Our final hurrah in Portugal was to head away from the sea and go horse riding..

Just off the beaten track, a mere 4 km from Luz, we went to Tiffany’s Riding Centre.

A no frills, wholesome place with a rustic air of contentment.

And a soundscape of dogs (eleven!) and lazy insects.

And a rather vocal bird.

Tiffany..capable and knowledgeable..salt of the earth..sort of – I started out with nothing..and I still got most of it left..and that’s the way I like it – touch.

The lovely Jasmine, staying for a month before heading back to the UK, looked after Bella. Loved her riding boots – brogue like with a zip up the middle. Ariat’s apparently..could be worth looking up for autumn..

To be still in routine.In the grounds is an eco-house..if you want to/need to step off the rat-race and can ride a horse, Tiffany and Martin offer the accommodation in return for work. Check out the website Work Aways for more info along with other places offering similar scenarios…there’s a lot to be said for back to basics honest hard labour..and the palpable satisfaction that comes from it…sometimes it’s the simple things that make the memories that dance.

Laters, Kate xxx