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