Mira Rio was open for a starter coffee, and a starter photo, which was sent to me despite the ongoing technical problems with John's 'new' computer.
L-R: Antonio with Ember, Ingrid, Myriam and Maria (in a huddle), Terry, Paul, Antje, Yves, Hazel, Rod and John - + 6 Tilleys (spot the fake) Bet Terry wishes he had worn his!!
It was actually quite a warm, notwithstanding Antonio's layers, but the draught from his drone probably keeps him cool.
The route had the comfort of familiarity, and even Myriam knew where we were going.
This was John's official map of the track:-
He reported the stats as:
Total distance: 8.28 kms
Total time. 2 hours 20 mins
Ascent: 258 metres.
I would guess
Moving time: 1 hour 58 mins
Moving speed: 4.3 kph.
I differ in that he appears to have omitted at least 30 minutes of total time as I got back in 2 hrs 41 minutes at least 10 minutes ahead of the main field, owing to my having rejected the gratuitous second hill thrown in to extend his walk. In fact my Garmin stats were not so different from his in terms of distance, although I only climbed 138 m.
My ViewRanger track credits me with a shorter distance, but a more significant climb. Lies Damned Lies and Statistics Eh!
The highlight of the walk (apart from the post walk Favas, and Hazel's special offer cut price avocados), was Antonio's Super Drone which was launched to good effect, and produced some remarkably clear photos of the river and our group.
Lower level drone shot of WAGS at Miradouro
Drone spies on WAGS
The confluence from high level.
Arty shot from Antonio, not sure whether it was the way out or back.
This was on the way out. Seems an expensive structure for an angling stand, and there was some speculation as to who had commissioned it and why! The fisherman seemed to have something on his line, so we stopped to watch, but eventually it got away!
Round the aqueduct, currently quite full.
A short pause at the viewpoint and a chance to admire 5 of the 6 Tilleys on display. The ringer is quite obvious to the cognoscenti!! If Myriam and Terry had worn theirs, it would have been a record percentage.
John admiring the fine view of Silves, revealed as we come round the channel after the viewpoint.
At last we reached the Clube Nautico with its eccentric sign post, and a useful toilet stop..
Antonio fired up the drone again
Keeping a close eye on it.
And Maria took a rest.......
.....on the 'lawn'!
This one entitled 'Three Donkeys in a dry field!'
On the way - flag fluttering proudly.
Of course we had to include at least one hill, but happily the adage 'What goes up...... ' still holds true.
Soon after descending from this clearly inadequate climb, our Leader decided he had not done enough and turned up another hill. At this point, I realised I still hadn't lost my sea legs, so took the low road, which as statistics proved, was only marginally shorter.
Soon I was back at Mira Rio where I met Chris, who had been suffering from a sore back, and my appetite had been sufficiently sharpened to order the prato do dia - Favas.
Very tasty and at least two portions of your 5-a day, but also some chorizo and fatty looking pork rind. It was too much, so I shared with Myriam, as did Antje and Chris. Only Maria went the Full Monty
The others were only 10 minutes behind and Mira Rio was doing us proud with speed of service and a very able young waiter.
Ingrid staying out of it...
Rod went for the TM..........
....which looked delicious, although the Daily Mail reckons the combination of processed meat, dairy and bread could seriously harm your health. Still we have the medicine!
Just for the record, Antonio is still exercising self restraint and this week didn't even purloin half if his Father's TM, reserving his appetite for dinner. There is no record of what he consumed then.
