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)
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……….
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