Mid-winter walk around Mesquita

The magnificent seven met at Intermarche, Sao Bras ready and eager to start whittling down those extra Christmas calories   However,  Rachel informed the leader that there are no calories at Christmas, they don't count so we were really walking just for the pleasure of it.   It was lovely to have David back with us to keep us all in order. Ok, to keep the leader in order.

The Magnificent Seven L - R Rachel, Sue, Julie, Tony, David, Carol and Alan

Down the road we went, chatting away.

When the leader moved to the edge of the road which promptly gave way under the strain of all the calories she hadn't consumed.  Five minutes in, not yet on the trail and a slip, perhaps an AWW record?  No real injuries though, just a cut thumb and grazed knee, ably tended to by Sue.  

Just to make David feel really welcome, the leader took a wrong turn onto a track she didn't recognise so it was back it the road onto the correct trail.

They say Might Has Right, especially when they're full of the contents of peoples' fossas. So we waited patiently.

The leader had warned everyone about the river crossing as during the recce it was flowing and quite deep. The better weather had reduced the flow to a manageable level and there were no mishaps. Shame for the photographer who perhaps was hoping for a spectacular/wet fall.

On down the Bengado valley, following the well marked trail.

Carol enjoying the winter sun.

The Bengado valley.

The water for cultivation in the Bengado valley comes from  numerous "water mines".  A section off the main trail lead down to one of these. 

On through a well maintained track.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to Mequita we go.  Well we were 7, what else would we sing? No comments please on who was grumpy or dopey!!

An old alminha, restored to glory. 1860 apparently.

Walled tracks, a reminder of the importance of the routes to the village, the well or the fields.  Also a reminder of walking in Yorkshire and Lancashire.  Apparently, in the steepest areas, ridges of stone were created to prevent donkeys and horses slipping.  No slips for the walker either.

Basking in the sunshine.  A word to walk leaders, don't let walkers sit down on a bench in the sun.  It leads to mutiny as suggestions were made that some people should remain in the sun as others come back in vehicles and pick them up....not happening on this walk!!! 

Spot the difference?

A green carpet of winter growth.

A short detour to the Mesquita Geopoint.  The Barracol lies on a substrata of limestone from the Jurassic period. David warned us to watch out for velociraptors.  Those French bikes get everywhere!

Back on the trail at Fonte da Mesquita.

Last bit down the road.  The leader managed to stay upright and on the road this time.

Finally, time to rest and enjoy welcome refreshments.

And a few statistics.

PS Thanks to Alan and David for the photos.