AWW : 29th May 2019 “A Walk in the Park.......Parque da Fonte Ferrea”
Susan, Jan, Martin, David, Sue, Alan, Frank, Tony and John..
Upon arrival at our meeting point we were greeted to the sight of several
dozen Bombeiros and INEM personnel who we assumed were there to
wave us off, or maybe were just taking a more pro-active approach to AWW
activities. In any event it was reassuring to know they were close at hand.
dozen Bombeiros and INEM personnel who we assumed were there to
wave us off, or maybe were just taking a more pro-active approach to AWW
activities. In any event it was reassuring to know they were close at hand.
Anyway nine seemingly happy participants lined up under starters orders
clearly eager to get started on the first climb of the day although not before
cross checking the adequacy of each others water supplies given the
forecast 30c + temp. expected.
clearly eager to get started on the first climb of the day although not before
cross checking the adequacy of each others water supplies given the
forecast 30c + temp. expected.
Oh, Jan’s water bottles were still in her Fridge !.
The caring bunch we are still decided that we couldn’t delay the start.
With no four legged companions trying to trip us all up we made good
progress from the car park up onto the ridge that provides great views
over the Serra do Caldeirao. Whilst some slowed to admire the scenery
for others this was just a physical necessity.
progress from the car park up onto the ridge that provides great views
over the Serra do Caldeirao. Whilst some slowed to admire the scenery
for others this was just a physical necessity.
Unfortunately having nearly reached our peak altitude for the day within
30 mins of starting out, we now needed to descend sharply in order that
we could repeat the exercise, but this time climbing to 434m so we
could take in the views from Miradouro do Alto da Ameixeira.
30 mins of starting out, we now needed to descend sharply in order that
we could repeat the exercise, but this time climbing to 434m so we
could take in the views from Miradouro do Alto da Ameixeira.
This is usually a great spot to take a lunch break but with now limited
shade and still over 10km to cover we decided to push on, although not
before Susan made a very welcome distribution of fresh fruit cocktail. I
decided not to share my remaining fruit gums.
shade and still over 10km to cover we decided to push on, although not
before Susan made a very welcome distribution of fresh fruit cocktail. I
decided not to share my remaining fruit gums.
Lunch was eventually taken under the shade of several cork trees, some
sitting with legs dangling over a steep bank. All was very tranquil until
someone accidentally dropped what little contents they had brought with
them, and it certainly wasn’t water, down the bank. Thankfully Martin’s
quick response and chivalry prevented the rest of us from needing to move.l
sitting with legs dangling over a steep bank. All was very tranquil until
someone accidentally dropped what little contents they had brought with
them, and it certainly wasn’t water, down the bank. Thankfully Martin’s
quick response and chivalry prevented the rest of us from needing to move.l
Homeward bound we skirted past the village of Cova da Muda but not
before witnessing the sad sight of numerous malnourished hunters dogs
some caged or chained and all looking rather forlorn. At least they had water.
before witnessing the sad sight of numerous malnourished hunters dogs
some caged or chained and all looking rather forlorn. At least they had water.
Back at our destination and with all emergency personnel now gone it was a
relief to find the Cafe was now open and still stocked with beer !
relief to find the Cafe was now open and still stocked with beer !
Brief Stats.
Distance 15.22km
Time 4.05mins including circa 15mins lunch stop.
In summary a warm brisk bracing walk
With thanks to all who came along.
Roger
Like the idea of completing in 4.05mins, but fear my organs might have suffered under the gforce. Otherwise, an excellent outing, even though, being somewhat out of condition, the 2k hill nearly put my light out!
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