Portugal - Parque das Varas, Leça do Balio

On a slightly overcast March day in Portugal, my family and I decided to seize the moment and explore the tranquil beauty of Parque das Varas. Despite the looming clouds and the promise of intermittent showers that often characterize this time of year, we were undeterred in our quest for a memorable outing.

As we arrived at the park, the cool breeze gently rustled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and fresh foliage. The muted sunlight filtered through the thick blanket of clouds, casting a soft, diffused glow over the landscape below. It wasn't the brightest of days, but there was a certain charm to the subdued light, painting the surroundings in a serene palette of greens and browns.

Equipped with umbrellas, we embarked on our adventure, my son excitement palpable as he skipped ahead, eager to explore every nook and cranny of the park. The recent rains had left their mark, with puddles dotting the pathways and the ground beneath our feet slightly damp. Yet, there was a certain magic in the air, a sense of rejuvenation that only comes after a refreshing shower.

We strolled along the winding trails, the sound of our footsteps mingling with the gentle chorus of birdsong overhead. The park was calm because the weather. Ducks waddled lazily by the edge of the pond, their feathers glistening with droplets of water, while squirrels darted amongst the trees, their bushy tails twitching in excitement

As we meandered through the park, we stumbled upon a quaint little playground. My son eyes lit up at the sight of the colorful swings and slides, and without hesitation, he bounded towards them, his laughter ringing out joyously. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as we joined him in his play, reveling in the simple pleasures of childhood.

After exhausting the delights of the playground, we continued our exploration, pausing every now and then to admire the natural beauty that surrounded us. Towering trees arched overhead, their branches reaching towards the sky like outstretched arms, while delicate wildflowers carpeted the floor in a riot of color.

Seizing the opportunity, we settled down for a brief respite, the rhythmic patter of raindrops providing a soothing backdrop to our conversation. Time seemed to slow down as we sat there, lost in the moment.

Eventually, the rain began to subside, and a faint glimmer of sunlight peeked through the clouds, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape. It was a fleeting moment of tranquility, a brief interlude in the midst of the storm. With a sense of reluctance, we bid farewell to Parque das Varas, knowing that we would carry the memories of this day with us forever.

As we made our way back home, the echoes of our laughter lingered in the air, a testament to the joy we had shared in the company of family. Despite the less than perfect weather, our day at Parque das Varas had been nothing short of magical, a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable adventures are the ones we least expect.

In this post all photos and text are authored by @portugalcoin!

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