After the torrential rain of last Sunday, Ian W. the designated leader was in some doubt whether to go for the valley or the hill. In the end the Hill won, and as I said to him at the start - "At least there is only one hill on this walk!!" And there was! And a few of the walkers noticed it, as there was little breeze, and the humidity was high. And as it was Chinese national Day, both Myriam and I felt conditions were reminiscent of a walk, had we been in Hong Kong. And our fellow ex-Hong Kongers, Ian W. Chris, Antje and Rod knew what we meant!
Leader: Ian W.
Present: Ian S., Chris, Antje, Alex, Tina, Andrew, John O'., Lindsey, Rod, Janet, Vitor, Dina, Paul, Myriam, Ingrid.
Canine Contingent: Maddy, Tiggy - and making his debut, Sam(bo)
Stats: Total Distance: 13.7 km; Moving Time: 3 hrs 45 min; Total Time: 4hrs 38 min; Moving Avg. 3.6 km/hr; Overall Avg. 2.9 km/hr.; Total Ascent: 608 m.; Max Elevation: 778 m.
The track of the walk can be seen enlarged here
And so, 16 walkers and three dogs gathered at the Foz de Banho, which was open for coffee (kudos to the leader!) Luckily Mike had chosen today to complete a recce of the leg of the Algarve Way up to Marmelete, otherwise we might have had an interesting discussion on who to bar from the walk on the grounds of exceeding statutory starting numbers! A word of warning, Iron Mike is leading next week, so confirm your presence early and be one of the first 15 applicants (First XV?) or prepare to be obsequious and tender a substantial bribe to buy a discretionary place! Mike would probably not have enjoyed the walk, as there was nowhere near enough bramblage and gorse to warrant him wearing his new long sleeve/long trouser ensemble!
Ian W. showed great concern for the CB who is off to Lisbon for a long weekend, and mailed his report in on Thursday forenoon.
And here it is:-
16 stalwarts met at the Foz de Banho on a hazy, humid, but sunny morning to climb Picota. As we were about to head off the first mini crisis occurred. Tiggy started to limp and hold her front right (?) paw up. Ministrations by Myriam were successful, and after the obligatory photo, we set sail for the mountain.
An orderly start
10 seconds later, Sam's raging hormones take over. He may get a surprise in November!
Because of the construction of the Longevity Wellness Resort we took the route through Caldas village and up behind the Rouxinol restaurant.
Over or Under?
Progress was fairly slow as we climbed up the valley above Caldas, with walkers straggling far behind the leaders, until we were halted by the second crisis of the day. One of the soles of Andrew's boots had started to flap and first aid in the form of string was administered tied around the boot.
Fit to be tied!
Ascending the granite boulders.
Last grunt to the summit
We pressed on uneventfully, before reaching the summit of Picota at around noon, where we found 4 fit looking GNR GPIS Department troopers having lunch. ( and a cigarette).
They were on some form of exercise which involved going to various trig points and recording some details. And they get paid for it!!
As a result, we missed getting the normally obligatory trig point photo, although Myriam took a few lunch photos from behind a bush, so requiring some lunch - eaters to have to rise mid bite , in order to be seen.
Marmots at lunch!
The view from the top of Picota was poor because of the haze, but the new race track was clearly seen as a gash in the otherwise fairly green landscape. Half way down the mountain, Andrew's sole parted company from the boot and he was on his upper. By the time he got back to the Foz, he was down to the sock, but claimed not to have a blister.
Relaxing hard!
There was a rumour circulating that we should finish more walks at the Foz because of the choice of beers available. (More kudos to the walk leader - Bohemia (limited quantity) available!
Getting some shut-eye!
Whilst quenching our thirst, Myriam did a whip-round for the 50th wedding anniversary present for Maurice and Esme. Myriam had got a silver frame very nicely engraved together with a card to send in honour of the auspicious event. (This is not the best kept secret in AWW history, (you know who you are!) so I see no need to exercise editorial discretion here!!)
"What am I bid for this charming antique........."
And that was about it! Myriam remarked that it was a 'Hope-less' and 'sole-less' walk, (John being absent through preparation for a Wino's Tour of Hungary, to be led by Rod (who made it) starting on Thursday.
"and as in uffish thought he stood" -Is his Mine on the Wine?
It is easier to go down a hill than up, but the view is from the top. Bennett, Arnold
1 comment:
I think the "photo of the marmots " is a prize winning photo.
Antje
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