Algarve Wednesday Walkers 2009-2010: AWW 28.04.2010: Picota Pilgrimage

Our comprehensive ‘back catalogue’ allows me the luxury of knowing that the last time we attempted a variation of this walk was Chinese National Day, 1.10.2008. For historical interest and research that blog can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Were I not a perfectionist, I could stop now, as the map and the stats on that day were close enough, but things have moved on and the dark art of blogging has been refined, and of course accuracy and fair treatment of all participants, including Leaders, is fundamental.

The Leader failed to carry out an Health and Safety inspection of the footwear of his followers, not having learnt from Andrew F’s spectacular sole failure on the last occasion. Perhaps we need a meeting of a Sub-Committee on Footwear to sanction a compulsory scrutiny, as on this walk Myriam and Hazel both slipped and fell on the descent, luckily without any apparent permanent damage to their softer tissues, although Myriam has reserved her right to litigate, should her right forearm deteriorate in the next few days.

“Let’s be careful out there!!” Sgt Phil Esterhaus, Hill Street Blues, 1981

Nevertheless it was a splendid day for climb of Picota, and we were glad of a breeze and the good clear views, although it got a bit hazy later, as usual.

The starters

Numbers were slightly depleted not only by Terry and Bob starting their sprint across the Algarve Way today, but also by sundry absences on domestic matters, and an odd reluctance to walk uphill for a couple of hours! John O’s daughter Clare was a welcome addition, fresh from the snow of the Wicklow Mountains (Sléibhte Chill Mhantáin – as John would say – the clue is in the name!) the previous week.

Leader: Ian W.

Present: Chris, Yves, Myriam, John O’., Clare (John O’s daughter over from Dublin), John H., Hazel, Paul, Terry M. (one week visit) Lindsey, and Rod.

Dogs: Maddy, Tiggy, Misty.

Track to Picota (courtesy JH Maps Inc.)

Stats:

Total Distance: 14 km.
Moving Time: 3 hrs 30 min.
Total Time: 4 hrs 57 min.
Moving Avg.: 4 km/hr
Overall Avg.: 2.8 km/hr (Season Low?)
Total Ascent: 634 m.
Max Elevation: 787 m.

Avg. Age (except Clare): 65 yrs and 26 days

The leader, having spent a sunny Thursday talking to his plants, finally got round to sending me his comprehensive report on Friday morning – and here it is:-

The temperature was only about 24 ºC when we gathered at 10.00 am to commence the Picota Pilgrimage. Rod was seen arriving in a cloud of ash and Lindsey arrived bearing gifts.

Comments about the leisurely start were noted by the leader who planned to have lunch at the summit and set the start time accordingly. As usual John'O had to straddle the grinding stone for the starting photo and then we were off. (funny – no photo of this!)

Paul was indulged when we detoured up the west side of the valley into Caldas village on the cliff-side path at his request and we reached the grand house La Belle France without a pause.

Hazel strikes a pose!

No caption necessary!

The Leader re-enacts the Nigerian W****r
(You had to be there!!!)

The route went through the grounds of the house because two large water tanks have been erected on the site of the old path. There we stopped to admire the Banksia rose which obviously does well without any human interference climbing all over the side of the house. Also there was a short stop while the leader tried (successfully) to find a path through the wattle to avoid those in shorts getting scratched. The next stop was at the huge rock which affords a marvellous view down to the coast and where not a few caught their breath.

Who’s the King of the Castle……,.?

…..errr that would be ME!

…or perhaps US!

After crossing the upper tarmac road and passing the quinta with the bazooka damaged wall we found that the path had been widened and cleared of vegetation. Although the leader would dearly love to take the credit, unfortunately that has to go to the German group who have way-marked the route from there to the top of Picota.

The summit in sight!

We stopped to admire a peony flowering in all its glory and the deputy paparazzi took a photo.

Somebody was heard to murmur that it is Paul's favourite flower because he knows its name. Perhaps because it was hot or steep, we stopped frequently to admire something and so arrived at the top of Picota for the obligatory trig point photo just after 12.30 where everybody held on to their hats in the howling gale and Myriam climbed the watchtower for the photo.

It was disappointing that the deputy chief blogger did not set his timer at the top of the tower and run down for the photo.

Above and Beyond!!

For a change we had lunch on the north side of the mountain to avoid the south wind, where Rod pointed out approximately where we will be walking next week.

Lunch on the rocks

Fashionista Gourmet at lunch!

After a leisurely lunch we set off down the mountain and managed not to lose anybody when we turned off the path this time.

New Odelouca dam in the haze

We seemed to stop countless times to look at the new Odelouca dam, which was visible at intervals all the way down to the lower tarmac road.

….say the bells of St Clements!

The next stop was to admire a lemon tree with oranges and lemons on it, An orange grafted on to a lemon rootstock Lindsey told us.

A touching family scene.

Soon after, Longevity sprang into view and everybody remarked on how much green carpet they were laying around it. Perhaps that is what they mean when they say it is a green project. The Foz de Banho had very cold beer but no Bohemia to Paul's great disappointment.

Trying to conceal his disappointment!!

Thanks Ian for a walk that is hard to assign a degree of Difficulty! 2* for distance and 4* for climb. Let’s call it a 3*, and say it was very enjoyable.

A few more photos I have saved from the cutting room floor:-