AWW 3rd January 2024. Seven go East to Meet the Giant!
This first walk of 2024 saw us exploring new ground for a regular AWW outing, taking us far away to the frontier with Spain. The idea was to walk for around 12k north from Vila Real do Santo Antonio, following the route of GR15, the long distance trail north up the Guadiana Valley, ending at the village of Jungeira, and getting a taxi back to the town. Then we were to go and see the Giant!
Those attempting this enormous journey, (it took just over an hour!) were Claire, Julie B and David in one car, and Steve, Karen, Julie F and Tony in another. We all arrived safely near the rather odd Fishermen´s Monument on the riverside in good time, the party of 4 beating the Party of 3 to it. A quick coffee was taken before we set off, bearing in mind that we had a deadline of 1.00 p.m. The weather was generally dull throughout, with two short periods of drizzle, but conditions for walking were good, the air being mild.
The first half of the walk was wholly on tarmac, but it was full of interest. The first k or so follows the riverbank of the Guadiana, with views across the water to Spain, and passing the statue of the Marquis de Pombal. I´m not sure the old boy would recognise himself in the modernist version, but it is certainly dramatic!
Turning away from the river, we walked by the railway for a short time, passing the station, and then turned north to cross the salt marshes on a seemingly endless stretch of the N122. This trek was enlivened by sight of flamingos in the distance, as well as other wading birds. These sightings were eclipsed, however, by our encounter with two punched metal statues set in small alcoves at the side of the road. The female (naked) was astride a bike, while her male counterpart (ditto) strode out on foot.
We were now approaching Castro Marim, and were impressed by the fortifications and the efforts of the Camara to improve the approach to the town. Christmas decorations in the centre also caught our attention.
Climbing a little out of CM, we at last left the black top, and headed uphill on a track taking us past the municipal water-tower. In the next valley we passed an enormous, clearly abandoned, hotel building, obviously completed in recent years, but standing unused. From this point on, the leader forgot he was photographer as well, so no more pics until the presepio.
The next objective was the village of Monte Francisco, most of which we bypassed to the south, after crossing beneath the A22. Then it was back into open country again, though with more tarmac, passing the northern end of the Castro Marim golf course, and taking a track under the N122. We were now approaching Jungeira - luckily, as we were running out of time to get our taxi. Approaching the village, I took a wrong turn and led the party around it rather then through it. However, we arrived at the main road at exactly the right place, with the taxi in the process of turning round, so all was well.
We returned to VRSA within minutes, alighting near the Pombal statue, and went in search of lunch. In spite of agreeing to have a ´snack´, we all ending up having quite a substantial meal. Julie B and Karen´s tuna salads were mountainous, and the English breakfasts offered to three more of us were also generous - though in the Portuguese manner, lukewarm by the time they reached us.
A brief search then took us to the Centro Cultural Antonio Aleixo to see the Giant. This, of course is the Presepio Gigante, the enormous model landscape created every year in the town at Christmas time. It simply has to be seen to be believed, though the photos will give some idea of the scale and intricacy of the project. What you don´t see from photos are the moving parts, with running water and tiny tradesmen at work, waterwheels turning and day turning to night as the lights are dimmed at intervals. The photos that follow will give you some idea of the scale and complexity of the project.
So a great day out, and all returned well satisfied with the experience. We covered almost 13k in the end, in three hours. Thanks to my companions for enhancing the experience. It were grand!
Looks a fantastic display, very impressive.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely and interesting walk.
ReplyDeletePity, I missed it. Sounds like a 'grand day out'!!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting and varied walk with plenty of wildlife, despite the traffic prior to Castro Marim. An unusual and worthwhile walk. Well organised by David.
ReplyDelete