fun in the open water, each paddling with only half the required effort! That's how I imagined it anyway ...
The waves had a somewhat calming effect and rolled in with a soothing and inviting sound - which was actually rather misleading. The ebb and flow made the sand shift unhelpfully underfoot, straight away testing our agility and sense of balance! The challenges continued as we battled our way through the oncoming current and out to Sea. Would hours of fun turn into hours of frustration? We have always been up for a challenge though, and weren't going to give up so easily!
It wasn't too long before we found our rhythm and we were now completely in sync; my 'rights' matching Natasha's 'lefts' and vice versa! We were flowing nicely, making good speed and now leading the pack with our Tour Guide. Now in Pole Position, we had plenty of time to admire and fully appreciate the incredible rock formations that made up the Algarve coast. The archways, the steep cliff edges, our destination of the caves and grottos looming in the distance, all of which had been perfectly sculpted over the years by the wrath of the mighty Atlantic.
Our hard work and persistence were rewarded as we finally reached our destination. We continued to meander our way passed the rocky islands and towards the main attraction. We were warned that to enter the cave was to become engulfed in temporary darkness. The absence of light meant the absence of its warming feel. I could hardly see the front of the Kayak, up until a light appeared shining down on the settled rock pool in front of us - a sign from God maybe? We made our way over and could now see the opening from above. It was silent in here. Each time our paddle touched the water, the noise would echo off the dense stone walls around us. There was all of a sudden a feel of tranquility, as if we had entered a cave of no fear, concern or judgment. Any problems beyond these four walls were now irrelevant. We made our way out of the cave feeling revitalized and ready to take on any other challenge presented to us.
It was, however, time for a break on a secluded beach, where we would have the opportunity to snorkel. Instead, we decided on taking in the Sun's rays, which emitted wave upon wave of heat from the center of the pale blue sky. Batteries recharged, it was time to set off again.
This time we were treated to more caves and grottos, and little did we know that there would be one more challenge for us to face; an arch! Of course, we could have gone round it, but there's no fun in that is there? The opening was so small we almost missed it, the stone guarding the entrance was jagged and uneven, arranged in such a way, that it would be difficult for passers-by to spot. Fortunately, Natasha and I had our wits about us and made our way through with no problem. It would not be the same success however for Ben! He got a '10' for effort, but the execution wasn't quite there and he somehow managed to capsize. We rushed over to help him but it was too late, he was already soaking wet!
Ben dried off as we let the flow of the tide guide us back to base, where we would end our Kayak adventure of the Algarve Coast with another fantastic sense of achievement!
3) Family Shenanigans
Family is an important element in everyone’s life. The appreciation for regular contact and get-togethers are lessons that have been passed down from my Mum. Family can consist of wonderful people and people you wish you never knew, but whether positive role models or antimodels, every member of your family helps shape you. Outside of my blood relatives, there are plenty of other influential people in my life. One of the most positive influences on my life happens to be my Girlfriend Natasha, who is also a very family orientated person. Maintaining a close relationship with her Mum and Dad being one of her priorities in life. The proof was in the pudding as she was invited to Portugal two years after moving out - I apparently wasn't doing too bad either, as the invitation was extended to me also! What better way to meet the Parents?
There was Paul, the Michelin Star Chef and a true actor in Comedy. Nicola the task master, mission maker and decider of everyone's general direction. The chief organiser who kept everyone in check (mostly Paul), like any good army drill Sergeant. Under the ruling of these two, I was confident of another amazing holiday!
The main attractions for me in the Villa were the Tennis Court and Swimming pool. Tennis may have consisted of trying our best to keep the ball within the fencing, but it was always a good laugh. I will always remember Paul leaning on the rails in the viewing area, looking like Portugal's No1 Talent Scout and shaking his head after every 'fresh-air shot'. While the main event in the swimming pool was the 'Volleyball Game', where extra points were on offer if you could avoid splashing Nicola while she was Sunbathing. To this day no one has ever achieved extra points, Sorry Nicola!
I love family traditions, don't you? Whether it was a day full of action and adventure or even just chilling by the pool, the night time ritual was always the card game 'Crash' and a few well-earned beverages. This gave us the opportunity to come together and talk about the day's events; how many frogs we saw that day, at what time 'Lorenzo' cleaned the pool, and in one case snitch on a certain someone for a harmless white lie they told at the start of the holiday! "Does your Mother know? No James, funnily enough, she doesn't!" Anyway, we might come to that later ...
Continuing tradition first and when the Holiday would fall on a Sunday, the Famous Sunday Roast was always on the Menu. It's funny when you think about it; you go on holiday to escape everyday life, but this is the one bit the Clarksons always take with them. You would never hear any complaints coming from me however, Chicken never tasted so good as it did in the 30°C heat!
Now having experienced two weeks in the life of the Clarksons, I can honestly say this is something I would never forget, in the best of ways of course! I could only dream of another Family Holiday with them! (to be continued in Lanzarote) Referring back to the other influential people in my life, Nicola and Paul are certainly mentioned in the same breath as my Mum and Jem! Their attitude to life, how content they are as a couple and also their kindness to invite me to share their holiday are the things I admire the most about them. I am very fortunate to have a second Family who are so warm and welcoming!
I would like to end this section with a small sentiment to the 'white lie' from the paragraph above. Note that this does not need any explanation, as I have still not been proven guilty of any wrongdoing! Instead, I am only going to include a tribute for everyone involved, I can never listen to ABBA again ...
4) Portuguese Market and Charcoal Portrait
Even going to a Market was an adventure for us, another opportunity to explore and delve into the Portuguese Culture. There was an infectious frisson of excitement everywhere you turned. Hearing the crescendo of shouts coming from each stall holder as we parted company from the Clarksons. We then let our senses take the wheel, and guide us to all of the aromas and colours that tickled our fancy. We were offered free food at each stall, which was way too good an offer to turn down! We would then take the opportunity to feel the texture of the produce, get a good smell and eat it of course! It was quite simple really, so we continued in this fashion until we were full.
We then decided to walk off the food and beer, and who knew that along cobbles to the other side of the square there would be a Portrait Artist? There is probably one in every European Market, but we weren't to know, so we felt we had to take full advantage! Holding a pose for an hour was no problem for photogenic Natasha, however, when it was my turn I felt like Shrek in a photo shoot, made even more difficult by the 100s of eyes watching you! It seemed to be going quite well, judging by the 'nods of approval' and 'thumbs up' coming from behind the Artist. When we eventually got to look at it I was happy to see that he included Natasha's 'Jumpy Star', and also captured the personality of my Snapback so well! No complaints from us whatsoever, we loved it!
Here is the finished article, which is still on our wall to this day;
We then made our way to the British Bull Pub, not the best example of Portuguese Culture but we were in need of a drink! To be honest I can't remember too much from this point, but I was told it was a good end to an amazing night! Maybe Natasha can do me a favour and finish this section off for me? I just hope she doesn't include how I nearly lost our Portrait, that's all!
