17th March 2010.
Trials and TORtures.
Victims:- Janet, Tina, Ingrid, Paul, Myriam, Lindsey, Dina, Rod, John H, Hazel, Val, Terry M, James.
Hellhounds:- Maddie, Misty, Rosie.
Master of the thumbscrews:- David.
The Track.
The trail to Casa Benjamin is becoming so well-beaten that no-one missed their way, and all were well in time for refreshment before the start, served with efficiency and even panache (tho’ I sez it wot shouldn’t) by the stand-in waiter. After a dull and cloudy start, the day promised to be fine and warm.
After surveying the ground down in the Lagoa da Nave a few days earlier, the leader decided to start the walk with a descent into said Lagoa, preceded by a brief explanation of its seasonal comings and goings from the hill above. The wet weather of the winter just passed had certainly created a larger lake than in previous years.
There proved to be more than sufficient firm ground on the valley floor to effect a crossing dry-shod, and the climb to Nave das Mealhas followed without incident. The group walked quickly through the very dilapidated hamlet, which, dogs apart, has all the appearance of a ghost town.
The ridge overlooking the Algibre Valley was soon attained, and in a fresh breeze, a portion of it was walked, followed by a descent to the outskirts of Funchais and a walk along tarmac lanes to Tor. The village is remarkable for, it seems, two things: it does not have a bar at its heart, the only one – in Paul’s encyclopaedic memory – being off-track near the main road, and the local Junta is currently attempting to ascribe names and erect name plates for every caminho and travessa it can find, with some interesting results.
The exit from Tor was along the Rua do Cimeterio, followed by a descent of the Rua Poco da Nora. Said Nora proved irresistible to John, who had to have a go, with no positive result.
Waterless, the group marched across the Algibre via the Roman bridge, sadly lacking the information which was once provided on now vacant boards. The river was still running at a good rate, with inviting pools below the bridge. A quick dash along a short stretch of the main Loule road was followed by a long easy stride down the river valley to Ribeira do Algibre, with the signs of spring all around us.
Lunch was taken halfway along the valley, utilising a convenient set of rocks to avoid the pain of having to rise from ground level afterwards.
There was further interest in old lime-kilns,first encountered on the leader’s previous walk. It would be good to know exactly how these operated.
Taking his already shaky reputation for guidance into his hands, the leader departed from his recce’d route, looking to avoid some tarmac, and it actually worked! Whilst on this short detour, a sinister discovery was made!
Then everyone took their lives into their hands crossing the narrow bridge to reach the coffee bar near the Tor road junction. Shortly before this, the Algarvian version of real-time public transport information was discovered in a bus shelter.
It was at this point that the leader was informed by the Guardian of the GPS that he was probably going to exceed his stated distance yet again, so the coffee stop became an even better idea than when it was first proposed.
Following this very welcome pause at Cafe Reguengos, the climb out of the valley towards Picavessa was tackled, interrupted by yet another lime-kiln.
Since TPA rules were in force, the peak was by-passed to the right, and the long descent to Nave do Barao began.
The dogs had not seen much water since leaving the Algibre, so a choice selection of muddy pools on the track was very welcome. Rosie and Misty took their opportunity, but Maddie was held back by that hard-hearted Myriam Lo. Shame on her!!
The climb up to Portela da Nave proved very tiring towards the end of a long walk, but all were still in good spirits as we passed through the hamlet, encountering Bruno, who seemed none the worse for devouring the leader’s plastic bagful of liver-cake the previous week. On to Covoes via a back-path to avoid the village dogs, and the inviting chairs at Casa Benjamin.
Failing memory had meant that not all had remembered to bring their own supplies of liquid refreshment, but what was available was shared round. Since his ears have long since become flame-proof, the leader heard for the first time of the terrible curses that had been heaped on his head by a certain sm… B…… l… .
Stats.
Total Distance: 24.8 km.
Moving Time: 5 hrs 27 min. Total Time: 6 hrs. 32 min.
Moving Avg.: 4.5 km/hr.
Overall Avg.: 3.8 km/hr.
Total Ascent: 581 m.
Max Elevation: 319 m.
D.o.D: 4*
Average Ages: 64years 11months 4 days (not including James)
Quotes of the week:
You won't realize the distance you've walked until you take a look around and realize how far you've been.” Anon.
Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.
Stephen Wright.
CB's Comment:
In an age of unscrupulous and shameless book-making, it is a duty to give notice of the rubbish that cumbers the ground. There is no credit, no real power required for this task. It is the work of an intellectual scavenger, and far from being specially honorable. Hutton, R. H.
Trials and TORtures.
Victims:- Janet, Tina, Ingrid, Paul, Myriam, Lindsey, Dina, Rod, John H, Hazel, Val, Terry M, James.
Hellhounds:- Maddie, Misty, Rosie.
Master of the thumbscrews:- David.
The Track.
The trail to Casa Benjamin is becoming so well-beaten that no-one missed their way, and all were well in time for refreshment before the start, served with efficiency and even panache (tho’ I sez it wot shouldn’t) by the stand-in waiter. After a dull and cloudy start, the day promised to be fine and warm.
