AWW 25.02.2009: Salir on the Rochas

Start group outside ‘Jafers’

Leader: Terry A.

Present: Sonia, Alistair, Elaine, Ian S., Hedley, Hilke, Terry M., Paul, Myriam, Tina, Antje, Stan, Chris, John O’, David, Ian W.,Val, Dina, Mike, Ingrid, John H.

Dogs: Rusty, Maddy, Tiggy, Sambo,

The warm early Spring weather was on the cusp of breaking, but we still had at least one lovely Wednesday for our walk. The increasing haze presaged a weather change, but not quite yet.

Myriam had passed a fitness test on Sunday and was included in the line-up for the first time since early January. Stan and Elaine were back from secondment elsewhere and Terry M. arrived the day before from UK, once again to dispense computer advice, and hone his villa maintenance skills.

A longish drive to the East for some of us, but alleviated by Terry’s benevolent leadership skills in setting the start at 10:00 am. Not only that, but there was a café up and running and serving coffee! And further, he heeded last week’s advice and managed to (only just) contain his walk on one page of the Military Map, thereby saving me immense amounts of time and gigabytes!

Click to enlarge the track.

Bonus extra version courtesy of Google Earth

I would welcome comments from the less apathetic as to whether you prefer the map or the photo of the track or both!

Stats: Total Distance: 17.4 km; Moving Time: 3 hrs 54 min.; Total Time: 4 hrs 54 min.; Moving Avg: 4.4 km/hr; Overall Avg.: 3.5 km/hr; Total Ascent: 467 m.; Max Elev.: 484 m.

Tilley Count: 8 (New World Record)

Terry’s report is below:

On a lovely sunny late February Wednesday 22 walkers found the start at the cafe next to '' Jafers"

We set off heading for the east end of Rocha de Pena and whilst still on tarmac Antje stumbled and gave her ankle a twist, there followed much rubbing on of the magic lotion plus strapping the ankle with my crepe bandage (every walker should carry one) - been in the bottom of my ruck for ages but finally it was needed, repairs done, on our way.

Testing the ankle

Not long after on the first up bit that lovely little Irish man pulled up looking decidedly pasty and thought he should return to the start so Scotty (what a hero) volunteered to walk back with him, not an hour gone and I had used up my 10% allowed losses!!

Well press on up to the two old Moinhos.

A rest while the Geocachers searched

We know where you’re going!!

Our geocachers had their noses to the ground and the hunt was on, Mike found it 6 months ago but the memory is fading alas so it was left to Paul & Dina to successfully hunt it down.

To the Vitor (or his wife) the Spoils!

Now for the climb up to the plateau where quite a few spring flowers were out as were other walking groups.

Rocky Road

Hilke meets friends in a German hiking group.

Up on the Trig Point

The top was quite crowded, on for the trig point photo not much room at this one Paul done well to get us all in those who paid it a visit, down the stony track to the village for lunch.

Past the Village Guard Post

Here we hoped to find Ian, we looked in the cafe the natural habitat of the Scotty while waiting for fellow walkers but no joy.

A well equipped lunch spot! (see what I did there?)

The Rocha da Pena Massif looks magnificent in the sun

So after lunch plan "B" we walked the Algarve Way to the next cafe at the foot of Pena a popular watering hole but still no Ian so we all followed the AW through the footpaths to the village of Pena across the E124 through the lovely green valleys.

A rare river crossing!

On the way back to Salir where on the way Ian W done something funny for Red Nose Day (there could well be a pic of this).

There certainly is! Nature gives Ian W. a bloody nose!

Back in Salir at the cafe for the post walk drink was Ian & John so my count was back to 22 and I think a good day was had by all, thanks for coming.

We took over the whole front of the café

Needless to say, a photographic souvenir of the New Tilley Record was made!

Eight Tilley’s and our new Best Friend.

Chris and family accounted for half of the total!

A quick calculation was done, and if Ian S., Diane, Brian and Myriam had all brought their Tilley Hats we could have been well into double figures! Please note for next time!.

Thanks Terry for an incident packed walk. A welcome return from exile for Terry M., Stan and Elaine. Antje’s ankle got her to the end of the walk; John O’ recovered after a two hour counselling session at the Bar with Ian S. ; Ian W’s unsponsored Red Nose Day trick left the brambles relatively unharmed; and David’s financial and organisational dealings for the imminent Algarve Way Expedition proceeded inexorably.

And finally a couple of short vids from John H. Once again Antje comments on the sanitary arrangements, and Geocachers are caught going about their secret business

Loo with a View

What are they doing?

“The art of life is the art of avoiding pain; and he is the best pilot, who steers clearest of the rocks and shoals with which it is beset.” Jefferson, Thomas

“Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.” Gay, John

CB’s note: The description of the ‘John’ above does not in any way refer to any of the John’s who walk on Wednesdays

AWW 18.02.2009 Bordeira Bee Run

Track of the walk. (click to enlarge in a new window)

Note this walk resulted in my having to paste together sections of 4 different Military Maps!

