AWW 28.03.2007 The Incognito Walk or Hedley's Routemarch

Leader : Hedley

Present: Antje, Lindsey, Tina & Andrew, Ian W, Ian S, Janet, Gack, Vitor & Dina, John H, Rod, George & Ann, Stan & Elaine, David L.
Dogs: Archie and Tiggy

Stats
Total distance: 16Km (mais ou menos in absence of GPS)
Walking time: 4 hrs
Total time: 4.5. hrs
Av speed 4.0.Kph
Tilley hats: 2
Gaiters: 1

An impressively large turnout for a walk marshalled with military panache by veteran Hedley. Among the starters, “two-stick” Frew, David L. complete with a pair of waders, Stan wearing Tilley Two, and first-timer Andrew Fielder doing practical field research for his forthcoming thesis “Some Dialectical Differentiations between a Round of Golf and a Good Walk.”
Hedley’s report follows interspersed with the occasional editorial.

"Two-stick " Frew
These waders may come in handy

A splendid crowd of 18 gathered at the bar with no name (henceforward to be known as “Bar Incognito”). The pleasure at seeing Rod back from his Darwinesque South American travels was tempered by the fact that Bar Incognito was shut and we were thus deprived, not only of our coffee kick-start but also of the joy of seeing Rod at work, as he is the only person on the planet known to be able to charm a smile out of the owner.

We started promptly at 9.30 and following the obligatory school photo set off northwards up a steady series of ups and downs ( Note to the Committee – we really must define the precise incline of an “undulation”). The weather was tempered by a cold wind and the presence of a large cloud which hovered over the group for almost the entire walk, although there were large patches of blue in all other directions.Passing through the hamlet of Arrojela de Baixo which (like many such settlements on this walk ) appears to consist of only one house, we reached the crossing of the Ribeira da Senhora do Verde where Vitor slipped on one of the stepping stones and fell flat, happily only getting his feet wet. – the first of several more examples on this walk of what has been previously been documented as “Falling Down Syndrome” (FDS).
Before the fall

On northwards past the now deserted dwelling of the “Dung man”, with whom we have had several run-ins in the past, to a long uphill track which is getting close to impassable due to the encroachment of the dreaded cistus (clear evidence of the Leader’s failure to do a proper recce). Difficult to believe that this area was completely cleared by the fires a couple of years back.
Shortly after we reached the northernmost point of the walk and turned back through 180° along a couple of K’s of good striding country, to another one house village (Varginha).

(At this stage, scarcely yet noon, a trio of ladies began agitating for an early lunch, citing Napoleonic dogma about an army and its stomach, but this fazed Hedley not one jot; he quelled this incipient rebellion with delaying tactics worthy of Quintus Fabius Maximus Cunctator by following the example of that other military luminary, the Grand Old Duke of York, in marching’em up to the top of the hill and marching ‘em down again while – a master’s touch this – delegating (just as GODOY did) the actual task of leading the way to the real top to another, in this case Ian S. )


After a couple of abortive attempts to find the path (more cistus) (Hedley's words are overly modest - it was all pure tactics on his part) we found the climb and wound up the hill to the edge of the eucalyptus plantation where we settled out of the wind for lunch, at about 12.30 pm. Here Rod revealed that one of his new double arm action poles had suffered irreparable damage (memo: must stop frequenting the Chinese shops that are springing up everywhere).
After a quick lunch as nobody wanted to linger in the cold we marched on along the edge of the plantation (of which little is now left as the loggers are steadily salvaging the burnt out timber). Two more cases of FDS before we reached the Cavaca TP for the second obligatory photo.


(Hedley then displayed his generalissimo’s skills once more by appointing George as temporary leader and later, when George became uncertain as to landmarks, the Leader identified one, a long- abandoned car battery by the track-side, with a triumphant cry of “Oh Ye of little faith” and confidence and onward progress were duly restored.)

