The Remainers Walk. Where the AWW Dares (or Julie´s Heroes)

The (in)famous  Secret 6 on their spying mission into deepest Calderao.  Their mission, which they did choose to accept, to get to Montes Novos and back to the Tia Bia without losing anyone! About 4 hours, 14kms and 400 metres of climb expected.

Commander Nothing Julie, Fitness Sergeant Major Tony, IT and Electronics specialist Martin with tracker dog rafa, Navigation expert Terry, Reconnaissance scout Peter and Photo imagery reconnaissance Alan.

The first part of the mission started well with Commander Nothing explaining that they would be exploring an old hash route taking in a dangerous downhill starting with an easy route along a marked trail towards the Day centre.

Commander Nothing inspected a possible water supply, really hoping it was a coffee supply

Navigation expert at work.  Easy trails and good walking, no problems.

Leading from behind, always a good tactic.

The dangerous hill didn´t look too bad.

You can`t actually tell how steep and dangerous the slope was - only to Commander Nothing.  Everyone else just shot down it.

Prowess in crossing water is a mandatory skill for the Secret 6. There was a very interesting discussion on finding underwear on walks. We were lucky to find our way never mind underwear. 

Being able to spot and track signs - another mandatory skill

Good tracks made progress towards the target easier.

Before the start of the off piste section.  We`re on navigation apps, no recce but reconnissance scout Peter was happy to be out front.

Ah the secret mission was definitely in unknown territory and yes it was that steep.

And onward, deeper into the unknown ...

 

We encountered a very steep slippery uphill off piste followed by secret path round enemy territory. Private land attached to a house, we were informed, by the lady cooking outside the restaurant in Montes Novos.

Alan's polaroid lens revealed an opportunity to have Sushi.  

The perfect lunch spot for intrepid explorers on a secret mission.

Through Montes Novos on a marked trail.  Easy navigation and an obvious route back.

Sergeant Major Tony checked out a flowery bush

The squad discovered some excellent green paths on the return.

No mission would be complete without water crossings.

Some used the Irish bridges. Commander Nothing took the wet route.

Well one member of the squad has to have wet feet.

On familiar territory for the AWW secret 6.  No surprises as Commander Nothing had been taken up the Via Algarviana several times. It never gets any easier.

Apart from when you get to the top.

More leading from behind but on the last stretch.

Mission accomplished.  Congratulations to Julie´s heroes.

Thanks to Alan for the photographs and everyone for helping with the navigation.

The stats

Around 16kms, over 600 metres of climb and 5 hours on the trail.