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