AWW 2021 -2022 Via Algarviana Day 16  Nov 15th.   Pincho to Barao de Sao Joao. 

The little cafe in B de SJ was already bustling when the VAers arrived to start the last 3 days of this long walk. Walkers, cyclists and locals ( mostly elderly hippies with even more elderly dogs ) were all jostling to get served and get seated. 

Coffees downed we car shared to Pincho ( Tres Figos de Baixo ) and lined up for our starter photo.

It would prove to be an easy day's walking with pleasant but not spectacular views. plenty of animals along the way - cows, calves 

pigs and piglets

puppies, chickens, turkeys and a polar bear !

no worries about finding the way as there were lots of markers - some not so obvious but Geoff spotted the elusive cistus.

We studied the information boards about local crafts and posed with the illustrative stone tablets.

Large puddles along the way but we managed to skirt them ( except Bica who didn't even try ). The cows like them too.

Probably the only challenge on Day 16 was the changeable weather - sunshine and showers meant waterproofs on - waterproofs off, on - off etc.

photo below sums it up - same day, same place but we've both given up on layers on and off.

We reached the outskirts of Bensafrim in time for lunch - it was drizzling so some sheltered in the the old wash house, 3 opted for the church porch and 2 , no names, carried on until they found a cafe.

After lunch it was the long and not so winding road back to BdeSJ

A welcome drink at the now not so busy cafe and All's Well that Ends ....... Oh no it isn't ! At last a bit of DRAMA on Day 16. Miriam's expression speaks volumes ! as she empties her rucksack . The reason ? Ken's car keys have gone AWOL ........again !

Alan calms things down as he's almost sure Ken had the keys at Pincho and , sure enough, there they were sitting on his car seat. Panic over. Which meant smiles all round later that evening as we raised our glasses to a successfull day  - and only 2 more to go !!

 

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