AWW 04.12.2013: Babes in the wood or Myriam leads in the Mata

A rare appearance in historic blog format of the still rarer account of a walk led by Myriam. 16 years with the group and still learning to lead! But it was a good one, great weather, splendid views, nobody lost = all happy!

Starters: Myriam (leader), Ingrid, Hazel, Ros, Dina, Val, John O’, Sue, Theo, Manuela, Shepherd, Geoff, Phil, John H, Peter, and Devana  (+Paul, Photographer because John H stubbornly left his expensive photo equipment at home!)

Image of the track. (unfortunately without John H’s skilful annotations)
It was another beautiful morning.  The temperature was low but the sun soon warmed the place up.

          Of the 15 participants, (well within guidelines!) some went to the village cafe for another shot of caffeine, while others drove directly to the starting point.  Everyone arrived on time and a group photo was taken in front of the new gentleman at the entrance to the forest.  But the boys wanted to ensure equality of the sexes and give some exposure of the lady on the other side, who was looking jealous.  As you can see from the photo, the boys pacified her by looking at her in adoration!! (especially John O’!) 
 
The adoration of the Shepherdess, Paul, Theo, John H, John O’ -supplicant, Miss BSJ, Geoff, Phil (where was Peter?) 
          The path was very level and wide, allowing several persons to walk abreast, so we got a chance to chat to everyone. 

Being the ‘youngest’, Ros was assisted in climbing to the trig point, muttering “Where is Alex?” under her breath!

The Obligatory Trig Point Photograph
Good progress was made and by the time we reached the lunch spot, Pedra Branca, Paul complained that we had walked too fast and it was too early for lunch. (I would have said ‘cautioned’!)  But no one else objected.  The wind was quite strong and many took shelter among the young pines.  But a few hardy ones sat in the open to enjoy the view down the valley.


          After lunch, Paul went off to visit Chris, to check that he was not up to any mischief in Antje's absence.  The rest plodded on along the wide paths.  John H. must have eaten a very nutritious lunch.  He marched ahead in a terrific speed and left the leader some 200 meters behind!  But he was wise enough to doubt the leader's navigational skill.  At every cross road, he waited for confirmation!  At one point, even the leader doubted herself! 
        The whole route skirted the perimeter of the forest, with some nice view points of the village and beyond.  Several short pauses were made to disrobe or for some private moments.  We even stopped twice for coffee served from a thermos flask.  Regrettably, only one walker had the pleasure of such enjoyment!!

Coffee to go!

        At the old target shooting range area, (which is now transformed into a motor cycle track), Ros, again, kindly offered her delicious caramel candies around.  It was most welcome as our lunch had nearly got digested by that time.

       The last 3 km. must be the most "arduous" section.  Having to walk on tarmac and then the only uphill!  But we were compensated by the interesting statues along the so called "Sculpture Hill".  Manuela even managed to get a few cuttings of passion fruit plant from a generous owner.



       We got back to the car in good time and Paul was already waiting there.  Then some walked, others drove into the village centre for our post walk drinks.



 
         Thank you all for coming to the walk and the leader was pleased that she did not lead anyone astray.  Rod is London but he had kindly offered to pick us up next week in case the leader got them all lost.  Thank you, Rod, your service was not needed.  Please keep it for next time.
We exchanged early Christmas and New year good wishes with some walkers who are leaving for colder climes. We will be thinking of them on Wednesdays, especially when the sun is shining hot and bright in the Algarve!
For the record:
Total Distance:                    17.1 km
Total Time:                          4 hrs 32 min.
Moving Time:                      4 hrs
Overall Avg.                         3.8 km/hr
Moving Avg.                         4.3 km/hr
Total Ascent:                        275 m.
Max Elevation:                     184 m.
And no occasional blog would be complete without a quotation:-
“The problem with quotes on the internet is you never know if they are genuine.”― Joseph Stalin