After surveying the ground down in the Lagoa da Nave a few days earlier, the leader decided to start the walk with a descent into said Lagoa, preceded by a brief explanation of its seasonal comings and goings from the hill above. The wet weather of the winter just passed had certainly created a larger lake than in previous years.
There proved to be more than sufficient firm ground on the valley floor to effect a crossing dry-shod, and the climb to Nave das Mealhas followed without incident. The group walked quickly through the very dilapidated hamlet, which, dogs apart, has all the appearance of a ghost town.
The ridge overlooking the Algibre Valley was soon attained, and in a fresh breeze, a portion of it was walked, followed by a descent to the outskirts of Funchais and a walk along tarmac lanes to Tor. The village is remarkable for, it seems, two things: it does not have a bar at its heart, the only one – in Paul’s encyclopaedic memory – being off-track near the main road, and the local Junta is currently attempting to ascribe names and erect name plates for every caminho and travessa it can find, with some interesting results.
The exit from Tor was along the Rua do Cimeterio, followed by a descent of the Rua Poco da Nora. Said Nora proved irresistible to John, who had to have a go, with no positive result.
Waterless, the group marched across the Algibre via the Roman bridge, sadly lacking the information which was once provided on now vacant boards. The river was still running at a good rate, with inviting pools below the bridge. A quick dash along a short stretch of the main Loule road was followed by a long easy stride down the river valley to Ribeira do Algibre, with the signs of spring all around us.
Lunch was taken halfway along the valley, utilising a convenient set of rocks to avoid the pain of having to rise from ground level afterwards.
There was further interest in old lime-kilns,first encountered on the leader’s previous walk. It would be good to know exactly how these operated.
Taking his already shaky reputation for guidance into his hands, the leader departed from his recce’d route, looking to avoid some tarmac, and it actually worked! Whilst on this short detour, a sinister discovery was made!
Then everyone took their lives into their hands crossing the narrow bridge to reach the coffee bar near the Tor road junction. Shortly before this, the Algarvian version of real-time public transport information was discovered in a bus shelter.
It was at this point that the leader was informed by the Guardian of the GPS that he was probably going to exceed his stated distance yet again, so the coffee stop became an even better idea than when it was first proposed.
Following this very welcome pause at Cafe Reguengos, the climb out of the valley towards Picavessa was tackled, interrupted by yet another lime-kiln.
Since TPA rules were in force, the peak was by-passed to the right, and the long descent to Nave do Barao began.
The dogs had not seen much water since leaving the Algibre, so a choice selection of muddy pools on the track was very welcome. Rosie and Misty took their opportunity, but Maddie was held back by that hard-hearted Myriam Lo. Shame on her!!
The climb up to Portela da Nave proved very tiring towards the end of a long walk, but all were still in good spirits as we passed through the hamlet, encountering Bruno, who seemed none the worse for devouring the leader’s plastic bagful of liver-cake the previous week. On to Covoes via a back-path to avoid the village dogs, and the inviting chairs at Casa Benjamin.
Failing memory had meant that not all had remembered to bring their own supplies of liquid refreshment, but what was available was shared round. Since his ears have long since become flame-proof, the leader heard for the first time of the terrible curses that had been heaped on his head by a certain sm… B…… l… .
Stats.
Total Distance: 24.8 km.
Moving Time: 5 hrs 27 min. Total Time: 6 hrs. 32 min.
Moving Avg.: 4.5 km/hr.
Overall Avg.: 3.8 km/hr.
Total Ascent: 581 m.
Max Elevation: 319 m.
D.o.D: 4*
Average Ages: 64years 11months 4 days (not including James)
Quotes of the week:
You won't realize the distance you've walked until you take a look around and realize how far you've been.” Anon.
Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.
Stephen Wright.
CB's Comment:
We can always rely on David not to short change us with one of his specials, and so it was, the AWW's who took up the challenge were given a bonus of almost 25%, on the tentative estimate of the leader. I for one am particularly challenged by the barrocal broken stone under foot, and really felt the 'ankylosing' effects during the last 4-5 km.
No rain however, and despite my failing memory omitting to remember the instructions to 'bring your own' at the end, Terry M came good and was generous enough to share the cans he and James had brought with them.
There were several spirited and intellectual conversations on the way round - the adjustment of rucksack straps to avoid uneven lumbar tensions - the naming of saints, which made it through to the competition above, and not least Myriam's encouragement to we estrangeiros to participate in the 'Limpar Portugal' campaign which takes place nationwide this Saturday. I will be out in the area of Lagos City walls with my gloves and black Camara rubbish bag - but only until the 6 Nations starts after lunch!! Please submit any photos of you doing your bit to avoid castigation by You Know Who!
Postscript re Myriam's bus stop query
6.15 pm mais ou menos. See additional photo
DCB
What time was it at the bus stop?
ReplyDeleteI thought it was 6.15, but when I mentioned it afterwards, I was told it was 3.30!!
What do you see from the photo? Do you notice that I had the most comfortable seat while waiting for the bus?
6.15 pm, Eastern Donegal Time. See added photo
ReplyDelete