That End of Term Feeling

We finally settled on 21 Walkers, 7 Diners and (of course) just 1 Dinah. (Another joke I now solemnly promise to retire).

The Walkers were Wendy, Don, David, Julie, Jan, Peter, Claire, Fiona, Kieran, Karen, Jim, Julie, Stephen, Gill, me, Ros, Tony, Sue, Russell, Linda (and Geoff behind the lens).

As you can see from the photo, the weather was "overcast". Depending on which forecast you put your faith in, it was either going to rain, or ... it wasn't.

(It did).

Getting everyone to the start point proved a bit tricky. I had carefully calculated that we could do it in 4 cars if a couple of people doubled back and picked up a second lot. Having agreed that Geoff and Linda would do the honours, they set out. However, just after this another car and walkers turned up which hoovered up all the excess walkers, and by the time we got to the start point the willing taxi pair had already departed. I could only wait for them to return (again), empty-handed, and apologise. Sorry!

This was a gentle walk of 9.4 km; flat or gently downhill for the most part, but with a Bastard Hill in the middle, wriggling its way up to the abandoned village of Rocha Amarela.

Tackling the BH on the VA

It was certainly a bit black over Will's Mother's

Rocha Amarela - the last inhabitant left in about 1980, apparently

No rush. Waterproofs were donned, and discarded, several times.

Not to sound too much like the WAGS, but the main event of the day was The Lunch, superbly arranged by Ros (I kept well out of it).

Having performed our pre-prandial titivations, we assembled inside at o Folclore, having had a democratic(ish) vote on whether to brave the outdoors.

There we were joined by Martin, Eileen, Monica, Frank, Cap'n Ken, Sue M, Miriam and one other Diner whose name I have forgotten.

Speeches were delivered:

Russ collected the money:

Jan's lemons were much admired:

... and Balthazar was given the opportunity to bite the hand that fed him:

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The walk and lunch presented an opportunity to remember our friend Terry Ames, who often walked in this area. The gist of what I said was that a) he was a bloody good walker, b) an exceptional walks leader, c) a clever, kind and considerate person, and d) his punctuation was terrible. (Full transcript available on demand).

The walk, such as it was:

Thanks to Ros (on her final appearance in this role) for the lunch arrangements; Geoff, Julie and Stephen for the photos.

Terry Mace