MWAMW Salema to Praia da Luz

 Account of the MWAMW first walk – Monday 19^th October.

Following the imposition of the new Covid-19 restrictions limiting walking groups to 5, the MWAMW (Most Westerly Algarve Monday Walkers) group was formed comprising, John Davey, Nancy, Steve and Margaret. There is a vacancy for a fifth member if anyone wants to join.

We broke a few rules:-

• ·        The walk took place on a Monday.
• ·        We only walked 14Km.
• ·        It was slower than the average AWW walk.
• ·        It was a straight line walk requiring a car at both ends.

It was the last dry day before the infamous storm on Tuesday.  It was mainly cloudy but the sun did come out. (Margaret regretted not bringing sun-cream, sunglasses or a sun hat).

We started in Salema. at the Solmar bar (no team photo at the beginning).  We walked along the front then turned inland up a road then onto the footpath along the clifftops.

Salema is on the left hand side of this photograph

The path was harder than it seems, undulating somewhat with some scrambles, but great views.

Steve found a sunbed and wanted to lie on it.

But Nancy was having none of it.

The path dropped down to the Praia da Boca do Rio where we crossed a non-existent stream (it is probably a raging torrent today). We then climbed up again to the Forte de Almadena and read all about 17^th century pirates.

The path then dropped down into Burgau, through the attractive cobbled streets and onto the beach.  We stopped for lunch at a favourite picnic table.

We watched the surfers (some were very good) and wished we were young and steady on our feet again.

We then headed off on the path to Praia da Luz, which was much easier than the first part apart from one hill.  At the top of this hill you can see forever on a clear day.  But it was not a clear day so Nancy and John had to take Steve’s word for it.

I think John has doctored this photo.  Nancy looks to be struggling and Margaret appears to be striding confidently.  The truth was that Nancy mostly strode ahead quickly while Margaret took up the rear puffing and panting. 

When we reached Praia da Luz we had a cup of tea then drove back to Salema.

We hope this will be the first of many walks, but we may revert to Wednesday in future.

Thanks to John for the photographs.

No stats.

 Aguas Frias - All was Quiet - not even a mouse was stirring - it was the day after the Storm

It was the first walk of the new era for the AWW. There had been 10 green bottles but the rules were now only 5. However the big bad wolf had huffed and puffed and blew the rain into Ken and Miriam's dining room, so there was now only 3. but we co-opted Sergio.

Sergio, Jasper, David, Frank M and Ros

It was dry at the start and even the streams were dry. The leader had changed the walk at the last minute to use the bridges across the river, but he need not have bothered.

We crossed the river and up through the valley. There we spied the nuclear technician's repairing Portugal's new micro nuclear reactors which had been placed on the hillside to resemble beehives. They were wearing full nuclear chemical suits.This innovative technology when fully installed will do away with the need for fossil fuels.

It was an up and down day. But the views were magnificent. And there were strange white things in the sky. We did see some of the regular blue stuff as well.

But we made it to lunch without the clouds falling to earth

You can see that Jasper is learning from Bica

After lunch it was upwards more than onwards. We eventually reached the highest point

From there it was all downhill. However the heavens opened and we had to suit up. Five minutes later, the sun was back out and some had to disrobe. Another 5 minutes and we suited up again.

And the beer was good.

Distance                   18.4km

Elevation change     520m

Time total                5hrs 10mins

Enjoyable                yes

Views                      great

Frank McEwan

21 Oct 2020

Fonte de Benemola, 14the October 2020

 Fonte de Benemola, 14th October. The Rule of Four

After basking in the glory of having led a walk without error the other week, I should have been prepared for a slap down, and boy did I get it. We had a good walk, but it was peppered with issues, for which I have apologised to my three companions. Anyway, for what it is worth, here is the record of our ´interesting´ morning.

From the overflow of Linda and Russell´s walk, just three folk signed up for my alternative, so myself, Miram, Ken and Alan met at the Fonte de Benemola car park on a chilly morning, having decided against a coffee. Bica and Jasper were there too, whether they liked it or not. 

Alan was behand the camera at the start.