Future leaders please note it is much preferred if you manage to contain your walk on one sheet of the 1:25,000 Military Maps.

Queen Bee: Antje

Drone: Chris

Workers: Paul, Val, John O’, Yves, Hedley, John, David, Tina, Alex, Ingrid, Ian W. Frank, Hilke, Sonia and Alastair (Chris & Antje’s daughter and son-in-law)

Honey Bears: Tiggy, Sambo, Rosie

Stats:

Total Distance 16.0 km (exactly as advertised!); Moving Time: 3hrs 30 min.; Total Time: 4 hrs 14 min; Moving Avg.: 4.6 km/hr; Overall Avg.: 3.8 km/hr; Total Ascent: 332 m.; Max Elevation: 161 m.

Tilley Count: 6 (could have been a world record 7, but Sonia forgot hers!!!)

Bee stings: 6 shared among David, Frank, John O’ and Chris.

Start group at the wall opposite the Bordeira turning.

Here is the Leader’s report on the excursion!

Originally planned as the Trail of Aromas walk on the West Coast, the walk assumed a new identity when honey bees, attracted by said aromas took umbrage at the passing presence of the AWW's.

Passing the heather after the first attack

Although this hazard had been identified on the recce, and had been mentioned in the instructions, it was hoped that a quiet and orderly procession past the hives would not cause any disturbance. In fact the aggressive and highly active insects in an area of scented bushes some way form the hives made a bee-line for certain undeserving members of the AWW's and managed to sting six members of the group, their main target clearly being the Leader who had braved their attacks two days earlier, and who was therefore stung twice for his efforts. Myriam's famed bee sting extractor could have been put to good use had she been walking. Various theories were advanced as to why the bees became so aggressive, ranging from colour of clothing, body odours, aftershave or perfumed soap. In fact it was probably due to the presence of large numbers of young newly active worker bees just out from the hive and keen to impress the queen, possibly in advance of a swarm . However, once past this hazard the pleasures of a West Coast walk could be enjoyed by all, with perfect weather and good wide trail paths to follow. As a result the pace was quite fast, despite some long inclines to negotiate, that beside the bee hives having been completed in double quick time.

Into the wild blue yonder

Wide ranging views were apparent once we had reached the higher plateau, with ever increasing numbers of substantial wind farms continuing to dominate the skyline.

We met some horses taking some cows for a walk!

The chosen lunch spot was therefore reached a little ahead of schedule, which enabled everyone to enjoy a relaxed halt on a superb cliff top location overlooking the sea.

Lunch with a view

Having observed a singular trig point at what appeared to be short distance away the Leader then took the group for a short session of off piste bush whacking, where the direct route unfortunately always seemed to end in a steep ravine.

There’s a path here somewhere!

T.O.T.P.P. Look carefully in the top left!

Crossing a ravine

Having finally regained the main trial, there was a marked reluctance to make a further detour simply to obtain the obligatory trig point group photograph. Various computer aided methods were proposed in order to generate a suitably enhanced image, but the ensuing distant view was ultimately considered to be adequate. It was by then quite clear that the prospect of an early cold beer would not go amiss and the group made rapid progress towards the Cafe Bordeira where these needs were met. Walks on the West Coast always seem to be appreciated, despite their occupational hazards, and frequently windy weather. In contrast to the increased incidence of tarmac and ever encroaching areas of development it is good that the tourist authority continues to way mark the main trails to the benefit of all walkers, but unfortunately also for trail bikes and 4X4 drivers alike. It is therefore a pity that the unused cliff paths are both indistinct and potentially dangerous , and that the inhospitable wild terrain restricts access to all but the intrepid.

Standing room only!

CB’s comment: This was an exhaustively reconnoitred walk by Chris and Antje, who went out at least twice to ensure that “it would be alright on the night!” , and their distance estimation was bang on.

They even managed to persuade the bees to repeat their behaviour on the real walk as they had on the recce. For those interested there is a summary of a paper on the defensive behaviour of honey bees HERE

Myriam was distraught at missing the chance to operate her expensive ‘bee-sting/snake poison extractor’ on a genuine instance.

Yet again in my capacity as back up photographer, I had no opportunity to record a slip up on a river crossing (there was only one, and it was too easy!), but I did manage to capture this poignant photo of Antje reaching out for help, surrounded by concerned dogs and son-in-law as she took a tumble in the tussocky heather!

The Fallen!

The ‘off-road’ section of the walk provided another fine picture of Tina, Yves and Ian W. all simultaneously off balance on different parts of the piste!

Rocking and Rolling

The walk took in part of the section of the Algarve Way, as it completed stage 11 from Aljezur to Carrapateira, and we did pass several of David’s Cistus waymarks. Terry has recently completed a crossing of the Algarve with a group, and the AWW assault will be led by David starting on the 17th March.

Almargem are also allegedly organising crossings of their version of Via Algarviana, and details can be found HERE

“When the flower blooms, the bees come uninvited.” Krishna, Rama

“When you go in search of honey you must expect to be stung by bees.” Kaunda, Kenneth

Confessions of The Tilley Man.

