Chameleon quest

Nope, it's not but this was the fabulous surprise guest on our chameleon hunt this morning. 

We were busy watching a beautiful azure magpie (wonderful in itself (and a first!)) when I glanced down to spot this fella sliding silently away. We were so excited!

We were visiting the Ria Formosa Natural Park near Olhao. It was a peaceful haven of nature. Beautiful trees, open spaces, salt pans and a lake. We could have spent every day here (if it were a little cooler!) Today's temperatures have been below 30 and it was a fabulous couple of hours we spent meandering through the park seeing what we could find. Which was plenty, including dragonflies, waders, a lizard and two snakes (adders maybe?). But no cameleon... This time!

After having lunch in our courtyard (the only day that's been cool enough to sit out), we headed to the beach on the short ferry ride for a couple of hours or so. 

Before finding Gary & co for our final goodbyes (they were as elusive as the chameleons!), Rich wanted to visit the saltpans again. I found him the flamingoes but not a spoonbill in sight so I'm particularly pleased to have seen those.

We've had a superb final meal of, for me, mussels and golden bream, overlooking the river from a first floor terrace restaurant. A lovely way to end the day and indeed our holiday.

Now looking forward to seeing Little Dog.