AWW 30-01-2019 Aguas Frias ( molhadas e úmidas ! )
Picture the scene – it’s 9.50 and only one walker – David - has found his way to the café in Aguas
Frias for a 10 am start. Had I unknowingly missed out a line in the directions ? or was it the promise
of a soaking ?? or the uncertainty of venturing into The Alentejo ??!! – or worse…nobody wanted
to walk with me !!
Frias for a 10 am start. Had I unknowingly missed out a line in the directions ? or was it the promise
of a soaking ?? or the uncertainty of venturing into The Alentejo ??!! – or worse…nobody wanted
to walk with me !!
Suddenly a rush of cars arrived and the day was saved. 23 people made it to the café and don’t we
look a happy crowd ! I’m overjoyed to have some company after all and everyone else is laughing
at the truck driver who was jokingly threatening to park his truck between camera and group.
look a happy crowd ! I’m overjoyed to have some company after all and everyone else is laughing
at the truck driver who was jokingly threatening to park his truck between camera and group.
From L to R Kim,Martin,Russell,Geoff,Sarah, David,Frank,Ros,Maria,Hazel,Trish,Sue M,John,
Sue H, Jim,Isabel,Linda,Terry,John H.
Missing from the photo Alan,Ken, John Ha, Scott
Missing altogether as they got lost around Silves – Jan, Pat and Terry.
We set off later than planned and crossed the bridge over a rather sad looking River Arade. A wide
easy track took us in the direction of Zambujal at a cracking pace – most of us needing to warm up
by now. A touch of tarmac led us down through the village and out to the river where I’d planned
a nicely posed group photo on the bridge. See below
easy track took us in the direction of Zambujal at a cracking pace – most of us needing to warm up
by now. A touch of tarmac led us down through the village and out to the river where I’d planned
a nicely posed group photo on the bridge. See below
We didn’t like to tell him the only bus today had just gone !
Not quite on the bridge and more casual/informal than posed.
From Zambujal we started climbing ( still smiling ) and before too long reached the
boundary of the Algarve and the Alentejo. By this time it was raining and we’d produced
all manner and colour of waterproofs from our rucksacks and were somewhat spread
out – which meant that this important landmark went by unnoticed by most.
boundary of the Algarve and the Alentejo. By this time it was raining and we’d produced
all manner and colour of waterproofs from our rucksacks and were somewhat spread
out – which meant that this important landmark went by unnoticed by most.
Uphill and still smiling.
Russell was, evidently, having problems with his new poncho
Until Sue got him sorted out.
The French protester and the man with at least 5 layers of poncho.
On our way down into São Barnabé we came across some livestock,
Slow down – pork crossing.
This fellow was the lucky one as his brother had been made into chouriço here a few weeks
earlier.
earlier.
Still raining when we reached the riverside café so we gave the picnic area a miss and enjoyed
our canapés under the canopy .
our canapés under the canopy .
No-one likes a steep ascent just after lunch but by the time we’d all waterproofed ourselves
again we needed a climb to warm us up.
again we needed a climb to warm us up.
All the new macs were tried out today – Hazel’s is very floral.
We climbed up high onto a ridge where, normally , we would have spectacular views – today
sadly was more like this,
sadly was more like this,
Before long the track connecting both halves of the figure of 8 was clearly visible
down to our left and, to my surprise, at least half the group ( the “race-ahead of the
leader” half ! ) took this – apparently wanting to go round to S Barnabé again.Or
perhaps they thought it was a short cut back to the coffee and beer ? before I could
even find my whistle Frank had bellowed them back into rank.
down to our left and, to my surprise, at least half the group ( the “race-ahead of the
leader” half ! ) took this – apparently wanting to go round to S Barnabé again.Or
perhaps they thought it was a short cut back to the coffee and beer ? before I could
even find my whistle Frank had bellowed them back into rank.
Nearing the road back to Aguas Frias some of us took in one more hill and a steep
descent through the hamlet of Aguas Frias de Baixo while the rest walked around the
bottom of the hill to the road.
descent through the hamlet of Aguas Frias de Baixo while the rest walked around the
bottom of the hill to the road.
All arrived back about the same time to enjoy hot chocolate, cold beer, reviving
coffee and relaxing wine.
coffee and relaxing wine.
Was this once the main road to Lisbon ?
Mrs Kitty doing what Mrs Kitties have to do ( and doing it very well ).
Several people asked if we can do this walk again in good weather so let’s plan for Sept.
Many thanks for your cheerful company in spite of the drizzle.
Ed.'s addition :
The above is Ros' verbatim report , she later added a PS with John H's stats from the previous year
Distance:- 21.2 kms
Total ascent:- 809 metres.
I reckoned it was a shade under 5.5 hours including lunch , so probably averaging at just over 4kph, pretty quick, but then we didn't want to hang around and admire the soggy landscape!
Here also are some extra pictures from John Ospic (Official Starter Photographer In Chief ):
Guess who's wet?
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