You know you get an idea, you think it's a good one, like an idea to pick an oven-ready walk from Wikiloc. We agreed an area - Alportel, looked up to two possible routes, sent out the email, all met at the cafe on time, suitably dressed for the cold then NO SERVICE on the phone!!!! Oh well, new year, new philosophy, old percurso route that was already marked. An opportunity to use the walk as a recce for future AWW use. Sanity restored, it was off to the church for the photo.
L to R : Martin, Rapha, Jan, Sue, Julie. Tony behind the camera We didn't linger long as it was very chilly.
They like them big in the Alportel valley! The old Burro trails never fail to impress and this tree was impressive.
Up to Cerro de Alportel. A good climb up to get some views.
Martin shows Jan how he would have his own tennis court. Rapha was not as keen as Jan to discuss court design.
Alportel from Cerro de Alportel
Oh no, we've strayed into Yorkshire! Although it can't be Yorkshire as the sheep don't look worried (old Lancashire joke). On the hillside above Alportel.
Yes it was a hillside and there was a climb off piste lead by Rapha. Good job he had an idea of where we wanted to go. We didn't!
Towards the top of the climb with Alportel in the background.
At last - a sign! Always good to have an idea of where you are.
Impressive view - and the hills behind us aren't bad either. I blame the photographer.
That's better - face forward. Great views of the Caldeirao.
The old ruins. Not us of course, the windmill in the background.
And a modern interpretation.
As an extension we decided to walk up and over back into the Corte valley. That's one up hill done.
On the way down to the Corte valley. I'm sure we've been here before.
A short stop for lunch as it was so very windy and chilly. Jan was desperately trying to keep warm or not freeze.
It is Yorkshire! More sheep but no sign of pigs this week.
At last, a warm drink. We didn't see three men on camels but we had 5 wise walkers, the fragrant smells of the Algarve countryside for frankincense, mirth instead of myrrh and solid 24K gold company.
The stats:
From my watch and Martin's phone 17 kms, 3 hours 38 mins. out with 15 mins for lunch.
Finishing with a warm drink instead of a cold Sagres is fast becoming a new tradition...at least Sue has a cold white, or was it gluwein?
ReplyDeleteLove the hat, Sue! What a winter. Didn't come to the Algarve to be cold.🥶🥶
ReplyDeleteWhere was the Gluhwein when needed!!! Thanks to Julie and Tony.
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