Two Trigs and Several Windmills 27 12 2023

Windy Miller and the Trumpton gang go in search of windmills and two trigs.

 

Windy Miller with Captain Flack: Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, and Grubb. Sorry got a bit carried away there - it’s Alan, Tony, Claire, Steve, Julie,  Gerry, Julie, Richard hiding at the back,  Karen and  David with Amy

In glorious weather the very festive group set off from the Intermarche Sao Bras over the road and down towards Cerro Mesquita. 

That's a big one!  Just what we like to see on a sunny December morning.

And some stunning views.

The sights and sounds of the Algarve.

Julie pointed out a magnificent pair - of windmills.   The Mesquita ridge had several in all states of repair/disrepair.

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.”

 “ No you lazy beggar, come up the stairs like everyone else.”

There were some gentle hills to get us moving after the Christmas festivities but nothing too difficult.

Leading from behind.   Well they couldn't get lost.

Get your smalls out.  At the wash-house.  Early on David explained that a Bica was a spout or could be used in Portuguese as a euphemism for something entirely different, so be very careful when you’re asking for a pecana bica - you never know what you might get !!!

Our photographer went for the arty shot.  

 The main objectives of the first half of the walk. The recently restored Bengado Windmill. This mill was built in 1850,  it's a Mediterranean-type, fixed, built in stone with an area of 42.50 m2,  

The Bengado trig.  A little information about trigs. In Sao Bras there are 14 geodesic vertices, or trigs, one of which, in the shape of a weathervane, is located at the top of the Igreja Matriz Tower. Tony and I haven’t climbed up to that one but have visited 10 of them so far. This trig is 319m above sea level and is a Bolembreano.

A magnificent pair.

We continued on our way, back down the hill, and across the N270 following the walking route into the Bengado valley. The area around São Brás is cork oak territory and although there were many handsome ones on view, Karen pointed out that it was a shame to see so many dead ones that had been over stripped

This is what will happen to you if you disobey the walk leader - trust me!

Mushrooms on toast anyone?

The main objective of the second half, the Bico Alto trig.  We kept up AWW traditions by making the youngest member climb the trig.   Bico Alto is at 366m and is also a Bolembreano

And our photographer decided to take another arty photo.   Don't we look grand!

On the way back down from the trig.

 

They breed 'em tough here!

The most important part of the walk.  A welcome drink. With a welcome returnee, just for the coffee and company on this occasion.

Many thanks to Alan for the fab photos

The boring bits:-  Distance:12.84 kms. Elevation Gain: 327m. Moving Time: 2 h 45 mins.  Total Time: 3 h 22 mins.

.

Happy New Year to everyone