AWW: Carrapateira Cloudy Capers

Starting Quotation (courtesy Ian Wilson):

"Only the dull are bright at breakfast." (Oscar Wilde)

The Starters

(click to enlarge)

The Track

The Statistics (courtesy Chief Blogger) :

Total Distance: 17.2

Moving Time: 3 hrs 52 min

Total Time: 4 hrs 25 min

Moving Average: 4.4 km/hr

Overall Average: 3.8 km/hr

Total Ascents: 457m.

Max Elevation: 145m.


These preliminary formalities over, DCB thankfully can move straight on to the Leader's exemplary report, keeping his editorial interjections to a minimum:

" CARRAPATEIRA CLOUDY CAPERS

On a somewhat cloudy and humid morning, the following 19 enthusiastic
Wednesday Walkers gathered at Cafe Bravo in Carrapateira for one of
the more popular West Coast walks.

Walkers : Frank W, Ian W, Ingrid,David L, Tina, Paul & Myriam, Ian
S, John O'N, Terry A and guest Bob Bates, John & Hazel, Alex, Terry M,
Dina, Yves, Hedley, with Chris as Leader

Dogs : Tiggy, Rusty, Rosie, Maddie, and Amos & Alfie ( Bob's dogs).

Leaving the cafe on time, the large group headed at a good pace up
towards the first trig point, the site of many previous photographs,
which probably persuaded everyone to ignore it completely and carry
on regardless. Descending to the valley floor we were obliged to
follow the main track towards the village of Vilarinha rather than
cross the stream to the other side, since someone had decided to try
growing assorted vegetables and had fenced off all access, which
admittedly has always taken us across a private garden whose owner
hadn't objected previously. Hardly anyone seemed to notice this
divergence which had no impact on the overall route but probably
served to confuse the GPS addicts. Fortunately the planned track was
resumed at the village of Vilarinha, now tastefully restored and open
for business as a surfer's resort (Let's hear it for Mel who seems to have acquired the whole village. )

Four beauties

Doing the business at Vilarinha

(Click to enlarge.)

The new steep track up from the village had almost returned to its natural state after our previous visit when it had been opened up by a bulldozer. Arriving at the
summit, the group headed straight for the prominent trig point thus
enabling an executive decision to be made to continue along the
inland loop included in the previous route.

By now the famous views were largely obscured by low cloud, and the high humidity had almost
become a steady drizzle. In no time at all the clouds had descended
and the typical West Coast driven rain commenced. This unforeseen
change in the weather failed to dampen spirits however and everyone
headed happily towards the stunning ocean views, now lost under the
low damp clouds. Without further bidding the lunch stop was called
under the shelter of a group of pine trees, although by now the rain
had ceased. (Comfortable seating for all.)

Heading towards the beach with rain clouds appearing
everywhere and with a steady drizzle continuing, calls to ascend to
the attractive viewing point above the beach fell on deaf ears.

"Change and decay.................."

The happy band were then rewarded on reaching the beach where the dogs
enjoyed a cooling dip, by a sudden clearing of the clouds and a patch
of bright sunshine appearing. This so empowered everyone that, rather
than suffering the mutiny of previous years when the direct route
back to the cafe was taken by the silent majority, a breakaway group
seemed intent on continuing the cliff walk . However the leader's
wish to keep within the advertised distance prevailed and everyone
returned together to the welcome sight of Cafe Bravo, even though by
now most had dried out sufficiently to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.
The variations possible with this walk seem to suit the demands for a
shorter walk from time to time, but it could easily be extended by
several kilometers if need be ("No!"). Even so it seems that this walk with
the shorter distances involved satisfies most walkers and remains as
popular as ever, if numbers are anything to go by."


Thanks, Chris, for a good walk and, equally so, your report.

Comfortable seating for all back at the Bistro.

"Drinking beer does not make you fat: it makes you lean.......
Against bars, tables, chairs and poles, and did I mention bars?"

"A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it is better to make thoroughly sure."