AWW 7th December 2016: Christmas Lunch at Solar do Farelo

 

Here is Geoff´s illustrated report on the Christmas walk and the Christmas lunch, which marked the AWWs  return to the Solar do Farelo restaurant after a gap of several years, 9 years to be precise. Over to Geoff…….

AWW Christmas Walk and Lunch, 7 December 2016

I couldn’t possibly follow Russell and Linda’s excellent walk report of last week, so I am afraid this is back to the mundane!. Of the 34 who signed up for the lunch, exactly half reported to the Honey Cafe for a brisk 2 hour appetizer.....along with Bica. It was good to see Frank W walking again, and he promised to come again next year : we also welcomed Myriam ( AdV)’s niece and Ryan (who are so young, they hadn’t heard of Ryan O’Neill, Peyton Place etc etc), along with Wags Rod, Paul & Myriam.

More senior members of the AWW will recall Patricia’s, where she and William used to host such lunches back in The Day:

Lance-Corporal elect Ken ( sorry, Lance-Bombadier Ken) showed off his improvisational powers again when a couple of local dogs fancied having a go at poor Bica:

We had walked here a month ago , and were surprised at the amount of verdant growth there had been since then ( there had been copious rains of late) , but the overall impression was still one of stunted trees in a black/sepia background, almost reminiscent of old WW1 photos : hopefully, recovery will be well underway by next spring.

We identified a lot of holes in the ground : consensus was they were caused by old tree stumps smouldering for some time after the fires, burning themselves out but leaving a hole, sometimes with a bit of charred stump within.

Having described the walk as flat(ish) I was reminded that it was actually quite hilly, though that didn’t seem to be a problem:

Our peaceful itinerary was rather rudely interrupted by some noisy off-roaders, and again later by some quad-bikers : the blessing being that the scree was damp after the rains and hence we weren’t covered in dust.

What pleasure the occupants got from being in such a cramped, noisy and dirty environment, is beyond my comprehension. We enjoyed the delights of a walk in fresh air, with sun on our backs and good company...not forgetting the growing appetite for a Christmas Lunch!

First we had to navigate a big puddle though:

And of course, get dressed for the occasion, usually surreptitiously behind the cars:

After a quick refreshing beer or coffee, ( for which many thanks to Frank M for his treat for all) , we made our way to the Solar de Farelo where the ever resourceful treasurer had provided Christmas wrapping paper , scissors and sellotape for those who weren’t adorned with antlers such as these:

We had wondered why Maria hadn’t joined the walking group, that is until we espied her glamourous outfit.....you can’t change into that behind a car!

Lance-Bombadier Ken gave a vote of thanks to David and Ros for their hard work in organising the delicious meal, and David was eventually reunited with his Wainwright Ale, given to him in Spain, but somehow having eluded him to date.

All in all, a great finish to another great walking year.

Geoff

To conclude, some further photos from Yves and Myriam, of the jollity, and of the varied ways of wearing silly hats. Some can get away with it – others….well, I´ll let you be the judge.

And for nostalgic old-timers, here is the link to the blog for that previous Christmas lunch at Solar do Farelo, way back on 19th December 2007:- 

http://aww2007.blogspot.pt/2007/12/aww-19122007-walk-that-wasnt-christmas.html

“Memories are like mulligatawny soup in a cheap restaurant. It is best not to stir them.”

                                                                                                                                                                         (P.G Wodehouse)

“Memories are hunting horns whose sound dies on the wind.”

                                                                                                                                                              (Guillaume Apollinaire)

“There are three things I always forget. Names, faces and - - - the third I can´t remember.”

                                                                                                                                                                                    (Italo Svevo)

AWW 30th November 2016: Mission Morris or Operation Rasmalho

 

 

AWW – RASMALHO – WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

Jim, Frank, John D, Russell, Terry A, Ken, Ros, Sue, Terry, Annie, Sue, Yves, Ray, Linda, Miriam, Geoff and 2 dogs.

On a grey, cloudy, yet extremely warm Wednesday morning, an elite unit of 15 Royal Marine Commandos, Unit 42 Parachute Regiment and one French Legionnaire (this is not a disease) met at the Café Casa De Pasto in Rasmalho. After coffees and a debrief, Operation Rasmalho began. Four off road vehicles were used to reach the start and so the pace was set, 70km per hour. The unit tense and excited at what was to come. After a group photo for posterity, in case someone didn’t return, Colour Sargent Morris 24270726 inspected his troops. A special mention must go to ex. D.I. Ken (last name withheld due to security reasons) for having the best bulled boots on parade. The mirror shine was to prove invaluable in the gloom. (If his improvement continues I will have no problem putting him forward for promotion to Lance Corporal).

In single line formation, we advanced at a lightening pace, hacking through the jungle of blood drawing bramble, the scars plain to see as we emerged at the other side. With stealth and silence, we advanced to meet the giant puddles, the pace never wavering, no casualties were incurred and so onward uphill for 90 minutes. Several layers of clothes stripped off in the process, but no dissension in the ranks. At last the top, toilet breaks were taken (plastic bags advised for a number 2).

The weather was still with us as we headed down into bandit country, but still no contact with the enemy. We were still exceeding 4km per hour, our unit still intact and no-one lost. Operation Morris on course for completion. Several members stocked up their fuel supply by eating as many Madronias as possible, interspersing into conversations about how much gin, vodka, wine, beers and Schweppes tonic with fresh lemon they drink. It makes me extremely proud to be amongst like-minded people. At the foot of the valley we again head up, and up, and up, not one murmur of dissent is heard, (probably through lack of oxygen and being out of breath) and up, and up, and up. Then out of the gloom, a chance encounter with deserters from an earlier AWW regiment, (Ian, Alex and 2 x females) still hiding in the forest, looking drawn and under nourished. We wished them luck!!!

At the top lunch is taken (no more K.P. ration packs), this unit has mature cheddar and home-made piccalilli sandwiches, smoked salmon and rocket salad and other varied snacks. Up and away after 20minutes and the pace has increased to 4.5kms per hour on the down-hill descent

After a little off piste, we engage the enemy as the valley is lit up with the sound of barking dogs. Our two attack dogs are put on the lead. No one falters and we press on remorselessly, everyone can sense our goal is close. Up the last slope and the giant puddles again appear in the distance. The stride pattern is not broken, the pace again picks up as we splash through the water, our single aim to reach the bar before it closes. The Lance Corporal-in-waiting attempts to build a Bailey bridge out of wood.

In the distance through the bramble jungle our transport can be seen. Mission is complete, 17kms in 3 hours and 50 minutes at 4.25km per hour. The names listed are all mentioned in dispatches and we will be happy to serve with them all again in future missions.

We would also like to commiserate with the Field Marshall David, whose tank lost a fuel pump on the way over. Hopefully it will be repaired in time for the Christmas Party.

Also thanks to Geoff for additional photos.

Thank you all for coming, your commitment and enthusiasm spurs us on to undertake more dangerous missions. Russell and Linda.