Benagil Cave

This was a bucket list item for sure! When going to the Portugal coast I knew I wanted to see this beautiful cave that is all over Instagram and Pinterest. When I first saw a photo of it years ago I didn’t think it was real. The earth really is so amazing. I read online about it before we went and it said that you can take a boat tour to the cave and other caves but the boat doesn’t stop inside and let you off. So I knew this wasn’t the option for me. Many people said they swam no problem so I thought this is what we would do. I chose the most sunny day on our vacation to visit the beach with the caves but it ended up being kind of windy.

Luckily there was a guy renting stand up paddle boards and we saw lots of people using those to get out to the cave. We didn’t see anyone swimming there because the water seems a little tougher than usual. Clark thought the paddle boards were the best idea and I’m glad we did them because I was a little nervous even then. We rented one double and it was 30 euro for one hour which is a little steep but hey do you want to see this wonder or not? The guy that rented the paddle board told us multiple times that the cave we wanted to see is right to the left less then 10 minutes away so that is definitely what people use them for. And he gave us lifejackets if we wanted, which we used, so another layer of protection. 

You have to be a little caution of the boats coming in and out of the caves but for the most part it was fine and the view from the water to the cave was cool as well. Once we got in the cave we had plenty of time to explore and take photos. I took my phone in a waterproof bag to take photos so these are all iPhone photos that is why they aren’t the best quality but oh well I love them just the same and the sight in real life is even more amazing then any photo iPhone or DLSR camera can capture. 

Clark had fun finding lots of shells. And we were about 2 of 15 other people in the cave so super secluded and cool. And since it was a nice sunny day there as the sun shiny brightly through the big hole in the roof. Oh also Clark said this is not were I would want to be during an earthquake haha.

Totally recommended, would definitely do it again. I would probably take the paddle board or kayak every time. Even though we are both decent swimmers it just seems like an unnecessary risk but people do it. Oh there was also a few people that had floats and were holding onto those and paddling out to the cave.
love, Carlee

Swimsuit: Old Navy

Pego do Inferno

This place was magic! I originally found it on Pinterest when I was searching off the beaten path locations in southern Portugal. We were driving from Seville to our hotel on the Algarve coast and I thought making a couple stops along the way would be fun and it would be cool to see something different and more secluded. 

The Pego do Inferno did not disappoint. If you are going to go just follow the directions on google maps. Once it says your there, keep going and turn right and you will see two car parks one off to your left and one a little farther ahead on your right. Once you park you will see two trails ahead one that goes up a hill a little bit and one that goes into a farmers orchard. Go up the hill trail. Then about 100 meters in there is another path off to your right. It is well beaten in but a little more steep. If you continue straight, you will also make it to the waterfall but it takes longer. All the people that we saw went the short cut.

Just keep following the trail like I said it is marked well and if you go in the summer months you will probably hear people swimming / jumping in the pond. Once we got there it is awesome. There were probably like 35-40 other people there. About 70% locals and 30% tourists. There were many guys jumping off the tall cliffs and where the waterfall is from. And there was a rope swing into the water too! Clark tried it a few times and then I went and totally ate shit but it was fun just the same haha. 

We had a relaxing stop and like I said it was fun to see something totally different and unique and not overrun with tourists.... yet. I would recommend wearing sneakers or good sandals as the walk is a little rocky. If you want to see more go to my Instagram @carleewengel and view my Spain/ Portugal stories. 
love, Carlee

Swimsuit top: Billabong

Swimsuit bottoms: Old Navy

Romper: NEX

Shoes: Nike

Rio Tinto

Hey all! We just got back home from Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar! It was one of the best trips we have been on and I definitely think I need to go back and spend a few more days in Lisbon. My posts are definitely going to be out of order but oh well, I write each post as the inspiration strikes so here we go... 

When driving from Spain back to the Algarve coast in Portugal I was looking for some fun stops along the way and one that I found was the Rio Tinto which means Red River and it is actually caused my minerals in the water that makes the water and rocks red! (More orange but you get the idea.) If you google Rio Tinto Spain you will come up with some really red areas of the river. 

I didn’t want to travel too far off the highway to get a look at the river cause I didn’t really know if the photos I saw online were just edited to perfection and the river maybe wasn’t as cool in person as I looked. So we stopped in the town of Niebla, Spain and parked by the Puente Romano de Niebla.

There were some dirt roads and pathways right by the river so it was easy to park and walk down and see it first hand. It is actually really cool and the whole river really is orange. If you are in southern Spain and need a quick place to stretch your legs I recommend the river it is pretty neat. 

I also read that there have been studies on the river and what kind of life, if any, lives in the river. Turns out there is life that lives in the river and scientists have a theory that it might be similar to life found on Mars because of the same minerals but who really knows....not me haha. 

love, Carlee

Romper: American Rag

Shoes: Nike

35/50

Old Dominion Concert

We are so lucky when it comes to free entertainment here on the military base in Naples. Last summer we saw 3oh!3 and a few months ago we saw Old Dominion. I love Old Dominion they are one of my favorite country bands right now and it was so cool that we got to see them for free on our base. I got to be right in front of the stage and we even got to meet the band afterward. It is really cool that bands and artists comes out to support the military troops and I am just thankful that I get to experience some of the benefits. 

love, Carlee

Pants: Nike

Boots: Bearpaw

Hat: American Eagle

Shirt & Scarf: Old Navy

33/50

Polaroid Snap

I haven't shared disposable camera photos in forever and while these aren't disposable camera photos they are mini insta film photos so I figured they are kind of in the same category. Can't edit the photo. You take it and you get what you get. Which is why I love them so much. And you might be able to tell, I love the yellow tint setting on the camera.... maybe a little too much. I should probably tone that down a bit haha. These are from all times of the year. A few from when I was just back home. A couple from the winter. One from my brothers wedding 1.5 years ago. And lots of Knox, of course. 

And no Knox doesn't have a miserable life... he just has resting bitch face haha. 
love, Carlee

34/50