The Benafim Breaker, 28th October 2009.
The Track - click to enlarge
We had a football team, a referee and one linesperson this day. The second linesperson withdrew at short notice, which may help to account for the errors during the second of three halves.
The Team:- Myriam, Rod, John O’, Tina, Alex, Yves, Frank, Dina, Ian W, Chris, Val.
Referee:- David
First Linesperson:- Paul
Second Linesperson (absent): Terry A.
Ball-retrievers:- Misty, Shellie, Rosie.
An AW welcome to Shellie, our first water-dog, who brought Frank along. At only 12 months, she walked a great walk.
Beneath the spreading pepper tree
Half the First.
After meeting at Casa Benjamin for coffee, the team plus two officials set off in good heart with a steep descent and a walk along the valley floor through Fonte Figueira and Almarginho, taking the Algarve Way along the route towards Pena. Turning off this track, the Via Algarviana was followed up onto the high ridge leading directly into Benafim. The ref asked for opinions on this alternative route, given the amount of tarmac now gracing the AW from Penina to Benafim. The resulting comments were generally favourable towards the VA route, with some sadness that villages like Pena and Penina would be missed.
After meeting at Casa Benjamin for coffee, the team plus two officials set off in good heart with a steep descent and a walk along the valley floor through Fonte Figueira and Almarginho, taking the Algarve Way along the route towards Pena. Turning off this track, the Via Algarviana was followed up onto the high ridge leading directly into Benafim. The ref asked for opinions on this alternative route, given the amount of tarmac now gracing the AW from Penina to Benafim. The resulting comments were generally favourable towards the VA route, with some sadness that villages like Pena and Penina would be missed.
En route for Benafim
Unusually for a match, drinks were taken midway through the first half, at Benafim, where we were served by an extremely pleasant lady – a stopping point to remember.
Coffee Break
From there, the half was completed by a walk into the valley and a climb up towards Espargal on the opposite side. Lunch was then called.
Val do Caminho
Don't show me your blisters, I'm eating.
Half the Second.
The referee had failed to inspect the pitch for the next part of the route, with the result that team, officials and all wandered aimlessly through scrub and over walls for some time searching a for an elusive path to Alto Fica, which was finally discovered when that village was almost attained. The forbearance of the team was much appreciated, though the ref walked far enough in front to avoid hearing the expletives and feeling the daggers aimed at his back.
The referee had failed to inspect the pitch for the next part of the route, with the result that team, officials and all wandered aimlessly through scrub and over walls for some time searching a for an elusive path to Alto Fica, which was finally discovered when that village was almost attained. The forbearance of the team was much appreciated, though the ref walked far enough in front to avoid hearing the expletives and feeling the daggers aimed at his back.
O Wall, O Lovely Wall
Foul, Ref!
Half the Third
Although Alto Fica was a potential drop-out point, no one took advantage of the offer, and as substitutes are ruled out by the laws of this particular game, the whole team embarked upon and completed the final part of the event, which covered the ground from Alto Fica, through Nave dos Sobreiros and Portela da Nave, back to Covoes. A somewhat exhausted team was informed that the ref had allowed extra distance in the amount of 2.5 kilometres over that announced in the pre-match publicity. Sir Alex Ferguson has been asked for a comment.
Although Alto Fica was a potential drop-out point, no one took advantage of the offer, and as substitutes are ruled out by the laws of this particular game, the whole team embarked upon and completed the final part of the event, which covered the ground from Alto Fica, through Nave dos Sobreiros and Portela da Nave, back to Covoes. A somewhat exhausted team was informed that the ref had allowed extra distance in the amount of 2.5 kilometres over that announced in the pre-match publicity. Sir Alex Ferguson has been asked for a comment.
Post Match Drinks
Must get some new specs.
Statistics.
Total Distance:- 23.6 km
Moving Time:- 5hr 19min.
Total Time:- 6hr 19min
Moving Average:- 4.4km/hr
Overall Average: 3.7km/hr
Total Ascent:- 444 metres
Maximum Elevation:- 352 metres
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Matthew 15:14.
It was a very good training for RTC. Doubtly, we also enjoyed and appreciated the pre-walk coffees esp. prepared by Dinah and the peaceful garden where we had our aft-walk drinks.
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