We decided to walk on the north side of the stream to the Fonte, past the old cesteiro´s house, where some activity was noted at the building above the track. Crossing the stream just below the fonte, a welcome sight was the rope now stretched across by the stepping stones. While Jasper crossed through the water (still running, as always), Bica used the stones with great agility.

Jasper wanted to inspect the renovations chez the cesteiro.

Not quite Harrison Ford, but it will do!

The first mistake came as we were walking the track just after the fonte. Remembering the footpath that cuts off the corner going up the plateau, passing some caves on the way, I suggested we take it. Either I missed a turn on this, or I had started up too early, but we found ourselves climbing much more steeply, with  a bit of rock climbing thrown in, before we eventually reached level ground. Repairs to Miriam´s legs were required before we could proceed, but then followed a period of relative normality as we walked along to Corcitos and down the hill beyond.

Not quite Chris Bonnington either, but a bit too much

And - look down...

From here I needed my Google pics, but the problem was linking these with where we had got to on the ground, so a study of Miriam´s GPS was required. Location established, we proceeded over the Cerro da Corte, with some splendid views and lovely countryside. Across the M510, we hit tarmac, and scarcely left it again – result of Error No.2. Luckily, the scenery remained attractive, but the walk was shortened, and we approached Querenca from the opposite direction to the one intended.

Consulting the oracle

Berries on a creeper attached to a holly bush. Identification?

Rocha da Pena and Salir from Cerro da Corte

After climbing the hill to the village, we enjoyed half an hour in the sun – the day had warmed considerably – before returning to the cars on the back lane. Thanks to Miriam For the refreshments, and Alan for the photos. Stats irrelevant due to errors. One of these days, I shall learn not to do anything off the cuff.

Could have done with one with a saddle.

Do dogs count? If so, we´re illegal.

Bubble gum (sorry Bubbledom), here we come!

FIGUERAS AND THE VALLEY OF POI – WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020

 

FIGUERAS AND THE VALLEY OF POI – WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2020 

Only 8 walkers today due to the CV19 restrictions and John D and Nancy had to cancel and it was too late for our reserves to join us. 

Frank, John, Linda, Sue, Russell, Susan, Isabel and Sergio (photographer).

After a quick coffee for some in the village we headed into the woods where Sue spotted the strange tree with an unusual growth. 

After the forest we headed out into the countryside, passing the new vineyard plantation and out beyond the A22. The majority of the group managed the vertiginous stretch near the village of Poi with Sue taking the others round the road. Then we crossed the very dry riverbed and headed along the dirt road past the horse-riding centre and lots of barking dogs. Next, we headed up the only big hill of the day. At the top we could now see both the sea and the city of Portimao in one direction and the Portimao Auto drome in the other direction. We headed down to the deserted farmhouse for our lunch stop and chance to sit down.

 It looks like the squatters have moved back in but they were not around when we were there. We spotted the dirty knickers hanging on the tree. 

We finally found saw some water in the small baragem below. 

We headed back down the valley, past the dog kennels, not as many there this year but Russell managed to wake them up by shouting “there are no dogs”. Then we walked at the side of the levada, managing to avoid the pig form and then walked beside the river. 

The social centre was not open when we got back to the cars so we drove up into the village to the café there and enjoyed drinks on the terrace in the sunshine. 

Thank you, Sue, for being the waitress and ordering for us all. 

The total distance was 19.2kms covered in 4 ½ hours, including lunch stop. 

A very good pace. There aren’t as many photos as normal as we were all too busy chatting and enjoying the day. Thanks, John, for the extra ones after my camera decided to shut down. Big thanks from Linda and Russell for a very enjoyable day out.

Tesoureiro and beyond

 10 walkers and 3 dogs met at the Cafe Tesouros da Serra for a pre walk coffee. (2 of the group resorted to cakes as well!)

Walkers:  Sue, David, Roger, Frank, Alan, Ros, Martin, Sergio, Ken and Miriam plus Jasper, Rafa and Bica.

A fast pace was set by the leader 

and we soon left the N2 behind and headed up through the cork trees towards the Miradouro. The view from the top was speactacular.

