AWW Wednesday 29 April 2009: Ploughed Field Day

29th April 2009. Ploughed Field Day
(Thanks to Lindsey for the title)
Plodders:- Lindsey, Tina, Andrew, Frank, David.
Provider of sustenance:- Dinah.
Weather: All forecasts were proclaiming a cloudless day, but we had cloud all day long, with only occasional hints of sunshine.
It may be time for the CB to forsake his luxury mobile home and return to rescue the WWs from extinction. This week, no walk was organised until Tuesday, we had no photographer to record our errors, and no GPS to record our achievements. Five hardy souls gathered at Casa Benjamin to start the trek over to Monte Seco. Many and varied were the excuses advanced for non-attendance, from ‘flu (you didn’t fit in a crafty trip to Mexico last week did you, Ingrid?) to grandchildren, to expected visitors, to falling over etc etc, but the result was the same. Ah for the days of yore! (whenever they were.)
Anyway, Frank was well on his way to Barranco do Velho before he wisely called in for more directions, while the rest of the small group were enjoyed coffee and deciding that the shorter version of the Monte Seco circular was preferable to the start from Covoes. Once the group was complete, therefore, all decamped for Nave do Barao in Lindsey’s car, parking in the car park at the Adega, fully intending to return for drinks at the end.
The early part of the walk proved easier than the leader had anticipated, and the secateurs stayed firmly in the bag as Picavessa (with a trig point!!!) above Nave do Barao was attained without difficulty. Then the fun began. On the descent to the Boliqieme road, the track previously used seemed to have become very overgrown, necessitating a detour and a longish walk down said road. Reaching the short off-road section near the valley floor at Ribeira de Algibre the first evidence was found of an epidemic of ploughing which has turned this whole area into a furrowed wilderness, making for tough going along what used to be a reasonable track.
At the bridge, there appeared to be a good deal of water still in the Algibre, but it did not appear to be moving, and walking along by the stream this continued to be the case. The climb to the Monte Seco ridge was as usual demanding, but the weather continued to be cloudy, which was no bad thing. and the (almost) deserted settlement at Cabecos de Monte Seco was reached after more plodding across ploughed land at the top. (Do they get grants for this sort of thing?) The owner of the one refurbished cottage in the village – never yet seen – has been busy adding to his small estate, but the other buildings remain empty and falling into an even worse state of repair.
Lunch was taken just beyond the village before the steep descent back to the Algibre, which was completely dry at the fording place, thus explaining the stagnant water further upstream. The song of the nightingale was clearly heard by the river. There followed the long climb back to Alto Fica and the usual temptation of the twin bars on either side of the road before the meander through the fields back towards Nave do Barao. More ploughed land was encountered here, as well as a field sown with some crop between  olive trees, which had to be skirted.
A phone call from Dinah promising tea and scones meant that the bar was given a miss, and the group made a hasty exit from the car park looking not to right nor left. I hope our neighbours up the hill (co-proprietors of the Adega) did not see me!  A very pleasant hour followed in consumption of the promised comestibles.
This is always a tough walk, even in cut-down form, and the disturbance of the earth didn’t help in a number of places, but the flora was as ever a joy, and produced a number of talking points as we went along.

The Route on Google Earth.
(The green line shows our route on the day. The blue shows the Covoes extension which has been walked previously)
‘The curfew tolls the knell of parting day;
The wandering herd winds slowly o’er the lea;
The ploughman homeward plods his weary way;
And the leaves the paths impassable for me.’
(With many apologies to Thomas Gray)

Alternative Walk, 22.04.09: Bensafrim without .....

