WAGS 18.01.2017: The Amble of Wounded Knee

With the Big WOTY, the S. VICENTE birthday extravaganza coming up next Sunday, a relaxed inland walk was in order, and Rod came up with a shortish outing from Retiro dos Pescadores in Pedreira. This was partly because he was protecting his knee - the same one damaged and rested the previous week, and couldn't afford any further problems ahead of our weekend homage.
       This week there were mass defections from regular WAGS to the AWWs as Antje was leading from Carrapateira. We are expecting intelligence reports to be filed from our double agents imminently.

The line up, in the absence of John and his Gorillapod, is shown without the photographer.

L-R Thyl, Rod, Hilke, Hazel, Myriam, Chris, Tony (Not pictured, Paul)

The keen-eyed will spot Thyl, an old hand, making a comeback. He was in a very genial mood, enjoying everything and regaling us with plenty of tales.  Hazel and Chris had voted to remain WAGS this week despite the defection of their partners. It was good to see Tony out with his dogs after a couple of weeks managing a major building project in his garden.

   A pleasant route out along a green valley which was cold, being shaded from the winter sun. We went out on the left bank of the gully, which contained little water, climbed up, admired the views, descended and returned along the other left bank of the valley.  Hazel and Chris had stayed true to the WAGS while their partners and Geraldine had defected. I am confident that the defections were not to seek a more sophisticated level of conversation or alternative world views, but as you can imagine, two days away from the controversial inauguration of the 45th POTUS, there were some sanguine views expressed.

The route.

Not too much to reveal in terms of action. We were all relieved when Rod's descent of a rather overgrown path came out exactly where he hoped it would without being too precipitous, and saved us either backtracking or adding a couple more km to the circuit.

A few random pix to add colour:-

She dwelt amongst untrodden ways....

  Des. Res. Excellent views, needs some attention.

The views from the terrace of the Des. Res.

Earnest discussion of potential.

The Silves view. You really can see the castle from here.

Wending the Weary WAGS Way back

The total walk was just under 10km, and took us 3 hrs 12 minutes at a very leisurely pace. About 300m of climb, and we arrived back at Retiro ready for our usual vittles. Myriam and Hazel were delighted to find the dish of the day was Jardineira of Jawali, and very good it was too. Others had the soup which was reportedly excellent, and all were very inexpensive.

An enjoyable standard WAGS Walk, just enough to set us up for the weekend.

"The only way around is through."

                                              Robert Frost