July 19 - Drive north and wind up the mountains through little villages and single-lane roads to Parque Natural do Alvão. It basically covers the top of a small series of mountain tops. The view is incredible from up here, and the geology is all granitic intrusive.
Further along is a small waterfall (Cascata de Galegos da Serra), where some local people are swimming and hanging around on the rocks.
From here wind back down into the valley and head north. Stop briefly in St. Michael’s Monastery in Caeceiras de Basto.
Onward to Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, which covers a range of granite boulder highlands that border Spain. I considered going on a route that passed through a small bit of Spain, but it would have been an additional 75 Euros on the car rental.
The approach to this park is across a deep canyon with a reservoir at the bottom. Clearly a place for summer water sports and a bit crowded because there are few places to park. We are staying further up in the hills, in a hotel for once. Check in, drop the bags, and head out to see something of the park today.
More winding up mountainsides to Cascata do Arado. This is a beautiful drive and walk through conifer forests and granite boulders. We get very lucky and catch a glimpse of a venomous snake.
From the viewpoint at the parking lot, can get a good overview of the terrain at this elevation.