Bensafrim without…….
ACDB writes:-
It is perhaps as well that the Algarve Way crossing has been completed, as Dad’s Army seems to be about to wither away to nothing. Sans Recorder, sans Photographer, almost sans Dog by the sounds of it. Here is Rod’s account of the doings of Wednesday ‘on the other side of the hill’.
Present:  Hedley, Frank W., David and Judy Blaylock and Rod (Leader)
              Dog, Misty.
A very diminished crew set off from the Bensafrim market cafe on a glorious, very warm morning, but without the deputy blogger and chief papperazzi. This humble report is therefore without photographic, or statistical  support nor indeed any punchy inserts.  However it was good to welcome Judy and David Blaylock, who had walked with us at some indeterminate  point in the distant past. 
The walk was one covered before, more or less, through the hills north of Bensafrim and was really quite uneventful.  Even the fairly frequent stream crossings failed to present any sort of challenge and there were no notable ascents...all too easy really but about right for a hot day.  Lunch was taken, as occasionally before, at the Quinta de Escocia.  The Blackie family were not in residence, indeed there was little evidence that they had been any time recently, nor seemingly intended to so we settled ourselves down at their terrace table and chairs. The only thing missing was a waiter and cold beers!  All far too comfortable really !
At the bottom of the Bensafrim River valley we caught up with another small group of wandering hikers and  our leader decided to make a diversion through Quinta de Paraiso Alto stables to check up on his horse.  Misty, perhaps put off by  dozens of yapping dogs, decided, unnoticed by us (distracted as we were by chatting to the stable girls!), to follow the other walking group.  So we had to beat a hasty retreat to catch them up to ensure Misty was indeed with them. After splitting up and wandering through the back streets of Bensafrim we eventually found the group in the very same cafe that we were heading for, with Misty lying quietly with them!
For the record we were out for about 41/2 hrs and probably covered about 10 / 11 k.   


‘Silken dalliance is all very well, but what about the dog?’
Anon

Algarve Way 2009. 22.04.09

Algarve Way 2009. Day 12. The Day of the Super-Babes.

Babes:-  Alex, Ingrid, Tina, Antje

Aging Roués:- Ian S, Ian W, David.

Canines:- In the san. again.

The early morning at Carrapateira saw the smallest contingent of the whole crossing assemble to tackle the demanding coastal walk to the Cape. Chris had wisely decided that discretion was the better part, and Dina had kept to her bed, while Tiggy and Sam had run themselves to a standstill, so just seven two-legs girded up their loins and made their way towards the first target at Praia do Amado.

Who’s the one with the two heads?

There was a definite air of demob-happiness as the walk began, aided by the fact that for three of the group this was their first taste of the ‘updulations’ of the coast path to Castelejo. Blissful ignorance was allowed to prevail.

 

I thought he said it was hilly?

Almost true to form, a small dog began to walk with us across the beach, but thankfully seemed to know the limits of its territory, and turned back quite soon.

Stay there, Tina – I need a soft landing.

Extra spice and urgency was added to the first half of the walk by the need to beat the tide to Praia de Barriga, and the leader was obliged to keep up a smart pace. The response from the group was brilliant – not a moan was heard – at least not loud enough for him to hear. Alex had a falling over day but thankfully without serious consequences. Ian W, however, decided early on to forge ahead, and had to be called to order twice in the first hour and a half. The cliff walk has probably caused more problems of direction finding than any other section of the Way over the years, in spite of having the sea to one side, and fond recollection of ‘Paul’s alternative’ was aired.

Doesn’t look quite right – where’s the cistus?

Down time before the Up time

Up, and up, and up……

The weather was perfect for the task, and the beach was gained with a good half-hour to spare before any threat of wet feet. 

See, he did say it was flat…..

But he meant flat out!

From there to the haven of the beach cafe at Castelejo took very little time, and a somewhat breathless little band relaxed for a slightly longer than usual morning break. The discovery of the excellent – if rather expensive – tarte de amendoa further helped to prolong the very pleasant interlude, as did the leader’s decision to uncover his legs for the delight of the group – especially the Babes, of course.

They might have taken the stones out!

 The climb out of Castelejo was accomplished with the caffeine rush still in full flow, and lunch was taken in a light breeze in the shelter of the obelisk at Torre de Aspa.

End of the trig-point drought – and how!

What creatures of habit we are. And then it was best foot forward for the Cabo, with the ever-present flowers to divert thoughts from the aches and pains as we went along. The second half of the walk has been blessed with the finest display of spring flowers that I can remember.

A small sample

Only at the very end did the faith of the followers in the leader waver. He hesitated at the final major turn, something not lost on the sharp-eyed Ian W, but took the correct route. Wandering hither and yon among the sand and limestone near the Cape was what really made a few wonder if the marbles were in the departure lounge, but all was well.

On the wibbly wobbly way

The reception at the lighthouse was small but enthusiastic, and there were congratulations – as well as bubbly – all round. The leader was touched and very grateful to be presented with a plate commemorating the walk, which now adorns his kitchen wall. As well as the drivers – Richard, Andrew and Marguerite – John O’ had made the pilgrimage to the end of the world, and very good it was to see him.

