AWW 13th May 2009: The Pebble Fish Walk

13th May 2009.  The Pebble Fish Walk.
A most refreshing change from the usual Wednesday treks, as we wandered our way across the flatlands of the Alvor estuary, led by Elaine and Stan. Here is Elaine’s account of our doings:
 We were 13  (Elaine & Stan, David L, Chris and Antje, Ingrid John O', Yves, Ian W,  Dina, Lindsey, David and Julie, on the walk plus 2 dogs (Tiggy and Sam)  but we were nearly only 11 as David L and Lindsey got very lost on the way - apologies if it was the directions - but Alvor is notoriously difficult to drive through. 

It’s the one on the right!
The first part of the walk was along the beach towards Lagos to the rock lined entry to Alvor harbour. We then walked along the estuary side back into Alvor harbour with lovely views up the river estuary past Mexilhoeira to Monchique and of the area 'Quinta da Rocha', now closed to us for walking by fences.

Sam wasn’t always in trouble

What price your trig points now????
Next we walked along the 'Riberinha' area by the harbour and followed the walkway beyond until it ended.  Now we had our first ascent up on to the cliff above the river estuary (pathetic in terms of normal Wed walk  climbs!) We followed the cliff path until it dropped down to a barragem which we crossed and turned left on to a raised path above the river.
  You can do it, John O’ !
We followed it, spotting some black winged stilts and egrets and trying to avoid the 2 very muddy dogs all the way to the railway line.  We crossed this and made our way to the EN125 which we had to walk along for about 300m, then off again through the edge of Figueira crossing the railway line again.

Apparently, it’s due a week on Tuesday.
We followed a cross country track which eventually led us to another raised path next to the dammed river.  We spotted quite large fish, herons, little terns but didn't see the spoonbills which we had seen when reccying - I think they had fled for peace and quiet to the other side of the lake.   We reached the barragem again and then after a short detour inland around the hill we climbed gently up on to the cliff again to enjoy fabulous views of the river mouth with yachts dotted under a blue sky - gosh I'm getting quite lyrical, as a contrast to Ian W who declared it was 'quite a nice view' .

Where are all the hills, then?

We finished the walk with a drink at one of the cafes on the riberinha esplanade.

And then she said, ‘Uma bica – cinco euros’  !
 Stats:
Total distance: 16 km
Moving average: 4.5 km/hr
Overall average: 3.6 km/hr
Total time: 4 hr 24 min
Moving time: 3 hr 32 min
Stopped time: 51 min 31 sec.
Total ascent 199 m
Max elevation: 29 m

ADCB’s Comments:
Lost indeed! I was about 200 metres from the meeting-point when Stan rounded me up – but I had no idea I was so close!
Anyway, this was a very pleasant walk indeed, new territory for me, and a small glimpse of what is at stake in the continuing struggle to preserve the remaining wild areas of the south coast. I noted in the press this week that the owners of Quinta da Rocha have been fined €16,000 for one instance of law-breaking, and that five more are in the pipeline. Let’s hope that they are sufficiently penalised to make them think again about their plans.

What we stand to lose……
Two incidents during the walk stand out in the memory, apart from the wonderful views and the interesting wildlife. The first is of Dina being literally swept off her feet by an exuberant Sam, being happily restored to the vertical no worse for her tumble. Sam had an interesting day all round, getting under Ian W’s feet on the narrow path along the dykes, much to that gentleman’s displeasure, and slipping his collar almost at the end to rub noses – thankfully nothing more violent – with a dalmatian.
The second is more of an observation. On the return path above the river, splashes were seen in the water at regular intervals, and earnest conversations took place concerning the nature of the fish that could make such loud and obvious exits and entries without actually being seen. Your  ADCB, stopping to retie his shoelace and obey the call of nature saw, as he was catching up the group, our very own favourite Frog chucking pebbles into the water. The latter then rejoined the group himself and continued the discussion about fishy splashes with a look of total innocence on his Gallic fizog. You just can’t trust ‘em, you know!!!

Who me?  Not guilty, Your Honour!!!!
Quote of the Week:
‘Allons, c’est une revolte?’
‘Non Sire, ce n’est qu’une plaisanterie.’
(Not quite as the original conversation.)