An Algarve Ramble
'Twas Wednesday morn, in realms of Algarve sun,
When ardent hikers, ere the day was done,
At Cantinho's cheerful café did convene,
A hopeful band, upon the verdant scene.
With coffee hot, their spirits much inflamed,
Julie and Tony, from UK lately claimed,
With Gill and Jim, and Max, their sturdy mate,
And Karen, Steve, defying early fate.
Then Jan and David, keen for paths untrod,
And Martin, leader, by the hiking god
Appointed, with his Rafa, loyal hound,
Whose tiny tail bespoke no earthly bound.
They rose, they strode, then downward took their way,
Into Algibre's vale, where shadows lay.
But ah! a turn, by Martin's compass missed,
A slight misstep, by humorous fate kissed.
Then upward, slow, a long and winding climb,
To heights that mocked the very hand of time.
Yet views arose, a solace for the eyes,
And weary limbs found rest beneath the skies.
A welcome seat, a water break well-earned,
As sunbeams on their brow serenely burned.
Then down they wound, where Algibre's whispers played,
A silver stream, through sun and dappled shade.
Along the path, where verdant boughs entwined,
To lunch they came, a shaded spot to find.
And some, emboldened by the river's gleam,
Did dip their feet within the crystal stream,
A childish joy, in water cool and clear,
Dispelling all the morning's toil and fear.
But mark the tale! As onward then they went,
A sudden crash, a cry to heaven sent!
Poor David fell! With unexpected grace,
He kissed the earth, upon his chin and face.
But lo! two angels, with their medical might,
Karen and Jan, brought healing to the light.
And Julie, too, with wipes of every kind,
A medic's trove, for scrapes and blood entwined.
With forehead scratched, and nose a bloody hue,
He rose, unbowed, his spirit strong and true.
His pack restored, though painful was the plight,
They sought the short-cut, in the afternoon's fierce light.
For 30 degrees, the sun, a fiery king,
No murmur rose, no hiker dared to sing
Of longer paths, or scenery more grand,
But silent trudged, across the sun-baked land.
The lively chatter, hushed by summer's heat,
As up the hill, they dragged their weary feet.
At last, the café, with its shaded ease,
A welcome drink, a balm for summer's breeze.
So praise to all, who braved the fervent day,
And David, too, who rose from where he lay,
A hero scarred, but with a spirit bold,
Another Wednesday story to unfold!
Martin
15.2km Thanks everybody