The Seven Survivors.

A Moment to Remember

And Maddy Came Too!

And so back to Carrapateira to retrieve transport and to achieve what was considered impossible – to raise a smile from the proprietress of the cafe there. Who but Ian S to realise this objective – and what a difference it made!  Drinks and immediate reminiscence in warm sunshine was a fitting end to proceedings before the trek home.

Back to Alcoutim next week then? 

Three people had walked every step of the way, with one other lacking only a single stage. The Super-Babes had triumphed!

Stats for Day 12.

Distance:-  25.8K

Moving average:- 4.4

Overall average:- 3.6 (blame it on the tarte)

Total time:-  7h 12

Total ascent:-  564m

Maximum elevation:-  163m

Quotes of the Day:

“There are only three ages for women in Hollywood - Babe, District Attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy”

Goldie Hawn.

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Hilaire Belloc.

Leader’s Postscript.

The twelve days we have spent walking across the Algarve have been a great experience for me and it seems for others as well. Not only were we blessed with brilliant weather for all but two of those days, but the company was the best I could have hoped for, and the appreciation that people have shown for the planning and organisation has been welcome and touching. I need to pay tribute to Terry A, my partner with the paint-brush, for all the hours he and I spent together working out the route and getting in and out of trouble. A big thank you to all involved. Let’s hope that we can keep this Algarve Way going for many years to come. 

Algarve Way 2009 Day 11 21.04.09

Algarve Way Day 11. Dowager Foundation Day.

(or was it the other way around?)

Aljezur to Carrapateira.

The Discussion Group:

Tina, Alex, Ingrid, Dina, Antje, Chris, Ian W, David.

Interested Observers:-  Tiggy,  Sam.

The Incredible Shrinking Band + 2

The weather had recovered from the collywobbles of last week as we gathered in perfect conditions at Aljezur to begin the final two days of the crossing. As has become customary, all arrived on time, and the transport arrangements worked impeccably. For the first time for three weeks, we had canine company, as Tiggy and Sam tumbled out of Chris and Antje’s car, raring to go. And so, off to Aljezur castle for the first climb and view of the day.

There should be a rule against early climbs

In truth, this was another day when all went to plan, and we walked steadily and without incident along largely level ground, following the edge of the plateau overlooking the valley in which Aljezur sits, before descending towards the sea near Bordeira and walking the last three k along the road into Carrapateira. We managed a spanking 5k an hour on this easy route, without really trying – which must say something for the increased fitness of all concerned after five weeks of Tuesdays and Wednesdays on the trail.

Hang on gang, I can’t keep up!

This stage of the walk is not to everyone’s liking, and indeed the amount of tarmac is to be regretted, but there does not seem to be much alternative. The section has its own interest and character, the eucalyptus woods of the early part replaced near Montes Novos by wide open spaces and fields of cereal crops, which give way in turn to  flower-strewn coastal heathland leading down to the coast road.

These shall represent them all.

We had been walking for perhaps an hour when we met a small group of riders turning onto the track in front of us, together with a small dog who had to be carefully introduced to Sam.

Por favor, onde é São Vicente?

Speculation that it might be the Almargem riders still looking to complete their crossing was crushed when it was realised that they were in training at the local riding establishment.  A little further on, at the up and coming surfer’s retreat at Montes Novos, Tiggy first of all got a hot reception from one of the resident dogs, and then went to cool off in the village water trough, jumping in while Sam looked on enviously, unable to emulate her agility.

Not the Portuguese Water Dog

We were almost ambushed by a trig point shortly afterwards, hiding in the undergrowth at the point where the heathland begins, but this was not the Day of the Trigids, as we managed to pass within a respectable distance, avoiding this one and the the next  in line closer to the sea. Highlight of the day, however, must be the revival of the running conversation about grades of membership within a certain local horticultural organisation, which has given this day its title. Who the Dowagers might be, and what the nature of their Foundations, must probably remain a mystery, indeed it would be as well that it did. The subject proved endlessly fascinating, however – probably a comment on the effect on the brain of five weeks of  bashing one’s feet onto the rock of the Algarve.

Lunch was taken in the shade of eucalyptus shortly after leaving Montes Novos, Sam eagerly devouring various remains.

Doorstep, Banana, GPS….no, I don’t eat that one…….