On over mainly downhill country which now offers very fine views seawards since the trees have been felled and so within sight of, or at least smell of, home. (At this stage, yet another example of the Leader’s Field-Marshallship at its best. The 2 Ians, scenting malted hops, had raced some 300 metres ahead of the pack and were drawing still further away in a left-flankingdirection. Hedley brought the group smartly to a halt, whipped-in the two tearaways, reasserted his leadership, turned sharp right and so quickly and…)
finally to Bar Incognito at 2.05 pm which was (no doubt thanks to the Leader’s prayers) open. For it to have been closed at both beginning and
end would have earned the Leader a lifetime supply of black marks!

During post-walk relaxation, the first of Andrew’s differentiations emerged: “you finish a Round of Golf earlier and get to the bar sooner”, Ian W. enthusiastically extolled the exciting prospects of next week’s Montinho Marathon – should be fun!- and Antje stood Ian S. two beers for his having rescued her Leki after last week’s Benagil stroll. If that is the market rate for recovered technical paraphernalia, what price that mysterious, unclaimed artefact still in Ian’s custody?

And finally

Ah've got those Incognito Blues

AWW 21.03.2007 Benagil Breeze or Lucky for Some

Leader: Ian S
Present: Hedley and guests George and Ann, Antje, Andrew and Lindsey, Jim Brownlow, Tina Fielder, Ian W., Janet, Gack, and John H.
Two dogs: Archie and Tiggy.

Obligatory statistical section:
Tilley Hat count: 1
Gaiter count: 0
Blood count: 2
Total distance: 6.722 miles
Time: 4.00 hrs exactly
Ascent/Descent: nobody noticed.
Leader assessment: positive (3 bonus points, 2 black marks)

14 gathered at Benagil by 9.15 including David Littlewood who, for reasons unclear, came only to cheer but did take the photo of the 13 walkers who left Benagil at 9.30 sharp.












































Lack of starting coffee an initial black mark for the Leader, whose verbatim report follows:

Easy stroll to Praia da Marinha, with frequent stops to admire views on a spectacularly sunny morning. A bright, breezy day with the sea a vivid mix of azul and green, disturbed only by a couple of snorkellers.
The Mike Pease secateurs were then ceremonially inaugurated on a spiky little bush which elicited a derisive snort from Jim (who has experience in these matters) “Call that a Bramble!”























The Pease secateurs cut in.



On to Pr. da Albandeira for a refreshment stop, meeting an increasing number of other “walkers”, and with yet more information pauses to read about “blow holes” in the limestone cliffs, and to try to identify the colony of birds (shags?) on Battleship Rock.
There then followed a slightly tricky descent to the last bay before climbing, past a snake hissing noisily in the grass, up and onwards to the headland of Nossa Senhora da Rocha where another, 20 minute refreshment stop was made, and a pleasing alternative to the customary “Oblig. Trig. Pic.” was taken in front of the chapel.




(Frequency of stops allowed by an unusually simpatico Leader earns him first bonus point.)

The return journey began relatively uneventfully until the Leader , totally engrossed in conversazione with Lindsey, lost his way and began leading his flock towards Porches until corrected by alert veterans.
(Second black mark.)

After this 10 minute diversion, order and compass bearings re-established, smooth progress was made permitting a running debate on the economic benefits of boots from Bulgaria, with Hedley claiming benefit of Old Age Pensioner’s discount over the leader.

























Which is the genuine Bulgarian?


Then, without warning, a disturbing incidence of FSD ( Falling Down Syndrome) struck; John H set the tone with a perfect pratfall on completely level ground. He claims that this was due to his being immersed in a meaningful conversation with Hedley the subject of which neither of them has any recollection about (Editorial comment – it may have been about Short Term Memory Loss .) What was most impressive was that as he hit the ground rigidly at attention like a Guardsman fainting on parade, not a single expletive was heard.

No harm done, luncheon was then taken on the beach at Albandeira –
(second bonus point to the leader here, the location being awarded 5 stars by the assembled gourmets) – until Hedley blew his RSM’s whistle and the troops continued back towards Benagil FSD struck again as Antje outdid John with a spectacular “Fosbury Flop” or “Western Roll” fall that nearly flattened the Leader too.