(Ingrid, note that the word is "Tilley")

AWW 11.02.2009 Septuagenarian Circulation Celebration -Romeiras

 

It was to have been the ‘best kept secret’ but as Rod was leaving for England on Friday, and had plenty to do, Ian S. dropped a strong hint that he ‘really ought attend’ this week’s walk, so that our surprise (pre) Birthday Party would have a subject!

Yes he is due to reach his ‘three score and ten’ in a remarkably active state on the 18th, and as one of the earliest founder members of the AWW, a little ceremony was planned with the great cooperation of Dona Aldina, of Casa Pacheco in Romeiras who kindly allowed us to set up tables and bring in our own food and wine after the planned walk.

Rod (and sporran) at almost 70!

The most amazing thing was that the occasion was blessed with the return of the Algarvian sunshine and brilliant blue skies – the first real day of Spring – which we have sorely missed over the past couple of months.

More about the celebration later – first the walk.

Track of the walk – click to enlarge

Leader: Paul

Partygoers: Rod, Ian S., John H, David, Hilke, Ian W. Hedley, Lindsey, Chris, John O, Val, Tina, Alex, Dina, Frank, Ingrid.

Party Support: Myriam, Mike, Marguerite, Jyll, Dinah, Antje, Diane.

Party Poopers: Maddy, Sambo, Tiggy, Rosie (on probation)

Stats: Total Distance: 12.2 km; Total Time: 3 hours; Moving time: 2 hrs 45 min.; Moving Average 4.4 km/hr; Overall Average: 4.0 km/hr; Total Ascent: 333 metres; Max Elev.: 363 metres.

Start pic (thanks Dinah)

This walk was yet another variation on the Romeiras walks, this time tailored to return to the Casa Pacheco by about 1 pm. We started a bit late, due to the ‘just in time’ arrivals of David and Dina, who had taken my suggestion of 9 km from the Barragem turning to Romeiras rather too literally, and had almost turned round when David shot past! All right – it is a bit more!

The sun had brought out the ladies – after last week’s rain had reduced their numbers to one – Val – who had just arrived from UK and thought it was fine. Not a set of gaiters in view, and the first mild slope resulted in the doffing of some of the sweaters or fleeces.

Only one river – crossed without incident!

The track was still very clear after the efforts of the JCB’s in clearing the slopes above, which had now been replanted with young eucalyptus, although the recent wet weather was causing the undergrowth of cistus and brambles to grow like wildfire.

On reaching the top near the Romeiras road, I threw in a little loop up to a viewpoint – just so we weren’t back too early!

Top of climb with Foia behind

The views from the top were magnificent with both the west and south coasts visible, along with about 70 wind turbines to the west and 5 behind on Foia.

Blue blue sky

Back down to the road, a short stretch of tarmac and we turned down to Loiro and Azena at the bottom of the valley to the east of the road.

We arrived back just after 1 pm.,  John dancing in first with a lady on each arm!

The ladies, supervised by Mike, who was still recovering from the chestikoff that has excluded him for the past couple of weeks, had done a great job with the preparations and snacks, and the beer and wine was soon flowing.

The Birthday Boy cuts the cake, made by Antje

Myriam gives Rod some stick!

Our lips are sealed – or was the cake sticky!!

Mike gave an eulogy, which was well received, and Rod for once was almost lost for words, especially when John produced a fine bottle of Glenmorangie as a further gift.

After the pleasantries we all moved out into the sun for the feast – and of course the obligatory Blog Group photo!

Second effort with the timer settings!

Health food!

Rod is interviewed about his performance as a banker

and is measured up (rather too enthusiastically) by Myriam for his new Chippendales sporran!

Where are the stirrups then?

It was a very agreeable occasion with the combination of  a good walk, good company and wonderful weather. 

As usual, we were the last to leave, with Ian and Marguerite, and tragically, we ran out of petrol just outside Odiaxere. (Faulty gauge!)  Luckily a frantic phone call to Chris resulted in a mercy dash with a 5 litre can of petrol.   We survived dying of thirst as luckily we had a reserve bottle of Quinta de Esperança  for just such an emergency and a handy bus shelter to preserve us from the scorching sun.

Ian deciding whether to go for help (and find somewhere that sold beer!)

Before Ian could reach the bar in Odiaxere, Chris arrived and the Berlingo was restored.

Could be a second career with the AA (I mean the Motoring organisation!)

A great day and only the as yet unrealised defeat of the England football team by Spain could cause a cloud later in the evening. I dare not think about England v Wales in the 6 Nations this Saturday!

 

The way I see it, you should live everyday like it's your birthday.    Hilton, Paris

Of course a video was taken of the presentation, but regrettably Mike’s speech consumed too many megabytes to be uploaded. Here is the first part however.

 

Below are a few additional photos courtesy of John.

 

CB marshals his troops for photo opportunity.

David wonders should he switch to Scotch!

A sunny setting for lunch

The McFrew of That Ilk!

John O’ with the Orange and the Green!

With the ‘Patroa of Casa Pacheco’, Dona Aldina