The long road into Carrapateira was enlivened briefly by an interesting zoological observation.

The mother died of shock…

The proceedings terminated in the usual fashion at the cafe in the square at Carrapateira, with some discussion about the arrrangements for the early start on the morrow.  Does 07.30 actually exist?

I rub it on my ankle – works wonders.

Stats for Day 11.

Distance:-  20.8k

Time:-  4h 48.

Moving average:- 5.0

Overall average:- 4.3

Total ascent:-  276m

Maximum elevation:-  163m

Quotes of the Day:

‘My enthusiasm for gardening has grown as I've got older - I think it's because I know time is running out’

Dowager Duchess of Devonshire

(So beware of encouraging them, Ian)

“To put it bluntly, I seem to have a whole superstructure with no foundation. But I'm working on the foundation.”

Marilyn Monroe.

Leader’s Postscript.

After the group had taken their leave at Aljezur, the rest of the day was my own, and Aljezur – or at least Igreja Nova – is a very pleasant place in which to spend a few hours in the sunshine. Armed with a newspaper, a good book and a glass of sumo de laranja, and with a bit of people-watching thrown in, I whiled away the time, first of all waiting for the proprietor of the Residencial to turn up with the key (20 minutes stretched to an hour) and then just enjoying the warmth. A good Italian supper and  perfectly adequate en-suite accommodation completed a restful interlude. And then it was 6.15 a.m……….

AWW 15-04-2009 No walk but a Pink Porsche and a Piggy-back

Sadly, this week Dad's Army finally gave up the chase as the Dear Leader and his horde raced at an ever-increasing rate of knots off towards the far West; consequently, no AWW normal-type walk took place and there is nothing pedestrian to report . This down-time does, however, permit this persistent and pestilential paparazzo to pursue pictorially last week's theme of words beginning with the letter "P" .


Possibly, you will recall that the phrases covered then were penguins, Picasso and polar bears. Now, from the AWW private photgraphic archive, we can publish possibly pleasing pictures of :-

A Pink Porsche

A Prize-giving

A Paddling Pair

A Piggy-Back

and finally,

A Proposal by Pease

A crossword-type word game to conclude with, instead of a quotation:-

The clue: "In the East, perusal produces delight"

(solution has 8 letters, consistent with this week's theme)

The first to email me the correct answer wins a bottle of, naturally, Plonk.

Algarve Way Day 10. 15.04.09

Algarve Way Day 10. The Day We Got Damp.

The Water Babies:

Dina, Tina, Alex, Ian S, Ian W, Ingrid, Chris, Antje, Nan, David.

Welcome back to the AW story to Antje and Ian S in particular. We seem to be having a really difficult time recruiting dogs on the second half of the crossing, what with Maddie still recovering from her dodgy pig’s ear, and Tiggy and Sam still suffering from sore feet after their latest bid for freedom.

Well, we managed the stats again, and photos, thanks to Ingrid. Interesting thing is, they showed a 200m discrepancy with Paul’s reading of 2008 for this Marmalete to Aljezur stage. We had the same problem a couple of weeks ago, I remember. Whose meter is running too fast, I ask myself??

Where has our great leader gone?

Today was possibly the least eventful day I can remember as far as the AWWs are concerned, and certainly the one with the least to comment upon during our crossing. One could say, ‘We set off, got wet, dried off, got wet again, dried off….’ and so on, because that was the pattern of the day.

First it rained…..

…then it didn’t.

There were no alarms and excursions, everyone arrived on time at the right place, no one fell over, everyone got there in one piece etc etc.

The Passil Valley Water Stick Dance – experts category.

.. and beginners section. The Hump doesn’t help.

We didn’t even have a lunch stop to take pics of, eating on the hoof to try to avoid another shower before Aljezur. And Ingrid forgot to taker a pic in the bar – what else could be missing??

The Passil valley was beautiful, even in the rain, and the cool temperatures helped us to move at a fine pace.

You can’t even stop….to tie your laces!

The weather in fact was not as bad as the forecast had suggested, with sunny periods between the showers. The constant donning and doffing of garments was a feature of the day, but never sufficient to cause a glimmer of interest until the leader removed his trousers in the car park at Aljezur – and even then no one was watching. A number of new plants were seen and noted, including low-growing blue lupins in the gorge leading up to the height above Aljezur, and foxgloves at various places.

