It’s too darn hot. It’s too darn hot … A very warm walk from Alportel

In order to get that perfect shot we had to stand on the cafe steps

for the all important photograph.

From left to right: Jan, Martin, Tony, Linda and a shy Toby, Karen, Steve, Julie

With Alan and Rafa in front

Off we set on tarmac and calcada.. It was quite warm, not too hot yet.

Our first stop, chatting to a hasher.  Note that he's behind bars, where most hashers should probably be!!  It's too darn hot to be hanging around.

Up the first off-piste hill. A bit tricky but short. It’s too darn hot for long climbs.

Going down into Fonte Fereia. It was a little bit slippy in places after the rains of winter.
I’m not good at going down. Someone did note that Tony has said so.
Well yes he’s used to me either crying or shouting no.

Better going down because it’s too darn hot for uphills

The first river crossing.
This one was easy with the stepping stones but it was still a nice paddle for the dogs.

Well it didn't last long. At the turn off a steep off-piste uphill. Mercifully it was short because it’s

too darn hot for long ones.

But we did get some wonderful views. Then an easier down towards the Parises road.
Jan was explaining that Italians have the smallest …. She couldn't think of the word.
I suggest something then Jan remembered it was condoms. She didn’t say how she knew.
It too darn hot for such discussions.

Down to the Alportel river.
Lots of water for the dogs to enjoy because it’s too darn hot for them

Off on the Via Algarviana link route

Some muttering about uphills I don’t know why, I prefer uphills.

I like it on top, the view's better. But it was too darn hot for any mega climbs

The barragem was brimming with water.

Again an ideal opportunity for the dogs to cool off while the humans refuelled and rehydrated.

Well it was too darn hot for much else.

Some people wondered about getting wet crossing water as this was hinted at in the walk description.  Here's the first crossing with no alternatives.  Cool,clear and refreshing with added snakes.

Spot the snake!

Just what you need before lunch because it's too darn hot!

A shady spot for an early lunch.

Then a second crossing to navigate.. I do like it wet.  Which is good when it's so darn hot.

Some people like it fast, rough and loud.  It's too darn hot for all that.

Back along the river paths.  More shade and water for the dogs. It's definitely too darn hot.

Of the two photos I don't know which sums up the AWW better!!

Quick, run. I see walkers coming.  Mind you it's too darn hot for any of that!!!

Show me a sign Lord.  Oh good, nearly there.

Back to the shade of the cafe.  It was a bit warm on the walk

It's too darn hot It's too darn hot I'd like to sup with my baby tonight Refill the cup with my baby tonight I'd like to sup with my baby tonight Refill the cup with my baby tonight But I ain't up to my baby tonight 'Cause it's too darn hot It's too darn hot It's too darn hot.

Lyrics by Cole Porter

Many thanks to Alan for the super photos.

The Stats:-

14 kms.
275 metres of climb.
3h 11mins moving time.
3h 58 mins total time.