AWW 18.03.2009 A Farewell to Parra, or Dad's Army holds the Line

On Tuesday 17th March 2009, Field Marshall David launched his latest assault on the Algarve Way from the Eastern Approaches, in the process siphoning off the youngest and sprightliest from among the Walkers. Who then were left to keep the AWW home fires burning? None other than Dad's Army. And so it was that early on Wednesday, 8 ancient retainers mustered at Silves Cemetery- not exactly a band of the halt, the blind and the lame although there were one or two feeling a wee bit fragile as a result of celebrations for St.Patrick and an all-night birthday party - and resolutely followed their Leader out on the road north from Silves towards Herdade de Parra. What challenges could they expect to encounter? And would they be up to those challenges?

The Starters (click to enlarge)

Dad Himself: Rod

His Army: Peter  (sem cao for once), Frank "Birthday Boy" , Terry and Jill , Stan and Elaine , Hedley , and John H.

Canine Patrol: Rusty and debutant Misty.

Equipment: nothing much to speak of -1 GPS in the hands of a rank amateur, 2 new bits of headgear, a few missing sticks. Not to worry, the Leader spoke Algarvean; he would see them safely home.

Stats: Total Distance 11.93km: Moving Time 2hrs 14min: Total Time 4hrs 15min: Moving Avg: 5.1km/hr (surely that can't be right): Overall Avg: 2.7 km/hr. Total ascent not recorded but quite enough thank you very much, especially the last, long drag up back to the car park. However, to be fair, Rod, very much like a present-day Rugby referee, allowed plenty of "Time Out" for pedicures and so on.

The Map


The Leader's nostalgic report in black follows, along with irreverent asides by the DCB.

"A Walk in the (shortly to be) Lost Valley.
" After meeting up at Silves Cemetery this small select band drove up the S.Marcos road to the Herdade de Parra. Not a new walk but one which is always beautiful with great views. This time it was particularly memorable as, any time now, the bulldozers are due to start clearing the trees and scrub in the heart of the valley for the Odelouca Dam which should start filling next winter. For better or worse the valley will therefore be transformed into a 20 k long lake and much of the days route will be 50 metres under!"

One challenge that presented itself but which no-one took on was this one-legged ladder on a look-out tower

'elf and safety be blowed. A one-legged ladder is OK for our firewatchers in Algarve.

"The route entailed a sharp descent down to the Odelouca River for the first crossing. A total lack of warning by the leader that impermeable kit was needed resulted in surprisingly muted moans and groans, ....perhaps the splendid warm and sunny day made the thought of a paddle quite agreeable. Most resorted to removing boots and hobbled gamely over the stony bottom, some simply got their boots full of water and of course the chief paparazzo, prepared as always, donned his bin bags.
"The newcomer amongst the canine group, Misty, having recovered from a somewhat messy bout of car sickness, thought this was all great fun and leapt up on Hedley's spotless white shirt with her muddy paws....serves him right for wearing such an unsuitable garment! "

Even the oldies enjoy paddling. Crossing No.1.

The leader is typically casual about his route plan

..casual, even when his and our hopes of a glass or two of vinho are dashed, Rod's old friend now having largely abandoned his cottage.

"We wandered along the valley to the farm where we had in the past been offered some local alcoholic brew to help us on our way, only to find that the place was almost deserted and in a state of advancing decay. Fearing the booze might have finally claimed him we pushed on. Round the corner we came upon his friend, the other occupant of the valley, who said his mate was still with us but only only returned to these distant parts on Saturdays. He didn't seem too perturbed about his solitude; indeed he was all enthused about the imminent rising waters and the apparent construction nearby of a rural museum and a hotel (and, no doubt, a golf course). Obliged to slake our own thirst we found a grassy spot beside the river for lunch."

No wine here this time, nor ever again

No, no wine this time. But the AWW archives can remind us just what it was that we had enjoyed so much back then on 18thApril 2007 and were now missing.

Times past

Looking to the future

Shortly later, there was a minor altercation between the Leader and Terry, fomented with glee by Hedley, as to which direction to go in for lunch. The sign posting is, you'll agree, ambiguous.


During the morning, several of us had wondered why Terry A’s was with us and not on the David L's Expedition. Terry's answer was along the lines of "been there, done that" and also that he was enjoying another hobby, that of wild life photographer. Indeed during the lunch stop, he captured a rara avis, a snap which he has called "lesser known blogger feeding" (note the new tifter,brand name of which escapes me just this once.)
(copyright Terry A. 2009)
Thanks Terry.

"A misconception by some, not of course by the leader (huh!) , that we had already made the return crossing without getting anything wet was realised when we came upon the main branch of the river......so further, again surprisingly cheerful, boot removals and bin bag donning delayed progress somewhat. " (Twice !)












Crossing two and Crossing three









Then, Rod paused at Hesitation Point for at least 10 minutes so that we could catch our breath while he told tales of the past, of the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift in the Zulu War of 1879.

Hesitation over, we then had to face the long,long haul back up to the tarmac. Half-way up, Rod stopped to consult a park ranger, ostensibly to find out when the bulldozers were to start clearing this lovely valley. But since when do park rangers wear white laboratory coats? I suspect that this is Rod's private distillery and that he was in fact discussing the prospects for this year's medronho crop with the distiller-in-charge. But don't listen to me; read the official explanation which closes the leader's report
Forestry chap in white lab-coat

"The long plod back up toward the road was uncomplainingly achieved as far as the forestry house whereupon the forestry chap in residence engaged in lengthy revelations with our leader about plans for the future of the valley, tree planting and other local environmental issues........so lengthy indeed that everyone else pushed on back to the cars. He finally caught up and post walk drinks were had in the Para e Fica bar on the way back to Silves leaving our thoughts to dwell on yet another part of our walking territory we shall not see again."

For some reason, long lost in the mists of time, an AWW blog has to conclude with at least one quotation; but who can tell their relevance is or what the blogger is thinking about? Beats me.

But so be it. Here's one;

"Stop,stop! Our postillion has been struck by lightning" (Baedeker's guide to Belgium, 1891)