The forecast was for rain. No-one could say how much rain or when. It depended on which website you checked. One 20% blob at 8 o'clock and again at 11 o'clock; or a 60% triple blob at 3 o'clock; or all the above; or hopefully, none at all. After much demurring, we decided to walk half an hour earlier than planned, and 10 intrepid souls (one soul belonging to Bica the dog) gathered at the Cantinho de Bordeira for a 9.30 start.
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| Cantinho de Bordeira |
Coffees were drunk and tales were told of large plates full of scrambled eggs served up at the Aljezur hotel where visitors to the Western Algarve were staying, but we were on our way by ten minutes to ten.
A gentle amble on tarmac quickly led to a large billboard informing us that Bordeira is a marvellous village. We were inclined to agree and chose this spot for a group photo (there is a dog in there somewhere).
Contrary to fears and warnings the sky stayed blue(ish). Within a few minutes of the start, we were on the well-marked trails of the Western Algarve, heading towards the Bordalete hill.
Undeterred we marched on and in a bit, we arrived at a trig which coincided with our first view of the magnificent western ocean, of which more anon.
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| The Trig |
Sadly, two foolhardy exhibitionists in our party saw this exquisite scientific marker merely as a photo opportunity. The more serious members of the group were far more interested in possibly ancient runes carved on stones at the foot of the trig.
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| Possibly ancient runes |
The soft sand trail finally led us to a
cliff top with a path down to the beach. Path may be an overstatement, but
after only minor hesitation and led by Ros (the-mountain-goat-with-the-bit-between-her-teeth) 
with Ros only a speck in the distance
and we reached the high point (or the low point?) of our walk - abseiling down to the beach!
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| Teamwork! |
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| and more teamwork! |
Followed by paddling (for some)
Some finely designed cliffs
And a short trek into Carrapateira as the skies darkened with still 5 kilometres to go.
Even the beach café was closed. Did they know something we didn’t? Was a downpour inevitable?
But against all odds the seven stalwart folk stayed dry, and made their way steadily back to the café whence their journey had begun before the threatened storm
But only just! Within five minutes the heavens opened and it poured down. Storm Claudia had arrived!
Well, my gizmo says 21.7kms at 4.3kmh which sounds a lot better. Anyway, congrats to our joint western leaders of Bruce & Tim and extra congrats to Tim for mastering the art of blogging and producing such a fine virgin blog. I don't recall the tin ever saying anything about absailing , but the fine tuning of arriving at the final cafe with barely minutes to spare before the deluge was magnificent. Muito obrigado.
ReplyDeleteThanks for leading walk Boys. We were indeed fortunate with the weather. Also thanks "Boys" and Steve with your assistance on the descents. Also thanks Tim, for giving us a lift to the car in the tempestuous weather. Well done with the blog too, Tim.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent walk made particularly memorable by the cliff and beach sections. The crashing waves and sun bringing out the turquoise colours of the sea was so atmospheric. The company helped too.
ReplyDeleteWell we enjoyed our gentle stroll part and were home indoors by the time the rain came. But a great couple of days as always with the AWW.
ReplyDeleteThis blog was a learning experience! Made possible by support (and patience) from Geoff and Margaret. Thanks guys! and Bruce of course! and Steve :-)
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