A Sort of Sparrowfart Walk.

 

A Sort of Sparrowfart walk 21^st July, 2021.

Praia da Falesia 

A Sparrowfart with a difference. The sparrows had all flown by the time my flock arrived. Due to Covid restrictions we adapted to the new rules. As the day approached, we had diminished in numbers from a healthy 13 down to seven. Initially, I was going to split the group and have two start times but we all felt that this wasn’t really necessary.

 

 Martin, Brenda, Margit, our new member (Welcome,Margit!),Sue M, Jim and Karen.   We missed our four-legged friends today. 

Photo by Jan.

I chose a coastal route due to the later start and the rising temperatures, in the hope, that we would get a breeze off the ocean on our way back. My plan was to have a shorter walk of 10kms, in order to get back for brunch at around 12.00. So, we set off keeping the Marina on our left passing the boat yard and cutting across the small bridge to the beachside. We kept to this path in the direction of Olhos de’Agua for about four or five kilometres. We were supposed to take a left turn onto a path to the beach but this had been closed off and a large private sign had appeared on the fence; so we thought that we should retrace our steps for about 50 metres and take a right turn towards the beach. Well, the plan went fine until, as we approached the sea, our route was barred by another high fenced area with a small hole which we all managed to scramble through in the hope we could find an outgoing hole. We trampled around inside the compound but found no escape route..... well, all will be revealed...

The ingoing route!!! Trespassers or not??

... and the outgoing route! 

When we were all safely through, we skirted the fenced area and headed to the beach. A small breeze was very welcoming as we headed up the sandy paths on the edge of rocky cliff face.

                                                                

A much needed water break.                                          A downhill, especially for Sue.

 

Martin persuaded Brenda to pose on a dodgy edge. But she needed very little persuasion.

Fabulous structures of dusty, red rock cliffs with amazing fissures. Might be laterite rock? Never tired of the view.

 We kept high to enjoy the breeze until we joined the boardwalk. This eventually led left and followed round to the east in the direction of Vilamoura.

 

On our return, most of the group headed straight to O’Neills in Vilamoura Marina for Brunch, while a couple of us returned to our cars to make a quick change. We enjoyed the breeze sitting on their outside waterfront terrace overlooking the Marina while keeping to the restrictions in place at the time. And did we enjoy those delicious Irish breakfasts!

Location: Praia da Falesia/Vilamoura.

The lunch post-walk photo didn’t work, but as the chef’s say, “I prepared this one before!”

 

Length:   10.5kms

A linear, coastal walk.

Time:     2.5 hours

Having no takers to lead the SF, I decided to step up and lead; but thought it was a little easier to choose a restaurant instead of preparing breakfast. Having looked at several places, O’Neills came up with the best price and a better variety.

May I take this opportunity on behalf of the AWW, in thanking Geoff for his coordination duties throughout the year. Well, done Geoff!

 

Finally, a bonus prize for anyone who can guess who is wearing these socks???

See you all in September. Have a great, hot summer!