Not that we didn't urgently need the rain - reservoir supplies are very low, yet we have heard nothing from the Government about water-saving measures, or steps to tackle the drought. However, the walk originally planned took us from Figueira through the paddies and along the dykes to Alvor, and much knee-high wet grass along the way to discourage the bravest of WAGS. Hedley called soon after 7am to report that there were diluvian conditions in Carvoeiro, and as he was flying back to UK on the morrow, didn't fancy it if it would entail packing sodden Decathlon hiking apparel. I soothed him with a promise of a review if conditions had not abated by the time we had absorbed our morning caffeine in Cafe Tassebem in Figueira - the official meeting cafe for the day.
I couldn't very well call round and change anything at this stage as I was not entirely sure who else was coming. I had affirmatives from Janette and Rod plus guests, but other less communicative WAGS might well have neglected to reply.
At Cafe Tassebem at 0930, the WAGS duly assembled, and there was only one surprise, Tony Webster had not been sufficiently alienated by the Benagil outing to turn up with Jess and Shadow.
This confirmed the Lagos Street Art Tour was a non-alternative as Tony doesn't like to take his dogs unless they are free running. Hedley was adamant that he didn't want to get his nether regions wet and Janette had turned up in Darcy Bussell Limited Edition ballet pumps, so we quickly switched from the walk through the marshland to a more agreeable and potentially drier tour of the Alvor boardwalks and beach.
Rod led the way to the ample car park and we settled for a single starter photo, excluding the photographer, Yours Truly.
L-R Tony, Gerry, Ben, James, Rod, Janette, Myriam, Brian, Hedley (and either Jess or Shadow!)
I had brought along Brian, a spritely 70 year old, much older than me, with whom I went to school during our formative years in UK. Rod brought along his eldest son James, and Ben his grandson, and also an old friend from Ottawa, Gerry.
This was the first walk as far as I can remember that we met at a Cafe for one walk and started another walk, some distance away. It says a lot for the flexibility and adaptability of the WAGS, almost more than the desire for the least uncomfortable conditions. The well drained boards provided a good wet weather walking surface, although it didn't actually rain after we had started. The tide was almost fully out, which was a bonus, allowing us to walk along the beach at the western end, and follow the sea to the eastern mole of the Lagos storm shelter inlet.
(Almost) Untrodden Ways.
Quite a number of walkers were out on the boardwalk, but from the far end to the southern beach and back to Alvor we encountered fewer.
A lifelike set of cairns
Lagos in the background
Scramble up the seawall.
After a fight this angler landed this monster, and deciding he had enough to feed his disciples, packed up and left.
We reached Tres Irmaos without incident, and young Ben declared he was very hungry, so we headed for a cafe that Janette knew, and which turned out to be very efficient and secluded.
Ben was hungry, and the other walkers looked on enviously as he was served first.
A shady corner (for some) taken by Myriam. (Note Rod taking photo)
The photy wot Rod took! (Processed by Prisma)
The coffee, bifanas and tostas were of a reasonable standard and price, given the location, the walk was something well under 10 km (see GPS) considering the late start, and we went on our way rejoicing that the sun was out again.
After all, honour was intact as we had a bit of a leg stretch, walking on sand counting more than on firm earth, though we barely ascended 10 metres from start to finish.
"The rainy days a man saves for usually seem to arrive during his vacation."
"Do not, on a rainy day, ask your child what he feels like doing, because I assure you that what he feels like doing, you won't feel like watching."
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