I won’t tell you everything about Cambados, because you really should visit here to experience this enchanting place yourself………..and you will need some surprises! Sadly, we are only staying here for four weeks and it would take a year for me to be of any use. Luckily the weather for the last 10 days has been superb, so we have taken the opportunity to appreciate some of the surrounding countryside which holds so many wonderful treasures. We soaked up the sunshine while strolling through local vineyards, narrow country lanes and through wetlands adjoining the river. The beauty and intensity of the spring flowers is beyond words.
Cambados is packed with streets of charming architecture and medieval churches. Not a day has passed without a stroll along the bay and through town, taking the occasional opportunity to listen to comic banter across a bar. The locals seem to enjoy teasing one another as much as Aussies do……….you won’t get away with much here either!
During the week, I have been flicking my brushes around, preparing for my exhibition in Santiago de Compostela in September. The fine weather of late, has allowed me some time to sketch my compositions at some lovely locations. We are having such a busy time being tourists, painting, learning Spanish and 2 hours of daily yoga practice…..but we love it all!
RIA de BAROSA, BARRO
Last weekend we drove 30 minutes inland from Cambados to a powerful waterfall (fervenza) cascading over a rocky landscape, with a series of 17 old watermills arranged along the fervenzas. As we climbed, we explored the gorgeous old mill rooms, many being in various states of ruin. The mills comprised of two large granite wheels which were powered by the rushing water to grind grains. Until only a few decades ago, every town had at least one still in use as they were an extremely important part of their economy. Apart from the historical interest, the “Ria de Barosa” park is a very beautiful nature reserve with lovely walks at the top along the river which feeds the fervenzas.
FERVENZA de SEGADE, CALDAS
On the same day, we decided to visit another waterfall only 15 minutes from Barro, near the town Caldas. This one proved a little difficult to find……….I was the navigator of course! After driving in circles for half an hour, we decided to park in this tiny village where I happened to see a tiny sign hiding amongst trees. The path led us passed a terrifying (not happy) German Shepherd who seemed quite determined we were on his property. Hearts pumping, we traversed the side of another mountain along a goat track and found a very quaint, old Roman road passing over a very old Roman bridge (reconstructed in the 17th century).
We diverted off the track and found more ancient infrastructure with rickety old steps over aquaducts. After another 30 minutes of following a path up and downhill, we finally found the Fervenza de Segade, Caldas. Apart from the thundering 30 metre waterfall, there were also the remains of a hydroelectric centre build around 1900 and again, old water mills following the course of the Umia River.
Mi esposo, John obviously thought he fitted in well with the ancient scene.