Heart-rate is quite high enough, thank you!

Waymarks old and new

Drinks were taken at the bar in the square in Marmalete at start and finish. I suspect the young lady behind the bar is beginning to think she has a group of mad people to contend with, as we have patronised her establishment four times in two days,  looking all the while as though we were intending to go somewhere else. Os estrangeiros – maloucos, todos!!

The most remarkable moment of today occurred some time after the completion of the stage – in fact after I got home. I received a message on my mobile congratulating the group on reaching Cape St. Vincent…from the Chief Blogger!!!!!!! Now there is a talking point!

 

Stats for Day 10.

Total Distance:- 18.6km

Moving average:- 5.1 km/hr

Overall average:- 4.5km/hr

Total time:- 4h 16

Moving time:- 3h 40

Total Ascent:- 262m

Maximum Elevation:- 411m

Quotes for Day 10.

‘Nothingmas Day – no it wasn’t, it was Nothingmas Eve…’

Adrian Mitchell.

Do not seek to have events happen as you want them to, but instead want them to happen as they do happen, and your life will go well”

Epictetus, Greek Philosopher.

Photo of the Day

I know I have odd socks – so what?

Algarve Way Day 9. 14.04.09

Algarve Way Day 9. Gary Owen Day.

Team Captain and scrum-half:- David

Pack:- Tina, Ingrid, Alex, Hilke

Three-quarters:- Chris, Hedley

Full-back:- Dina

Late sub:- Nan

Injury List:- Mike, Antje (by proxy)

Preamble.

The Walters GPS proved even more fickle today. Having worked perfectly whilst sitting still on a shelf in the office at Covoes, it first of all started, then stopped, then started again and finally refused to start altogether. Fortunately, a back-up was to hand, thanks to the truly resourceful Ingrid, and we were able at least to produce stats. (Note: Yes, I am sucking up to Ingrid this week, to make up for the bag lady photo.)The track picture here is from Google Earth, kindly sent through by Richard.

The Pack – see list of participants above – ganged up on Full-back Dina and ‘persuaded’ her to write the blog for the day. This is the most blatant example of bullying I have seen for some time, from those who should have volunteered to write up a day long ago. Shame on you, ladies!! (At least Hilke did do a write-up!)

Here is Dina’s account of Day 9 with thanks and the usual photo interruptions:

Hoje, dia 14 de Abril, propusemo-nos cumprir mais uma etapa da travessia do Algarve, cerca de 15 km.

Pre-Match Photo

Partimos do posto de abastecimento de combustível, na estrada que dá acesso a Monchique, pelas 9h 30m e mais uma vez o nosso líder teve dificuldades em accionar o seu GPS. O que nos valeu foi a Ingrid estar munida do GPS do seu companheiro e ter recebido alguns ensinamentos no último domingo. Parece que ficou apta porque conseguiu acompanhar o percurso, com orientação.

OK, Turn out your bags. Who’s got Alex’ sarnies?

Own up, or you all get detention.

Huh! Don’t like tuna and lettuce anyway!

Quando íamos a caminho da Fóia fomos atacados por muita chuva e frio, que contribuiu para nos molharmos bastante, também devido aos muitos arbustos que obstruíam o trilho.

Last outing this year – and I’m going to enjoy it!

Do you know  the Wet Cist(er)s? Lovely Girls!

Ao alcançarmos a Fóia foi muito oportuna a paragem forçada no café-restaurante, pois permitiu-nos retemperar forças e aquecimento, através de uma bebida quente.

The View that Almost Was

Deixámos a Fóia através de um nevoeiro muito intenso, que dificultava encontrar “o caminho”.

Anybody claim that tortoise?

Perto das 2 horas da tarde, conseguimos finalmente cumprir mais esta etapa.

Dina Peres

A Different World.

Stats for Day 9.

Distance:-  14.5 km

Total Time:-  4h 06.

Moving Average:- 4.5 km/hr

Overall average:-  3.5 km/hr

Total ascent:- 538m

Maximum elevation:- 896m

Quotes of the Day

"To play rugby league, you need three things: a good pass, a good tackle and a good excuse." – Anon

"On female rugby teams - Everybody thinks we should have moustaches and hairy backsides, but in fact you could put us all on the cover of Vogue." - Helen Kirk (1987)

Photo of the Day

What a relief!