Equilibrium restored once more, the walkers returned to Benagil precisely on the 4-hour mark with the Leader for once being beaten to the bar, being smartly outpaced over the finishing stretch by a rejuvenated Antje.





The majority having left, the Leader retrieved an abandoned Leki Makalu – which earns him a third bonus point. Owner can reclaim it from him, ransome negotiable

AWW 14.03.2007 The Graveyard Shift or Lost in Loule

GPS says " Time to start!"

David promised "In spite of being relatively short, this is quite tough because of the amount of climb and descent." and when at the prescribed time he was sitting at Café D. Rosa in Querença main square with just Ian W. and John, he must have thought that it was a mistake to do so! However by 0945 hrs. and after a couple of desperate phone calls from the lost souls in Loulé, reinforcements had arrived, and the six 'Proud Walkers' prepared to leave after the customary coffee infusion!
It is worthy to note two facts about this walk:- 1. There were no dogs participating for the first time since an awful long time, and 2. The number of Tilley Hat wearers on this occasion reached an All-Time high of 50% - Ian W., John and of course Paul being the discerning half of the squad!





Querenca Walk Track (click to enlarge)

Leader: David
Present: Paul; John; Ian W. Hedley; Lindsey
No dogs!!



Stats:
Total Distance: 18.0 km
Moving Time: 4 hrs 14 min.
Total Time: 5 hrs 15 min
Moving average: 4.3 km/hr
Overall Average: 3.4 km/hr
Total Ascent: 820 m
Max Elevation: 445 m

Here is David's report:

Following a spate of cancellations and apologies, it was a small and very select band that gathered at Querenca for the start of the walk. John had arrived before breakfast to make sure not to miss us, having only made up his mind to walk at 6.a.m., a decision he seemed to regret at a later stage. Paul rang from Loulé having underestimated the time required for the journey from Lagos. Lindsey was lost in Loulé and phoned for directions. All of which was pretty lucky for Hedley, who arrived unannounced at about 9.45, also complaining about signage in Loulé, just as the rest of the party was coming together.
Not a very auspicious start, but nevertheless a start was made at just after 9.50. Things got just slightly worse, although the bulk of the group were not aware. The Leader turned off the road too soon down the hill from Querenca, which meant that the initial walk on tarmac was considerably extended. Hedley got nearest the truth, but the Leader was not going to admit to a mistake at that point.
A pleasant walk along the track to the Fonte de Benémola improved the underfoot, and the Fonte itself was admired, bringing water from heaven knows where underground to keep the river flowing. Above the Fonte it was already almost dry. The rocky ascent of the steep side of the gorge was accomplished without incident, but no-one felt like exploring the caves near the top.




Five above the Fonte

Arriving at Corcitos, the leader made another small error, but corrected himself within 100 metres, much to everyone’s delight. The rest of the lowland section of the walk was accomplished in good time. A young lady originating from Pendle in Lancashire was encountered briefly with her minute dog complete with mini bandana by the working fonte wheel near Tejeira. Then began the ascent of the range of hills which run to the north-east of the Querenca valley. It includes two trig-points and a lot of steep climbs, but the walking rate was very well-maintained. Lunch was taken at the first trig, Esguicho de Agua, after which Hedley declared himself satisfied with the day’s exertions, and left to find his own way back to Querenca on a lowland route.





After lunch at Esguicho de Agua

The Famous Five ploughed on to the second trig point, the location of which had been visible for what seemed like hours because of the mobile phone mast alongside it. The views from this point were truly remarkable, making the arduous climb (more or less) worthwhile.


The second TOTPP: Ian is feeling the cold and has a fleece inside his waterproof, while our northern 'ard man displays his one pack! (note the temperature was at least 20ºC and we had just had a hard climb. The words "namby pamby" were discussed at length!)

