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.