Circumnavigation - Almost. 7th April 2021

 Frank´s Mob Minus Frank, Walking around Salir.  17.5k. Best part of six hours (!)

Well, here we are again, and long may it last. Restricted to four for the moment, it looked like a hard choice was coming, but Frank is still in recuperation from his bout of gout and wanted to continue to walk solo, leaving Ros, Miriam, Ken and David to open the latest chapter. I offered a ´moderate´ walk, a tweaked version of my circumnavigation of Salir, which was accepted (And I never said there were no hills - just forgot to mention it!). The walk was, in fact relatively easy, but the hardest bits were at the end.

Just look at their smiley faces! Anyone would think they hadn´t walked in a month!

Rallying point was Casa Benjamin, where coffee was had, after which, with Jasper chivvying us up, and Bica in support, we set off, coming down off our hill to walk along the valley to Fonte Figueira before heading off across to the southern side. It was clear that the break from the group had slowed the pace somewhat, but given the beautiful weather and the glorious flora, we were in no particular hurry. 

Floral attractions taken at various points. Irises, gladioli and cistus. It has been a bumper year.

The next stage was a walk largely on tarmac, eastwards via Pe da Serra and Alcaria, before we left the blacktop behind, and climbed to the ridge overlooking Casa Ames. Here we saw our emblematic gum cistus in full flower as we descended to the 124 at Besteiros, and availed ourselves of the facilities at the Taverna da Bica- beer, coke and coffee. 

Still smiling!

Crossing the road, we walked into Besteiros and then cut across the valley to the south, heading for the road below Palmeiros, joining the route of the Via Algarviana as we went. Climbing into Palmeiros, it became clear that Jasper was flagging a little, so following an agreed plan, Dinah was summoned to take him home. We waited outside Casa Otter, and who should appear but Otter himself, setting off to meet Jan and her group, Both groups had walked through Alagoas, minutes apart!

Rural activities.

Jasper safely on his way, four plus one continued down the track past the Otter garden and into the valley below Mesquita. The way was getting tougher, and the climb out of the valley used up quite a bit of remaining energy. We passed a carob store halfway up. The final stretch took us up a delightful footpath through trees onto the 124. 

More flowers!

Here it was decided that honour was satisfied, so the cavalry was called once more to take us back to Covoes. We had in fact covered the forecast 17+k, with 1.5k still left of the planned route. At Casa B, tea and lemon drizzle cake awaited, Dinah having been busy in our absence. Tired but happy, refreshed and with a good chat to finish, all were well satisfied with the day´s proceedings.

The route shown is the whole of the projected walk, including the final section, which was, how shall we say, politely declined!