The descent from this high point was at times hazardous due to the steepness of the slope and the loose nature of the stones, but all reached the valley safely, though some knees were beginning to complain. The group then went off-piste for a short way to cut out a detour on the way to the final hill. Herewith lay the second cock-up of the day, when the Leader was unable to locate the perfectly good transverse path towards the Cemetery, and the group instead took on the hill at its steepest, through lightish scrub. This led to an arrival on the hilltop in someone’s garden rather than at the cemetery gates, but fortunately there were no dogs or electric fences.



Back at Cafe D. Rosa - with a good thirst!

All that remained was the short processional way from the cemetery back to Querenca and the bar. Hedley was sitting with what he claimed was his third beer, but few believed him. No stout for the Leader, but Bohemia was a good substitute. A good half-hour rattle about the previous week’s rugby internationals concluded proceedings. Once again the Leader had made an uncannily accurate estimate of distance, given that this time he really had plucked the figure out of thin air, but his timing was a little astray. Can’t win ‘em all.
This is undoubtedly a challenging walk, but a satisfying one, and one of many to be had in this relatively unspoiled part of the region.

Comment by CB: This proved to be a wonderful classic Eastern Algarve walk. The views from the extremely 'undulating' ridge that eventually led to the Trig Point with the mast some 3 km from Querença on the return journey, were superb, and (almost all agreed) worth the exertion. In some ways it was good that the group was small and compact, as it made for a faster overall pace, and less potential for accidents, as some of the downhill slopes were extremely steep and scree-ridden. This was an occasion when the newly-purchased AWW rope would have been of value - but of course it was packed in Ian S.'s rucksack beneath the debris of last week's packed lunch, and Ian had preferred to spend the day allegedly dealing with personal affairs, rather than participating in a new and 'highly' enjoyable ramble.
Now if only David could sort out the end, and avoid the 'v.diff' ascent to the graveyard!!!

AWW 07.03.2007 Forest Finagle

Ian & John arrive late - to much consultation of watches!!

Forest Finagle:

Leader(s): Myriam (Ladies' Invitation 10km)
Paul (The Race to the Bar)
Present:
Mike, Chris, Antje, John H, Lindsey, Andrew, Ian W., Ian S., David, John O', Brian.
Oscar, Tiggy

Stats: Length: 22.3 km, Moving Time; 4 hrs 34 minutes; Total Time: 5 hrs 13 minutes
Moving average; 4.9 km/hr; Overall Average: 4.3 km/hr
Total Ascent 538 m. Max Elevation: 186 metres

'Twas a 'soft' day, as our regular Paddy's John O' and Brian would have it. Seriously, it is getting beyond a joke how every time a Walk in the Forest is scheduled, it is grey with varying degrees of precipitation, which spoil the views. Between us we must have consulted about 300 online weather stations, all predicting minimal rain and clearing up in the later morning. However we had a fairly consistent windy drizzle, which fortunately abated before we settled for lunch at Pedra Branca.
John was being driven to the start by Ian S. and coming via a convoluted route to inspect possible future sites for Casa Scott, arrived almost 15 minutes late! Thanks to a timely phone call from the retards (!!), the ever considerate leader held back the pack who were ready for the off! Ian W. was making a welcome comeback after a World Tour of New Zealand, and this was to be a test of how much fitness he had retained.


Andrew had thoughtfully procured a climbing rope to avoid further incidents such as Lindsey's Cliff Adventure on the RTC Walk, and it was Myriam's honour as leader of the first part to carry The Rope!

The plan was for Myriam to test her dodgy knee on a flattish 10 km before lunch. However if the shadow leader had not stepped in, she would have arrived at the lunch spot 15 minutes after the start of the walk. Antje admitted that she was distracting her from her navigational duties by conversing to excess!! Once back on course to the forest path leading to Sculpture Hill, the cultural highlight of the walk, we maintained a good pace reaching Pedra Branca in just over 2 hours

Track of the Forest Finagle (click to enlarge)

Mike took the opportunity of this carefully designed walk to capture Paul's Geocache " 22.5 House", benefiting in no small amount by having the cache owner to observe his efforts. The starting cache was about 10 minutes before the lunch spot, and the rest of the walkers chewed on bananas and Energy Bars with great forebearance while Mike scrabbled around in the thicket!

