Sao Marcos 19th April

AWW Sao Marcos da Serra, 19th April

or: Water, what Water?

                                         Starters: Hazel, John, Angie, Yves, Jim, Ros, Rose, 

                                         Manuela, Ingrid and Frank. DL Behind the camera.

When I sent out the notice for this walk, the temperature was in the high 20s, and I imagined a parched trail and wilting walkers. In the event, the mercury took a considerable fall overnight on Tuesday, and we had hazy sunshine and a cool wind . and the trail was NOT parched. The group was smaller than in recent weeks, with a good number otherwise engaged.

All assembled in Sao Marcos at the appointed time, having had to park in several scattered locations, as the stage for the Easter celebrations was still occupying much of the church square. Cafe Central was thankfully in business, so refreshments were taken. 

Then it was out on the road, down the hill and alongside the railway until we thankfully turned off the tarmac to wander up the long valley towards Monte Ruivo. All went well and swiftly, with Rose absolutely determined to walk the legs off everyone in the group until cries of protest slowed the pace a little. Not until the later part of this first stage did I begin to understand that we were not yet really in the dry season, when we came to a dip in the track still several inches under water. The group were surprisingly muted in their mutterings - at least within my hearing. Two individuals splashed straight through, but at this early stage most opted either for the plastic bags or bare feet.

From there to the turning point near the head of the valley there were blessedly no further water traps, and we climbed the fairly gentle slope onto the ridge separating the two valleys without further incident. No livestock up here on this occasion, but there were signs of recent bovine presence underfoot. Then we made our way into the valley,  across to Monte Ruivo and up to the IC1 crossing. Three more cautious walkers crossed via the bridge while the rest took their chances with the juggernauts.

It was after the climb away from the road that we hit water again as we turned south to head back to Sao Marcos. These crossings did have more or less dry edges, but some still insisted on the direct approach, and carried on through regardless.

Then it was lunch time, and a low grassy bank provided suitable seating, though some were a little unsure about ants - Ros sat in the middle of the track, and Angie, being new, has to serve her apprenticeship before being allowed a comfortable pew.

Onward down the long descent towards our destination, we encountered yet another water hazard, this time impassable with dry feet, as we made our way down towards the valley floor. Even more decided that the end was nigh enough to risk blisters, but Frank and I debooted and paddled through once more.

     Our VA hero dons his trusty boots once more.

There was one more stream to cross as we made our way back to the IC1 at the Sao Marcos junction, but Yves (he said) had been out early to lay stepping stones.

At the main road, I was almost decked by a white van hurtling round the corner as we once again diced with death, while the three aforementioned made the long trek round via the bridge once again. Then it was a matter of following the river towards Sao Marcos and climbing the long hill back to the start through the town - probably the steepest climb of the day. A pleasant half hour in the cafe followed, before all departed in good spirits.

           The Church, Sao Marcos da Serra.

Stats (Courtesy of John H)

Distance: 18.2 kms

Total time: 4 hrs 55 mins

Moving time: about 4 hrs 15 mins

Ascent 406 metres.

Average moving speed: 4.4 kph. (That´s what happens when ladies are allowed to take the lead.)

Lunch break: a very short 20 mins.

Track (ditto)

ATTENTION ALL WALKERS!!!!

                                        WANTED!

                                                  Unknown walker, goes under the alias

                                                  ´The Stick Tapper´. Wanted for sugar

                                                sachet rustling and banana skin kidnap.

                                                                 Large Reward.