Mayday Frolics around Alto Fica
1st May 2024
It may have been Mayday but there weren't many takers for todays walk!
David, Ros, Ken and Terry. The first outing for Bobbi, and Bica, Miriam behind the camera.There were grumbles about the cost of the coffee at The Estrela da Madraguda cafe and the miserableness of the owner! Then of course there were grumbles about the chill wind and where was the May weather.
After a trek along the main road, we turned off onto the rural road and headed off. After a trepid descent with Ken holding on to Ros for support, Miriam decided to rescue Ros and help Ken down herself.
After a descent of course came the ascent
Bica found some water We all admired the flowers
There was a long stretch of good tracks now along the ridge with great views all around until we came near to Nave de Mealhas. Some discussion ensued as to the correct route to follow but we found the right path and eventually led us to the previously advertised "tricky steep rocky descent" It was as good as its word and slowed the pace down especially as the path had become overgrown as we missed a small section.
Taking it slowly Waiting patiently
David sure footed as everAnd we were rewarded at the end with fields of beautiful wild flowers. Miriam thought she'd gained an extra walker but it turned out to be scarecrow!
We arrived at the fonte by the lagoa, for lunch. The wind was extremely cold so David sat in the sun for his lunch. Ros had decided to cut the walk short and meet Eileen Dalton for lunch so then we were just 4!
After lunch, we followed the rural road along the Nave de Barao past the old vineyards and many fields of poppies and wild flowers. Turning off we found the path quite overgrown and then in the middle of nowhere a patch of concrete!!
Along the final track now, past some old ruins being renovated until we arrived back at the cafe. David had invited us back to his house for after walk drinks but Terry was going in the opposite direction so declined. Thanks to Dinah for the coffee and freshly baked scones.
:
Distance 16.33 km
Elevation gain 326m
Moving time 4.02 hours
Average pace 4.14 kph
Loosing 20% of walkers is a bit over budget, anyway glad to see the 2 walking wounded walking and presumably Bobbi is David's new dog getting his first AWW outing , not getting far from his new master's side by look of it.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, were we really so grumbly ? It was a lovely route and as so few of us turned up perhaps we can do it again and I won't scive off halfway round.
ReplyDeleteWhere is everyone ????
Enjoyed all the wild flower photos, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWell I have been busy arching and had an anniversary getaway in Rome but will be back for the next Wednesday walk.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're getting some of the cold wind that we've had in the UK. Lovely wild flowers and sunshine though.
ReplyDelete