THE EPIC SAGA OF OS HORTINHAS
A 12 km adventure of courage, chaos, and questionable decisions
Our story begins in the legendary parking area of Restaurante “Os Hortinhas”, where six brave heroes — Allan, Jan, Peter, Caroll, Martin, Don, and Rafa — assembled like the Fellowship of the Ring, except with fewer swords ( and not a bow and arrow in sight) and more snacks.
🌊 Chapter 1: The Ribeira Do Alportel Standoff
The group marched boldly along the Ribeira do Alportel, until they reached a river crossing that can only be described as: “Absolutely not. Try again.”
The water was high.
The current was strong.
The rocks were slippery.
The group stared at it like it had personally insulted them.
Then came the heroic question:
“Should I go for a swim?”
Translation:
“I’m considering a terrible idea, please stop me.”
🍽️ Chapter 2: Lunchtime — The Survival Edition
Lunch was enjoyed by the river, where sandwiches instantly transformed into Michelin‑star cuisine simply because everyone was hungry enough to eat a small tree.
🍊 Chapter 3: The Neighbour’s Fruit — A Spiritual Experience
A kind neighbour offered fruit so fresh, so perfect, so life‑changing that the group briefly considered abandoning society and becoming full‑time fruit‑based nomads.
🥾 Chapter 4: The Final Kilometres
As the sun blazed and legs grew heavy, the group pushed through the final stretch.
There were moments of doubt.
There were moments of drama.
There were moments when someone definitely pretended to tie their shoe just to rest.
But after 12 km, they emerged victorious — tired, dusty, and miraculously still friends.
😄 Epilogue
All of them were happy.
All of them survived.
And none of them had to swim.
A triumph for humanity.
Peter....with a bit of assistance from Geoff, but mainly co-pilot.
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