WAGS 16.01.2019: Poço Frito – Just A Stroll In The Park

In recent weeks, Paul has been voicing his concerns at not only pushing the limits for our gentle WAGS strolls, but also at the numbers turning up, which strung out the field and made the catering at the end difficult. Indeed, the previous week´s WAGS had seen a turn-out of no fewer than 18 (a record WAGS?) despite his discouraging animadversions. Perhaps he had made the Vale de Telha outing sound too interesting to miss. Something had to be done.
Landed in the hot seat this week, I decided that the answer was to offer a repeat of a walk over rather boring and unchallenging countryside, with no interesting features whatsoever. To some extent this did solve the problem of numbers. Among those of found the lack of challenge completely resistible (or to put it another way, sacrificed their need for exercise on the altar of politically correct numerical minimalisation) were, for a variety of reasons, Ingrid, Yves, Hilke, Janet and Peter S.
And so it was that a reduced contingent of 12 met at Poço Frito´s Café Martins for early morning coffees, which were perhaps not quite to taste for some. More to the majority taste was the prospect of the Prato do Dia – Feijão com Couve – and most participants jettisoned the idea of routine bifanas com tomate in favour of the bean stew. Lunch reservations were placed accordingly while we got ourselves sort of organised for the start



and the Starter photo

From the left:- A non-participant, JohnH, Café Martin´s Rep, Chris Whittle, Antony clutching the Prato do Dia menu board,, Myriam sans hijab, Antje with Sascha, Rod, Paul, Maria, Dina, Lindsey, Hazel and Geraldine.

Given that this was going to be a boringly flat expedition, it was a bit surprising to see Antony there at all because he does seem to like a diversionary climb or two. For example, the previous week, in order to take this dramatic shot:-

he had bounded up to the top of that far-off dune:- 

Anyway, back to this week, soon after we set off, meandering up through the neglected and less than semi-completed Caravela urbanisation, we passed two quite substantial villas newly painted and windowed, with workmen around . Hazel and Maria didn´t hesitate but went in to investigate – they found out that apparently both villas are owned by French incomers. Maybe more will follow.
Once past the villas, the land is flat and the tracks broad, 

giving ample opportunity for serious two-on-two conversations.

One pleasing aspect of this particular walk was the sartorial display put on by the gentlemen.

Paul sported a restrained subfusc Tilley (a new version?) and one of his multi-pocketed wind-cheaters (Tilley or Rohan ? Hard to say. I´m sure he will enlighten us.) while JohnH advertised Craghoppers under his corrugated Tilley.
Rod had started out wearing multi-layers against the cold but, when the outer layers were removed, showed a considerable elegance and colour co-ordination with his (brand names illegible).

As for Antony, it looked as if he had dressed  especially to audtion for a starring role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Genevieve or some Alastair Sim Ealing comedy, sponsored of course by Burberry.

The ladies´response to this magnificent display was first of all to take the mickey out of the men:

and then to challenge them to P.E.

No contest.

The Track

Assorted Statistics
Total distance: 7.68 kms. Total time: 2 hrs 14 mins: Moving time: 1 hr 48 mins.
Moving average: 4.2 kph. Total ascent: 128 metres.


Back at Café Martins by 12.15 pm,  we found that a special table had been prepared for us and , despite the Café´s booming lunch time trade, we were served cheerfully and speedily. The bifanas came first.

and engaged Geraldine´s attentions

Then came the stew

which, to the delight of Hazel, Maria and Myriam, as well as beans and cabbage, also contained substantial chunks of pigs ear. There was much discussion between the three of them as to which bit of the ear was best.

The tip of the ear? Or the bit near the scalp?
For the second week running, Hazel was caught enjoying a glass of red wine on the side.

Dina was seen weeping over her plate

but pictures can be deceiving. Those were tears of gastronomic joy.
And our Food Critic-in-Chief gave the dish the thumbs up.

All in all, good value and excellent service.
The only trouble that I can see is that, with the possibility of such repasts, how are we going to be able to achieve the permanent reduction in numbers that Paul is aiming at?