Senior Geocacher at work!

Lunch was at Pedra Branca after just over 2 hours and 9.5 km, and there were plenty of flat stones and even a bench for our comfort.

Lunch with a view

At the Pedra Branca TP after lunch

After lunch, Myriam dropped out as planned, and was joined by Tiggy (involuntarily) who had an infected foot -(Antje sacrificed her further participation to drive her home!), and by Ian W. who had failed the fitness test, and was suffering from some strain to his upper legs or thereabouts!
The remaining ten set off at a cracking pace in the improved meteorological conditions, and soon reached the point where Mike was to continue the pursuit of the cache. This consisted of following one of Paul's Bamboo Diagrams, retrieved from the first cache, and for this he led the group through a minor forest path for about 3 km to finally reach the 22.5 House where he located the cache.

The group patiently waits for Mike to 'log' the cache while Oscar wonders what is going on!!

The remainder of the walk, on a wide and flat path down the Vale de Bordeira and back to Barão São João was done at a cracking pace which lifted our moving average to an unprecedented 4.9 km/hr, and would probably have been over 5 km/hr, had I not moved the GPS around while waiting for Mike to complete his geocaching operation.
The "Innominate" Bar (Palm Tree) which we frequent in BSJ had a new and rather more efficient barmaid than hitherto, and the only slight hiccup was that Myriam ordered in Portuguese and was supplied with two Chokolade quente's only later to establish that the lady was from London, and had thought Myriam was speaking chinese!!

John O' is a potential new convert to Tilley Hats, and models a slightly oversize version belonging to Chris




In a rare photo, John has captured Ian S. actually handing over to Lindsey, his week's pocket money for the beers he consumed . He had been working on his thirst the whole walk by refusing water and leaving his anorak on buttoned to the neck to promote a healthy sweat! I, on the other hand, paid up for my modest two beers on Lindsey's demand, despite the fact that as leader this week I had exemption. Being entirely honest, Lindsey was so troubled by blagging this extra cash from me that she sent me an IOU by email before dinner!!

AWW 28.02.2007 Pereira Perambulation

The Starters

A good turnout of 16 + 2 dogs on a great day for rambling, everyone smiling with the thought of Mike's promises from his email produced verbatim below:-

Difficulty rating: Extremely easy (bring Sudoku's as something to do whilst you walk)

Hills: No RF-hills or DL-undulations

It promised to be a 'walk in the park'!!

From WW Blog Pix

Pereira Walk Track - (click to enlarge)

In an extremely caring manner, Mike had considered the CB's arduous duty, and managed to keep the whole track on one sheet of the Military Map, sheet 594 to be precise. So accurate was his navigation that although we teetered on the western edge of the map - we did not fall off, and the task of posting this Track was made infinitely more simple!

Here is Mike's account of the walk, and I am only responsible for the statistics:

The walk for Wednesday 28th February was a re-run of 'Compote de Pereira'. An earlier attempt, in mid-November, was washed out in heavy rain. On this occasion we were blessed with a truly glorious day, sunny, warm and with a pleasant breeze. The walk is mostly along ridge-tops and the 360º vistas were at their best.

The early part of the walk near Quinta de Perdiz had been subject to a massive clearing operation

Present were: David, Andrew, Lindsey, Chris, Stan, Elaine, Caroline, Hedley, John, Paul, Janet and Mike, and not forgetting Oscar.

Guests were: Tina, and, from The Hash House Harriers: John O'Neil, Brian Holman and Mick Walters plus Shorty (a terrier, somewhat reminiscent of Muffin).

