Only one person appeared to have the correct walking equipment
We managed a congregation of 8 for the opening walk from Barao Sao Joao.
Hazel, Rod, Gita, Janette, Myriam, Thyl (showing his good side) John
As above except Paul vice Myriam
The usual time delay option was not available for the starter photo, as the |Creative Director wanted to include the mural of the Algarvean Shepherd in the picture, and the Chief Photographer claimed that 10 seconds would not be enough for him to sprint from his car where the camera was firmly gorilla-podded, to include himself in the picture. Ergo, 2 starters' photos and a 'Spot the Difference' contest. The Chief Photographer had led the APAPS for so long that he automatically assumed the position as soon as the camera was pointed at him.
Thyl was nursing his arm in a sling after an off-season moped accident, but bravely carried on uncomplainingly.
So after a meeting for caffeine infusion in Vadibar, in the company of many worthy inmates of BSJ, at the standard (WAGS) time of 10 am we set off into the Mata Nacional. We also took the precaution of asking if the kitchen was up to preparing 8 tostas mistas for our lunch. They were!
At this time of season it is getting a little warm by 10 am, but after a summer of 7 am starts, the leisurely Wednesday start is welcome. Although later there were a few comments about the heat, until the wind fans started working.
The intention was to take in Sculpture Hill on the way down, and end up coming back through the shade of the umbrella pines on the wiggly path when it was hotter towards midday.
Political commentary: Are the people really sucking the State dry and excreting percebes?
Sculpture Hill was really the main opportunity for photos.
Financial Proctologist: Do I sense a theme here?
The walk was fairly amiable and uneventful, except that all precepts about keeping the walker in front in clear view were abandoned as there appeared to be a marked difference in pace and fitness levels, only to be expected after the summer recess. There were opportunities to shorten the walk to about 8 km, but this was unanimously ignored.
Getting strung out
At about the 9 km point, the leader was way behind on the scheduled pace, so as one or two had expressed a need to leave early, a shortcut down to the bottom wiggly path was devised.
Downhill shortcut
The umbrella pines provided far less luxuriant shade than hitherto, and indeed it looked like some forestry had been practiced. Nevertheless the return path was obvious, and Rod hoping to get his tosta before returning home, and Myriam and myself who had a quick visit to a former gardener before lunch, accelerated away heading for the end. And we would have been there much earlier if another promising shortcut had gone where it looked as if it was going on the GPS. Alas after veering round to the west again, the shortcut was retraced and we descended to the original path below.
Mission accomplished we repaired to the Vadibar, which as the only place in town, was standing room only in the smoking seats outside, so we sat inside and awaited our tostas and in Myriam's case, her soup.
A rare shot of John drinking Iced Tea, but Thyl sticks with a more traditional beverage.
Tostas poised.
Myriam declared the soup, grandly described as Julienne, but as we know better 'Sopa de dia - Legumes', as tasty and served at the correct temperature. The tostas were adequate but lost marks on generosity of filling, and use of 'Pao Forma' rather than the sought after Pao Caseira. Very reasonably priced too.
The GPS showed that this was a high end WAGS walk, but well within the capabilities of those attending, albeit not at the usual standard speed.
This shows a distance of 11.61 km in 3 hrs 24 minutes, the overall average of 3.4 km/hr having been boosted by the acceleration over the final 3 km. It was a start to the season after all.
