A is for Alva, the River Alva
Look downhill from my balcony and you’ll see the U-bend of the River Alva flowing past our house before it curls back around the village. The water froths and tumbles over the rocks beneath the tiny weir, providing a constant soundtrack to life in Moura Morta. I hardly notice it these days but on hot summer nights, when the bedroom window is open, its constant dull roar is quite soothing.
The chameleon qualities of the Alva fascinate me. Its water is usually clear, and appears dark from above, but when the sun’s at the right level, it’s transformed into a patchy silver snake. Occasionally, diamonds of light flash on the surface like fireflies providing a mini light show below the balcony. At other times, the sunlight turns the pebbles into golden coins. After heavy rains, the water turns to a swirling, churning caramel milkshake or a cloudy pea soup.
Down by the ruined mill on misty mornings, I can’t help humming Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water and conjuring up images from the Heart of Darkness as whorls of steam rise from the dark liquid. On clearer days, the mimosa trees and clumps of reeds are mirrored back from the still, glassy surface. Until Daisy decides to go for a swim, that is.
No matter how hot it gets, I’m not joining her though. I’ve done it once and that’s enough, thank you. The Alva starts way up in the Serra da Estrela and retains that icy feel all year round in Moura Morta. Which is a shame, because it’s a perfect spot for a river beach. It would be quite handy to just stroll down the hill for a dip in the summer; instead we end up driving to other river beaches where the water temperature is bearable.
I might not like the cold water but trout seem to. We’re more likely to see fishermen in waders than bikini-clad bathers as there are several spots along this part of the river that are used for fly fishing competitions.
Where’s your favourite watery place?
This post is the first in the A Personal A-Z of Portugal series. There’s more to come – at least another 25!
Here are some more ‘A is for…’ posts from other bloggers who’ve joined the challenge.
Algarve Blog - A is for the Algarve
The Hand Family in Portugal - A is for Anniversary
RestlessJo - A is for Alte
Sami’s Colourful World – A is for Australia
Fancy joining us? Find out how here.
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Hi, I'm Julie, a British expat living in central Portugal. I blog about my experiences of living in Portugal and travelling around this diverse and beautiful country. Whether you're thinking about moving to Portugal, looking for some out-of-the-ordinary trips within Portugal or just fancy a spot of armchair travelling, read on and enjoy.
Great pictures Julie XD Congrats!
Great idea to do this a-z!
Julie, I have now written my post on the A-Z of Australia
http://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com/2012/01/to-z-of-australia-is-for-australia.html
Great, I’ve linked to it from the post explaining the A-Zs
Lovely spot Julie, we lived about 1h south of you – Carregal do Sal, between Coimbra and Viseu. That central area of Portugal has some lovely villages.
You could always wear a wetsuit
The pictures look lovely
what a fantastic photo of the light on the water – no wonder you like living there!
I couldn’t possibly choose my favourite beach down here in the Algarve – every time I think I’ve found it – we find another one! But Ferragudo still has my heart!
Great post – lovely descriptions and I am enjoying the new series of posts already!
I haven’t spent much time in the Algarve yet but I can see how it would be difficult to choose. I’m planning to check out Ferragudo in April after everything you’ve said about it
then give us a shout if you are coming our way – happy to put the kettle on for you!
I may very well do that! It’d be nice to meet face to face
Certainly looks a lovely spot Julie- how did you pick it? Expect that’s the subject of another blog. Love that “smoke on the water” shot- it’s a stunner.
And you know where my favourite watery place is, don’t you?
Looking forward to B.
I assume that’s Tavira?
Funnily enough, I didn’t pick the spot. It came with my husband. He’d bought the house the year before we met and although we considered moving a bit closer to Coimbra, there’s a lot to be said for where we live so we decided to stay.
So pretty! I’ve only been in Portugal for about a week (and just in Lisbon…heading down to Faro tomorrow), but it’s been enough time to fall in love with the beautiful coast and to wish I lived by a river full time.
Thanks. Glad you’re enjoying Portugal, it really is beautiful. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time in the Algarve.