AWW 23rd September 2020.
From Ribeira de Algibre. My 6th Route from this start point.
This was a new route combining two thirds of virgin
territory with one third previously walked. The walking is generally very easy,
with just one steepish climb after lunch. It incorporates a basic 15k walk,
with an optional, but very attractive, 4k loop.
Weather conditions were perfect for walking in the morning, quite cool and rather overcast, but it became rather humid and warm in the
afternoon.
Those in attendance:
Ken, Miriam, Ros, Nancy, Alan, Sue M, Jan, Martin, Sergio,
David (leader). Frank had signed up, but this put us over the ten, so he very
kindly said that he would do a solo to allow Nancy to take part.
For the first time in a long while, we had three ´four legs´ to chivvy us along: Bica, Rafa and Jasper. Rafa was doing his maiden AWW with
Martin, and passed with flying colours – lovely boy!
All gathered at Café Reguengos in good time, including Nancy,
all the way from Salema. In keeping with current practice, the bar was
protected by a large plastic screen from bar top to ceiling, with coffee served
in plastic cups from a small opening. Strange times....
Part of the attractive mural in R. de Algibre, a bit worse for wear now.
After the initial photo (taken twice as Sergio had gone back to his car), we set off down the road towards the village. A short section off piste enabled everyone to get a coating of plant burrs on their socks, before the gentle climb to a farmhouse, after which we dropped down to a lower level to avoid further habitations, and commenced the long level trek westwards, running parallel with the road back to Parragil.
There was little of note beyond catch-up chatter as we rounded the wide curve under the hill which takes the road from Parragil to Alfontes and up the
gentle slope to reach the long drag back down to the river.
Passing the old charcoal ovens, we were surprised to see that one had been in action recently, with piles of charcoal fragments on the ground, still warm. Then it was down the hill to the point of decision re. the 4k loop. There was some hesitation even after my encouraging description of the delights awaiting us, but Ros broke the logjam and everyone else followed, so the whole party embarked on the extension. We walked the 2k to the point where the wide track gave way to a narrow footpath leading down to the river.
And the riverbed. Will it ever be wet again?
Descending
the steep rocky path, I learned that Ken and Miriram had had to retrace their
steps to pick up Ken´s stick, which he had once again left behind at a water
stop.
The remaining eight continued down to the riverside (dry, of
course), and found that the recent rain, together with the shady conditions,
had encouraged the small crocuses to sprout and bloom, a beautiful sight. There
followed the very attractive single file walk along the riverbank, ending at
the more open area near the Espargal crossing where we stopped for lunch and to
wait for Ken and Miriam. It turned out that they had had to walk back even further than
we thought, so they didn´t catch up until lunch was well and truly over. So I
handed them the last of my Google photos of the route, which was easy to
follow, and the rest of us set off to complete the walk.
Jasper and Rafa get acquainted while we scoff.
And somewhere Alan spotted this. Defunct or shedding?
The walk along the tarmac road to nowhere from Espargal on
the hilltop was not as arduous or long as I remembered, but the sun was now
out, and we were grateful to turn onto level ground again for the final 5k or
so back to base. This did seem like a long way, to me at least, especially the
very stony section of the track down from the high point. The two dogs still
with us were trotting from shade to shade by this time, sitting down whenever
possible. We were all very glad to finally reach the café, though there was
some consternation as folk realised the paucity of the drinks menu available. I
was well provided, as Sue had brought a flask of white wine for the two of us.
It reminds me of that old Australian hit song from ? the 60s - ´A Pub with no
Beer´. Ken and Miriam arrived as we were well into our cups – they made very good
time.
And so another one bit the dust. I think this was perhaps a record for me, as I did not go wrong or miss a turn once for the whole day. Do we have medals for such an achievement?
Stats:
Distance: I had measured 19 on Google, and Ros had just over
this at the end. Alan claimed 20.7, but it is all to do with his stride or
something, so I´m officially declaring 19 point a bit.
Time: 5.75 hours
Walking speed: 4.5. Surprising, as it didn´t feel especially
quick.
Talking rate: Jan,
who else, at 120 words per 10 strides.
Many thanks to Alan for the photos.
The Route.
