The long and the short of it

 

The long and the short of it

This is a walk that we resuscitated from last December when the restrictions were on. Due to the short amount of time that we had, we recced just a few sections of it that were a little tricky the first time. Its basically a tour round the Fonte Filipe, Amendoeira, Sao Romau area starting from Clareanes just north of Loule. We reckoned it was about 22km and despite this, four people signed up. Then Ros contacted us and said she'd be interested if it was a little shorter. So we obliged, as looking at the hot forecast we thought it might be a bit long, plus the more the merrier. We even asked Geoff to notify everyone that it had been reduced to 18km, but no more takers. Although thanks to those who contacted us with their apologies.

And here is the smiling band of walkers outside the cafe Janeiro 1st ready for the off.

Julie, Ros, Jan, Sue, Brenda and Alan

And some were off quicker than others.

We hit our first hurdle shortly after the start. (Not recced!) Our easy single track route had been fenced off as private property. Luckily someone had forged a new trail around the fence bypassing all obstacles. Julie and Brenda thought it was funny.

No idea what this chap was up to, but Alan thought it was worth a photo.

And then we spotted a plastic duck marooned on a wall. makes a change from clay pigeons.

These mean looking muts were very interested in our progress, and they let us know it too.

Just here we turned left headed uphill towards Alcaria do Gato.

After climbing to the top of the ridge it was time for a rest and a breather.  Wonder why there's never any cake here!!  

Then downhill to the Algibre stream with the ever-present Cerro dos Negros ahead.  Fortunately we didn't have to climb it this time.  I think there might have been some protesting if we had said "let's go up"

Arriving at Fonte Filipe and not being taxed enough by the walk, Brenda decided to tighten up her triceps and provide a little water for her dog. (Sorry can't remember the name)

It was at this point that we realised our shorter walk was actually a long walk. We the short cut we'd planned was actually the same as the long route done in December! So with some quick thinking and a little group discussion a new short cut was devised, cutting out the visit to Sao Romau with its lunchtime cafe stop and replacing it with a cafe stop in Amendoeira. If it was open?

Those you who followed our blog from December will recognise this handsome sow. I think she recognised us too. A bit like this Christmas in the UK, no pigs in blankets.

So here at Corte we made our walk a little shorter by heading south towards Amendoeira instead of Sao Romau.

The trail ahead was clear and the sun was getting hotter and we all thought about the cafe. Was it or wasn't it open?

Thankfully it was open and we all enjoyed some liquid refreshments with our lunch while sitting in the welcome shade.

Unusual to see large fungi like this one in such hot and dry weather.

A sad reminder of the devastation  fire can cause.

As our short cut took off a little more than we wanted, we decided to add something on at the end. A  climb up to the old windmill at Altura on the link route of the Via Alagarviana that leads to Loule.  Ros asked if it was a track and very confidently, Julie replied yes. But oh no the dreaded Loule tarmac brigade had been and covered the lovely trail in the black stuff.  They couldn't have done any more, could they....

Of course with a great view point of the coast, Rocha da Pena and further afield, people want to get the best spot. And Brenda definitely did.

And Jan and Alan.

Unfortunately Loule Concelho has seen fit to tarmac the route up to the windmill as well.

Alan left holding the dog.

So welcome drinks at the end of a hot October walk. Sue, a genteel Scot, with a glass of wine...

And Jan, proving that her time living in Yorkshire was not wasted,with a caneca of wine.

 

Thanks to everyone who came and Alan for his great photos.

Julie and Tony