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“Walking with Storks” on Portugal’s Rota Vicentina

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The southwest coast of Portugal’s Alentejo region is a new destination for walking vacations. Complete with meadows, valleys, stunning views of bays and sand dunes, it is sure to please. There are turtles, eagles and storks for company.

The 350 km Rota Vicentina Trail features two main footpaths:

  • The Historical Way, the inland trail
  • The Fishermen’s Trail, the coastal section for on-foot travelers only

 http://www.rotavicentina.com/the-route/como-percorrer-a-rota-vicentina/?lang=en

 

For a travel writer’s description of day-long walks along the well-marked trails, check out:  “On foot in unsung Portugal – walking with storks”  by Roger Bray (www.thematuretraveller.co.uk)

 http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/index.cfm?v=Roger_Bray_StarWriter&fkArticleID=97&fuseaction=pubDsp.dspStarWriter

 

Photo source:  http://www.rotavicentina.com/?lang=en

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The Grounded Tightrope Walk

“In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be able to walk firmly on the ground before you start walking on a tightrope”. (Henri Matisse)      http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/tightrope.html

 A Balance-Improving Exercise from Point ‘A’ to Point ‘B’:

  1. “Place your right heel directly in front of your left toes, forming a straight line.  Next, step your left heel in front of your right toes.  Continue to place your back foot ahead of your front foot until you reach your destination.  This exercise challenges your balance by creating a narrow base of support.
  2. Want an extra challenge?  Close your eyes for five seconds after every third foot placement.  Make sure to engage your abs first so you don’t fall over”. 

 Quoted from: Stealth Workout by Kathleen Trotter (http://www.kathleentrotter.com/),  Globe and Mail, January 7, 2013.