I pulled up the crumpled half torn paper map and tried to see the End of the World that was so talked about. It was that moment when you imagine and wish at the same time and just dream of actually being there.
Summers get hard on this land, TJ from WestCoast Adventure Co planned the adventure starting 3 pm. Meeting TJ was very exciting, an enthusiastic American who heeded to his heart to settle in Lagos and open his company to take people on this amazing trip.
So at 3 pm 7 of us met at the market place in Lagos and set on a trip together. A quick round of introductions and I was with this group, a couple from US, a 60 year old respected mountain climber, a Canadian girl, an American Indian taking a break between jobs, a tall Indian travel blogger on a backpacking trip and myself set out on this amazing adventure.
Just a short drive and we reached the Sagres we walked just a bit as TJ briefed us on the flora there. The land was almost barren with fragrant common gum cistus a shrub having white flowers and viscid stems and leaves yielding a fragrant oleoresin used in perfumes especially as a fixative.
As we climbed a small cliff I saw something that was breathtaking.
I stood there in the full warmth of summer soaking in the sunshine, feeling the zephyr standing right at the edge of the cliff.
The raging sea and the vast beach caught me in a moment where I lost my reality and stood there soaking in all at once.
As we walked around the stories got interesting. TJ shared not just his experiences but quizzed us on the various ropes that hung around the cliffs.
So why were these ropes hung? Apparently it is to get a special kind of snail that is a delicacy and only found in this region. The farmers went through dangerous lengths to get hold of these as they fetch good amount in the market. TJ wanted to show us these snails and thus we climbed down a narrow path to find these lying around us.
The hike was not that strenuous so far as we climbed through the various paths getting lost is mesmerising beauty all around us.
I sat at the edge of the 200 feet drop looking at the vast blue body ahead of me. They say many centuries ago Portugal was the master of the oceans and ships would leave from the great harbours of the Algarve coast to points all over the globe. These great explorers last saw land in a town call Sagres on most westerly point of Europe.
Standing there looking at the horizon I actually echoed the nervousness the sailors would have felt as they left leaving the last piece of land in sight with little guarantee of return. As the wind got more ferocious we headed quick to not miss the sunset. TJ gestured to the far of cliff on the other side and said that would be our point of sunset. It looked far and we had a couple of hours at hand.
The group to had got friendly by now discussing on varied topics from one’s profession to bamboo tattoos and I shared various awesome blogging adventures with the tall fellow blogger as he shared his interesting stories engrossing me making the cliff climbing a breeze.
It got a bit difficult for me as the climb got uphill but the sight of the about to set Sun motivated me to hasten my steps. The beach from where we were to go up the hill was so untouched that we didn’t want to leave it. We stood for a happy group photo before heading towards the sunset.
I stood there frozen at the sight of the setting sun, we all sat on the rocks in silence as the sun forbade the earth spreading the last bit of it’s shine mellowing slowly on the horizon.
We exchanged quiet glances and happy smiles thanking TJ to get us there just in time.
On the other side we could see the popular tourist destination lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente. We happily avoided the crowd to take this wonderful route. I was surprised to feel the zephyr turn into wild wind and the waves hit harder almost protesting the parting Sun.
Just after sunset TJ lavishly spread a sumptuous supper for us. Being a vegetarian I am always vary of eating on adventure trips however it was so thoughtful of our host that I leave it for you to see and decide. The various types of delicious cheese to the home made guacamole, the pickled carrots and the cherries and I bread and fresh olives made it all complete.
All in all an awesome evening as we hopped into the van back to lagos.
Want more information on WestCoast Adventure Co.
Visit: www.westcoastlagos.com
Phone: (+351)-918-903-899
Email: go@westcoastlagos.com
Image copyright: www.sunshineandzephyr.com
Wow Shweta..it looks like beautiful place. Awesome pics especially the sunset one. Beautiful it is. Thanks for this virtual trip. 🙂
Thank you Deepa, glad you liked it 🙂
Superb captures and lovely narration!
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow such a beautiful place?? TFS. I too would like to visit??
Thanks for liking it babe 🙂
Beautiful post and Awesome pics.Thanks for sharing.
thank you Rupam!
Hi Shweta, lovely post and pics. You may visit my blog, I write in Hindi.
Thank you Rekha….I did love to read your posts 🙂
This is just wanting me to leave everything and pack my bags and leave. WOW!
And…what are you waiting for? Pack your bags….but wait for summer, its worthwhile 🙂
Apparently it is to get a special kind of snail that is a delicacy and only found in this region. The farmers went through dangerous lengths to get hold of these as they fetch good amount in the market. What is its actual use in market ? what a beautiful place to visit .
It is a delicacy Yogiji, people love eating them 🙂 waise i am a vegetarian! Thank you for liking my work 🙂
It was a beautiful journey I undertook through your eyes buddy. The clicks are awesome too.
Thanks Roma….so glad you liked it 🙂
What a beautiful place… and equally breathtaking pics especially the sunset one! ^_^
thank you Maitreni 🙂 happy you liked it 🙂
Wow Shweta, Awesome Pics and Super explained Details ! loved the post.
Thanks Pooja for loving the post 🙂
Wonderful journey and beautiful photos !
thank you Atul Maharaj 🙂
Wow Shweta.. the images are mesmerizing.. i also now want to plan a trip to this place!!! Thanks for sharing
thank you Sneh….so glad you liked it…plan soon!!
Wow Shweta!! the pics are mesmerizing.. feel like planning a trip myself to this place
Very interesting narrative,and what amazing rocks!
thank you Induji, happy you liked the narrative 🙂
This place are so amazing.
Thanx for sharing us a great post.
thank you Chiranjit 🙂
Wow! This place looks so very beautiful! To be honest, I never heard about this place before but glad that I know about it now! All thanks to you, Shweta! 🙂
You’re an amazing photographer too! Keep clicking! 🙂
Thank you Thank you Saumy….super glad you liked it 🙂 End of the World is not known as such unless you visit Algarve 🙂
Hi,
I would say Wow!!! The way you explained about the end of the world tour was pretty much impressive. I always like to read your articles and helped out a lot. Please keep writing.
Thanks for sharing this motivative and informative post.
Thanks Chiro….very happy you liked it 🙂
I am adding this in my bucket list. Wonderful pictures and you have almost given me a personal experience while going through it
thank you so much, I hopped to your blog and loved it a lot…especially the about me section, will keep a day for reading 🙂
I was in Algarve in May 2016 and Sagres was the place I visited last. I drove myself from Lagoa to Sagres. It was hauntingly beautiful and the whole Sagres point had a Moorish feel to it. Gorgeous place and I am glad that I did not miss out Algarve and Sagres.
May the weather would have been pleasant, it was crazy hot in July 🙁 the drive is indeed beautiful 🙂 looking forward to your post now 🙂
I did post about Algarve couple of months ago actually. 🙂
The sunset is so poetic and mesmerizing…..!
Looks fabulous, soul-sis 🙂