14 walkers and 1 x dog. Kieran, Steve, Fiona, Linda, Ros,
Tim, Trish, Jill, Karen, Sue, Peter, Tony, John D and Geoff (the
photographer). Plus, Toby the dog.
We met in Rasmalho and then drove 3kms further up the road to the start of the walk. Goeff kindly offered to be photographer in Alan's absence. We started out at 10.15am, slightly late as Linda missplaced her car keys.
We
headed off up the path, past the empty cow field with just a water trough. Toby was now let free from the lead for the
rest of the day.
It was nice to hear the water rushing down the river from Monchique but also good to see the water level had gone down in the last couple of weeks.
On to our first water crossing, boots on, slow and
deliberate, each stone tested before committing and that quiet satisfaction at
the other side of dry boots.
Ross wanted to test her new plastic bags from “Temu”. Not as strong as she thought!
Onwards we marched taking delicate steps around the puddles
and muddy patches on the path.
The next water crossing was just as easy but with the added
beauty of a fresh waterfall.
Now it was time to head up the valley. The baragem was full as expected and bright
green.
Once at the top we could enjoy some more flat walking as we zig zagged on winding paths, enjoying the views and the heather.
Then we came across a few expected landslides which were
easy to walk round but would block a vehicle.
The next obstacle was a fallen tree but nothing stops the
hardy AWW walkers.
We found a spot with a nice view down the valley to stop for
our lunch break. John D had brought his
little chair again.
We headed off again fuelled on with sugar from the sweets kindly handed out by Tony.
We had one more steepish hill and then it was a nice downhill stroll back down the valley whilst enjoying the mountain views.
Back down to our earlier river crossing which everyone crossed with more confidence the 2nd time around.
All was going well until Toby the dog decided to do a
disappearing act. Lots of shouting and
whistle blowing was to no avail. The
leader suggested we march onwards as Toby would know where the car was. As predicted he came bounding down the hill followed
by a pungent aroma of cow pat.
Gentleman Peter found a use for his Swiss Army Knife....to cut up some abandoned plactic to put under his boots in the car he had a lift in!
Back to the café for the post walk drinks and apologies for one smelly dog. Ros was sporting the new kitty purse she had just purchased.
The walk was just over 15kms and we completed it in 4 ½
hours including a lunch stop. Thank you for joining me and thanks to Geoff for
the photos.
