Cruz Alta

On Tuesday we took a trip to Luso with Lee's Grandparents and drove up to Cruz Alta to check out the view. WOW.
We didnt make it up to the viewpoint when we were there earlier in the year with the camper in Luso as we were cycling with the kids and it is 6 k up from the Bucaco Palace. 2 hopes.
Anyhow when you reach the top the views are breathtaking. I took photographs but they would not do it justice. This is one you have to see for yourself to appreciate. This giant mosaic cross is mounted on stone steps - presenting an even greater view.... Lee thought he would check out the view from the top of the cross..... no he never made it !
There was a chap sitting at the base of this cross with his ipod plugged in, having cycled to the top having some serious time out - then we arrived. Note the blue sky and shorts..... it is almost October !!!

Bucaco Forest, Luso.

Some more photographs from our trip to the forest.. Above : one of several gateways.The grand staircase below with waterfall flowing through it took my breath away. The walls either side are adorned with mosaic and there are benches to sit on at each level. The waterfall feeds a pond beneath it where you find swans floating by ..... you get the picture !

The entire forest is enclosed within high stone walls and planted with exotic trees and palms. It smells heavenly. A spiritual and mystical place. Luso itself is a pretty town. The Termas de Luso Spa offers massage / therapies.. I missed out as it only opens from May to October !

The kids loved the Fonte de Sao Joao spring, adjacent to the spa. There is a glass skylight which enables you to see the crystal clear water flowing over pebbles. The water is considered to be a cure for a wide range of ailments.. (i.e anything you can think of) and you can fill your bottles for free. I cannot wait to go back...... and perhaps stay in the hotel..... I wouldn't say no to a massage either come to think of it.....

Palace Hotel do Bucaco.

Back in March when we were still in our van we visited the Bucaco Palace whilst staying in the spa town of Luso for a week. The 'fairytale' Palace was built on the site of a 17th century Carmelite monastery in 1907, for use as a royal retreat. Nowadays it is a luxury hotel.

We Cycled through the Bucaco Forest uphill on a cobbled path for approx 2km to reach it. It is too steep for most little ones - Sienna was pulled by Lee in her taxi / carriage and still moaned all the way !

The Palace is truly beautiful. Well worth the effort. I want to go back to explore the forest a bit more and its mosaic walls, fountains,chapels, fonts and several grand gateways - also adorned with mosaic... a love of mine.

I also want to check out the restaurant for dinner... a meal which spans seven to eight courses.... !