                   

We walked some way along the ridge until heading back down to cross the N2 again. Then again we found ourselves in amongst beautiful cork trees, many of which had been newly stripped of the cork. 

Then it was a short climb to the deserted village and back down again to the valley floor by Juncais.

It was starting to warm up considerably as we walked the length of the valley road,

 passing by the pigs en route.  

We were so busy taking photos of the litter of sleeping pigs, no one noticed the large black pig at the side of the road until Rafa decided to bark at it!  The pig suddenly felt threatened by us all, so we backed off and allowed it to rejoin its mates. (Rafa having been put on the lead by now!)

It was then up the steep and stony path before stopping near the top for lunch. We all remarked on how many flies seemed to have joined us for lunch.

 At least our dogs were quiet.  Too tired to bark!!!

After lunch, we walked through the noisiest village of dogs we had heard of, before before striding out on the slow descent back to the valley floor.  By then the temperature had risen quite considerably to 30 degrees and we were all feeling the heat.

Frank's stepping stones from a previous walk had been demolished so we had a hairy few minutes on one section.  Even Sue was heard to utter quite an expletive for her!!! ( or was that beacuse Martin was filming her efforts!)

The final bit of shade for the day was through some nearly stripped cork trees and then it was a bit of a slog along the road back to the cafe.

Once there we were all dreaming of cold beers but we had quite a wait!

 Still waiting!!

 Ken and Miriam resorted to cakes again, and included  everyone this time.

 Notice the empty plate!

Walk stats:

Distance: 18.22 km

Duration: not including lunch 4 hours 21 mins

Moving average: 4.2 km

Elevation gain: 318m

Thanks to Alan for all the photos.

The First Walk of 2020/2021 : around Goldra & Windmills

 The First Walk of 2020/2021 : around Goldra & Windmills

Our treasurer Sue is a very busy lady  who lives in the country and is thus plagued by electricity and broadband problems, and hence has not yet found time to blog this inaugural walk : with Alan's kind assistance with photos, I shall try & fill the void.

Due to the dreaded covid, we were restricted to only 10 walkers , though only 8 were able to come, including newcomer Sergio. The starter photo is still trapped in Sue's camera, but it would have revealed only the 6 who turned up for coffee and cake for a 0930 start : Alan arrived just as we set off, but no sign of Jan.

After about half a mile , a phone call announced Jan had arrived at the start,only to find we had all gone : she had thought it was a 1000 start. In good hashing fashion, we scratched arrows in the dust and added stone/wooden arrow pointers for luck, trusting she could follow the trail like the good hasher she is.

                                    David bringing up the rear....but sans Jan

It wasn't long before the dulcit tones of Jan shouting as to where we were....but my mistake, she was only whispering! Reunited at last, we walked through a parched landscape till we stopped for a water break.

Walkers  (Lto R): Jan, Karen, Geoff, David, SueM, Ros, Sergio...Alan behind lens

A trig point was soon discovered, albeit covered in graffiti : our esteemed leader refused to climb it, but Karen did make a gesture:

Onwards and upwards to the windmill ridge....

Ros leads the way...

                 Lovely views....pre-covid you could see planes at Faro from here...

(Which reminds me, heard the one about the expat who wanted to live in a converted windmill, but complained that they all seem to be in windy positions....).

                                       Some before and after photos...

It was thus time to descend.....

 .....but some of us recalled " Russell's bush" when Linda ( I think) said to be careful as it was slippery, so Russell had to demonstrate how slippery it was by falling into a gorse bush. Everyone else found it rather amusing of course, and Sue was persuaded to photograph said bush:

....we learnt later that Linda had an interesting time removing some of the thorns...ouch!

Back to Sue's lovely house where the painters had just finished for the day. A welcome cold beer/wine followed by a great lunch provided by Sue ( I said she was always busy). Home made sausage rolls, prawns, lamb something-or-other and  I forget what...but all great and finger free!

I reckon it was about a 3 hour walk, so about 12kms, but no photos of lunch as Alan didn't stay.

Many thanks Sue for starting the season so memorably.

Geoff