There and Back again

The Hobble, or There and Back Again

Dear Diary,

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Friday, 24th: Today 3 people joined my little walk, which I had advertised thus:

"As the temperature seems to be climbing, I decided against the 'middle of nowhere with lots of hills and no shade' option, and would like to do a new variation on the 'fairly flat' walk along the banks of the Arade from Silves.

It is a there-and-back walk, but I always think the views are different on the return leg...

Meet at the Car Park in Silves, next to the Chapim Cafeteria Lounge Bar, for a 10 o'clock start. We will car-share to the start of the walk, so I'll need to know who's intending to walk, please.

Distance approx 16km. Mostly on very good tracks but some are a bit overgrown in places. Nice views. (Only) about 100m climb/descent."

So, Me, David, Kieran, Fiona. We should all fit in one car, then!

Note to self: Must sort out a start time. David thinks 9:30 would be better, and I think he's right...

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Saturday 25th: Good news! 2 more people, Tim and Jan, making 6 of us - we can fit in 2 cars!

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Sunday 26th: Just the 6 of us, then.

Note to self: Must sort out a start time ...

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Monday 27th: Ros thinks we should start at 9. Linda said she (and Toby) wouldn't walk, but changed her mind when I told her about the proposed 9:30 start. Steve and Bruce joined. So, a net gain of 4 people, as Julie and Tony joined (but no reply to my request to start at 9:30) but Kieran dropped a table on his (bare) foot (ouch!) and cried off. Everyone else replied and agreed a 9:30 start. So that's good!

So, er, 10 (or possibly 8) people, 1 dog. Two or three cars, then....

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Tuesday 28th: Let me see ... Alan, Martin (and Rafa) joined. Jan says "Pls confirm start time. Tony and Julie thinks it's 10.00??", so I replied "It's definitely 9:30. I replied to your email, Julie - perhaps it went to spam? Everyone else has replied "

12 (or maybe 10) people, 2 dogs. Three cars then.

Update 16:15: Ros says "Would you like me to pick you up at the bins" This must mean she's walking as well!! 13 people!

Update 16:43: Marian has joined. 14, or 12, people.

Update 18:35: Marian isn't coming after all. 13 people, or 11. 

Update 23:02: Marian is coming after all. 14 or 12 people.

Update 23:06: Julie says "My fault. I knew it was 9:30.  I got your reply I just didn’t tell Tony  . I would have told him before the walk  "

Definitely 14 people then!

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Wednesday 29th: No sign of Jan ... Ah, here we are, an email "Sorry, won't be joining today. Bad night. Enjoy."

13 people, 2 dogs. Definitely 4 cars then.

Wow, how many AWW leaders can claim to have lost over 10% before the walk even started?

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I will describe the walk Frank-style: "The walk was fine. It was hot. We saw a snake. Here are the pictures."

Arvad, as far as the eye can see

Aye, it's just north of Barnsley ...

Yes, this bit's the VA

In the shade

I'd better lead this bit

The path's here, somewhere ...

Did somebody say there was a snake?

Yes. The snake

I thought he said it was flat?

A splendid view of the A22

Little monkeys!

He definitely said it was flat

    Silves, on the way back

    I'm sure the cars were round the last bend

Track, Stats:

Length: 16km (ish), a fairly flat 160m of climb/descent (but opinions vary). 9:40 to 14:20, so 4.5 hrs.

Thanks to Alan for the (excellent, as ever) photos, with a special guest appearance of "The Snake", by Martin

PostScript:

Update 19:38: Marian says "Thanks a million for today’s lovely but hot walk. It’s really great seeing the gang again."

 Perambulations around Espargal

AWW May 15th 2024

Gather 'round, folks, for a tale of adventure in the Algarvian hills, where the sun dances on olive groves and the trails wind like playful serpents. Our journey began not with a bang, but with a caffeine kick at a cozy café in Benafim. With steaming cups of coffee in hand, we plotted our path and organized a vehicular ballet to shuttle us to Espargal, where our escapade awaited.

But first, a pause for posterity! Alan, with his trusty remote shutter camera, orchestrated a group photo that captured the excitement brimming in our motley crew. Jan, Tony, Ken, Julie, Miriam, David, Ros, Alan, Martin, Peter, and, of course, our four-legged companion Bica, stood ready for the adventure ahead.

The ascent commenced, leading us up the sinewy paths of Espargal, a sleepy hamlet stirring to life with the echo of our footfalls. As we climbed, the summit and its trig point beckoned, promising panoramic views and a sense of triumph worth every uphill step.

But what goes up must come down, and so we descended, navigating narrow trails that seemed to twist and turn with mischievous intent. Our wayward wanderings even led us off-piste at times, brushing against prickly overgrowth in our quest for adventure.

Eventually, the Riberia de Algibre greeted us, its gentle riverbed a soothing balm after the rugged terrain. Crossing its dry bed became a game of hopscotch, a whimsical dance across stones and memories of rainier days.

Amidst this idyllic landscape, we encountered a merry band of gravel bikers, fellow adventurers sharing in the joy of exploration. With smiles and nods, we traded tales of trails and toasted to the beauty of the countryside.

Lunchtime found us nestled under the protective canopy of an ancient olive tree, or perched upon weathered dry walls shaded by carob trees. Sated and content, we prepared for the next leg of our journey.

The road to nowhere beckoned, a ribbon of hot asphalt unfurling beneath our weary feet. But fear not, for salvation came in the form of a side trail, leading us through fenced farmland and whispering lanes untouched by the bustle of modernity.

As we neared journey's end, a final ascent awaited, a testament to our endurance and camaraderie. With aching muscles and hearts full of memories, we reached our waiting chariots, ready to whisk us away to familiar comforts.

Back at our beloved café, libations flowed freely as we recounted our triumphs and tribulations. 

So here's to the hills of Algarve, where every step is a story waiting to be told, and every trail leads to new beginnings. Until next time, my friends, may your adventures be wild and your spirits untamed!

Martin

Total Distance: 16.5km

Elevation Gain: 400m