Statistics: Length 22.5 km, Total time 5 hrs. 45 minutes; Moving time 5 hrs 5 minutes;

Moving Average 4.4 km/hr; Overall Average 3.9 km/hr

TOTAL ASCENT: 707 m. Max Elevation 172 m. (cf. Walk description above!)

Rod was last heard of on the Galapagos Islands where he was presumably researching the origins of AWWs and our relationship to penguins. We will learn on his return whether we are to become the Algarve Wednesday Waddlers?

The start was bang on time and we reached Vale de Corvos trig point (159 m) on schedule after 90 minutes good pace walking. From this point there is a good ridge top path to Arão that permits the pace to be increased a little. We managed to pass through the village without loss of numbers despite the doors of the bar being open.

Vale de Corvos TP.

On the ridge that lies to the south of Arão we passed the spot where, in c. the year 3 PB (Pre-Blogs) Maurice endeavoured to entice a stray donkey with an apple that he had left over from his lunch. The moke would have none of this seductive offering and set off over hill and down dale hotly pursued by Maurice. A somewhat crestfallen Maurice duly rejoined the group later, minus the apple and never having established contact with the donkey.

Lunch was taken at the trig point Moita Ladrões (141 m) offering pleasant all-round views.

Lunch at Moita Ladrões

Following the descent we spied a donkey (another one) with a very young foal close to the road. This elicited tender 'ooohs and aaahs' from all the ladies, especially from Janet who expected to become a grandmother during the course of the walk -- but no cell phone message was received so we didn't get the anticipated bubbly. Tina kindly produced an apple and Mike was persuaded to emulate Maurice's endeavours, recalled above, but this time with success as the moke bit happily into the proffered apple. Is there a moral in this somewhere?

Live reenaction of Maurice and the donkey - successful this time!

We then passed through the hamlet of Mulher Morta which Lindsey was able to establish later from the barman at café/bar Goncalves in Pereira had some history as to its name. Years ago some villager (perhaps staggering home from the local on a Saturday night) had seen a vision of a lady who had died some time previously but who was now seen by the nearby stream, washing her clothes. Whether the lady had been murdered is purely a matter for idle conjecture.

On the ridge that lies immediately below the trig point of Boi (145 m) there is a turn-off point named 'The Virgins' Dilemma'. We took the 'wise virgin' path downwards that avoids that of the 'foolish virgins' which ascends to the trig point and then descends steeply by way of jagged burnt cistus. There was only one vote to be a 'foolish virgin' and she shall be nameless.

Mike doing the "Foolish Virgin speech"

Total distance covered was 22.5 km. For the first time ever there was complete harmony between Mike and Paul's GPS in this matter. Time elapsed, i.e. including stops, was 5 hours 45 minutes.

Dinah and Myriam met us at Pereira.

A much deserved drink!

At the end of the walk Andrew presented a rope for future use by AWW leaders who get so inextricably lost that the only way out requires such artificial means. It was noted that one end had been knotted to form a 'hangman's noose'. The implications of this are worrisome and there may be a shortage of leaders offering their services in the future.

Mike's Hero!!

Finally, I offer you a sobering thought as we amble around the countryside, carrying a back-pack weighing perhaps 5 kg at most and walking at a leisurely pace of say 4 km/hour. A Roman legionary would be expected to march at a pace of about 6 km/hour carrying food, clothing and fighting equipment that might weigh from 30-40 kg. [I have taken into consideration that the Roman mile was 1,000 steps, i.e. just over 1,600 yards]. Also, don't forget that he walked in hobnailed sandals (none of our fancy Gortex hiking boots for him). And, at the end of the day's march, he would be expected to spend about 2 hours erecting a 'Marching Fort' involving the construction of ditch, bank and palisade. In the Falklands Campaign of recent times, soldiers of the Parachute Regiment yomped 80 miles in 3 days carrying 50 kg of equipment and then had energy to fight the Argentineans. So ponder on these facts as Rod urges you up some mountain or Paul drives you yet faster as we go clean 'round the bend' or we face yet more undulations driven by 'you-know-who'.