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")