WAGS 15.03.2017: WAGS Mata

 

         Forecasts from the previous few days gloomily predicted rain for our Wednesday outing, and rain it did in Lagos until about 0630 am, when the skies cleared and we were almost back to Spring. Hedley needed a little reassurance, but even in our Dias Douradas, we WAGS can still handle some potential rain.

         The chosen walk was a bit last minute, as I wanted to walk in or near the Mata Nacional, but there was still some doubt as to whether all the processionary caterpillars had descended and gone to ground, as Sasha would be with us. Instead of diving in amongst the pine trees, I chose a wide open path that should take us to the north of BSJ and mostly avoid the pines.

         Most of the party of 8 found the Vadibar Cafe open, and had their fix before 10 when we carried on up to the Cultural Centre carpark and RV’d with Hilke and Hedley. Fortunately we had John and his timer camera com Gorillapod. so we had a comprehensive photo of all the starters including a rather dubious looking chap in the background. I am sure he was there the last time!

L-R John, Hilke, Chris, Myriam, Paul, Hazel, Geraldine, Hedley, Algarvean Shepherd

Quite why Hilke thought it was necessary to have Chris on a lead I am not sure.

Colour commentary may be a bit short this blog, as it was all fairly straightforward. Wide flattish paths, few navigational decisions, not streams or puddles to cross, and only one minor hill at the end, which Chris and Hilke managed to circumvent anyway. Conversations could be held in Dolby 7.2 Surround Sound, on at least 5 channels simultaneously.

   We got underweigh at about 1020, which could have led to an intense etymological discussion, but we were all rather relaxed about it.

Ski-ing out along the long wide paths

There are always more wind turbines than last time!

A  bit of excitement – I believe this is a juvenile ladder snake or was, as although it appeared undamaged, IF it was still alive it gave a very convincing performance as an ex-snake. Apparently a constrictor with no fangs.

Wandering round the backpaths of the forest, we always come across sites which have been set up as camps for the New Age Travellers, or draft dodgers as they used to be.  A couple of English reg. vans with a wooden hut in between.

A used processionary worm nest. There were more than a few on this section of the walk.

Some killjoy from Vale de Coelho had posted these private signs prohibiting all manners of natural enjoyment. If only I had had my trusty black marker pen!!

Before we ascended sculpture hill we came across this beautifully blossoming tree. We quickly ascertained it was not almond, nor standard cherry, but Hazel and Hilke ventured it might be an ornamental cherry. Perhaps Lindsey knows.

A closer look at the blossom.

And then the sting in the tail. A short but sharp romp up Sculpture Hill where the sculptures are increasing in number faster than could be reasonably be expected by propagation.

Soon after this insight into the imagination of the BSJ Sculptor, we arrived back at Vadibar, where the slightly unprepossessing surroundings revealed an owner possessed of the abilities to prepare gourmet bifanas and tostas mistas at a very reasonable price. And chips!!

John managed to find some street art, though not on a par with that in Lagos.

Vadibar complete with multilingual coffee themed dicta on the tastefully coloured walls.

Alas the beer wasn’t ‘free’, except of alcohol, but the bifanas were well marinated and on fresh crusty rolls.

 

For the record, the total distance for those that climbed the Hill was 10.95 km, moving time 2 hrs 32 minutes, total time, 2 hrs 53 min., moving average 4.3 km/hr and overall average 3.8 km/hr, all within the statutory WAGS limits. We reportedly climbed almost 300 metres, although most of that was in the last section up the hill!.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."