AWW 10.12.2008 Xmas Walk and Lunch

For the third time (out of 4) SBB (Since Blogs Began), the Christmas walk and lunch was based on Patricia's in Montes de Cima. No stats have ever been kept (until now), but the usual format was a leisurely start (mainly because there are always one or two who get lost on the way) and a two and a half hour circuit taking in at least one trig point and the obligatory photo.

In the intervening two years since we were last there, The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve has burst forth like a mushroom right across our traditional path, and robbed us of access to the Trig point. The walk, (al)most ably led by Rod (one excursion off-piste shortly after the start) therefore consisted of a short stroll to the boundary fence, a 10 minute up and back along the fence to see what could be seen of the track and the new hotel under construction, and a slightly different route back to join the outward path.

Stats: Total distance: 7.48 km; Moving Time: 1hr 40 min; Total Time 1 hr 56 min; Moving Average: 4.4 km/hr; Overall Avg. 3.8 km/hr; Total Ascent : 220 m (I don't believe it!); Maximum Elevation:171 m.

Track of the walk.

Those that want to see it in more detail click HERE

Of course the Autodromo doesn't figure on any maps yet, as it is clearly far quicker to build an International Racing Circuit and it's attendant infrastructure than it is to draw it on a map!

Some paid attention to Dinah trying to take a group pic.

In attendance:

Walking: Rod, Susan, Mike, Ian S. Marguerite, Ian W. Paul, David, John H., Hazel, John O'. Andrew, Lindsey, Janet, Antje, Maria, Dina, Vanessa, Ingrid, Tina, Colin.

+Lunch only: Diane, Peter, Dinah, Vitor, Richard, Michael.

(Anyone missed out complain to the Hon Sec.!)

And so at about 1010 am we set off on a very pleasant and cool sunny morning along a slight incline beside the 'river' towards a sharper left turn than originally anticipated, which took us steeply up towards the Autodromo boundary fence.

Racetrack in the background

As close as we got - main stand to the left.

Back along the fence. The hotel is in the background

Once down, we began the small circuit back to our inward route. As the leader wisely remarked, "It would probably be better not to push through the scrub" to the only available Trig Point, Cabeça Alta, taking into account that we had some non-regular walkers amongst us, who were perhaps not acquainted with the etiquette of not suing the leader for any blood spilt.

We arrived at the 2km before the end point rather too early, and not having any diversions such as sandwiches, river crossing or bridge building, we elected to stand at a sunny crossroads and kill a few minutes thus annoying Ian, who does not like to be bound by rules about appropriate times to start drinking, and who had already made his bid to get to the front of the pack...........

.........but the Video Paparazzi ordered him back.

You can see the results in John's preamble which is below this blog.

However, to avoid the good stuff evaporating from the promised mulled wine, we did arrive back dead on 12, and began the main event with drinks on the terrace and round the outside bar, where our host William performed admirably.

No wonder there is a dearth of Iberian Lynx!

Soon we moved inside and enjoyed the excellent food prepared by Patricia, and the no less excellent wine supplied by Rod.

The Top Table!!

Outnumbered!!

Dining in style

Ladies Who Lunch + Ian W

Tina and Peter

Rod looking for a straw!

Withdrawing to the softer chairs

After lunch glow!

I didn't like to ask...!

And finally the Paparazzi caught a romantic and unguarded moment...

Mènage à Trois

Thanks to Patricia and William for an exceedingly well-catered lunch - we shall certainly return, and to Tina and Janet for organising the event.

Compliments of the season to all our readers!!

"Somebody left the cork out of my lunch." Fields, W. C.