When the cats are away, the mice will play. And so it was that, in the absence of Paul and Myriam, it fell to JohnH to display the latest sartorial gear and to Ingrid to take over as Paparazza-in-Charge. John´s Italian designer wear, a bright orange Gian Feroti trekking vest no less, would (according to Ian W) have made Paul scarlet with jealousy; while Ingrid´s artistic talents with the camera can rival Myriam´s as will become apparent (credits given to Ingrid Bonte Images SA or IBI). Our usual paparazzo had forgotten to fully recharge his batteries so we are much indebted to her for stepping in to get him out of trouble, and with such success.
Standing Starters and Standing Stone
The Track (click to enlarge)
Some Statistics
Distance: 15.21 km
Total Time: 4 hr 21 m
8.31 am precisely (IBI)
Leader: Rod
Present: Ingrid, Tina, Ian W, Alex, Hilke, John & Hazel, Chris, John O' , Frank.
Dogs: Misty, Tiggy, Shelly.
The Leader´s Report
“A hot weather early...well 8.30 anyway....start; early rising seems popular indeed as everyone turned up by 8.20!
“The day was relatively cool when we set off and indeed it remained thus most of the time, so walking was not so arduous as had been expected.
“We set off from Bensafrim market and headed straight up to the windmill ridge. From there we wound our way back down to the river..still with plenty of water for dogs but not enough to worry those who fret about wet feet.
One wet foot (IBI)
“At that point we were about to take cover from a car which looked as though it was going to plunge through the waters and inundate us with its bow wave but it halted and an Irish (of course!) brogue from within enquired of the whereabouts of the QPA Riding Centre (Jinny Harman's establishment). Lucky for him we were around because he had overshot by a couple of kilometres and was heading towards the unknown quarter.
Irish Tourist: “What´s your best way to Lisbon?”
Local Gendarme: “Well, I wouldn't be starting from here.” (IBI)
“We followed the riverside track for only a short while before heading up towards the far side ridge. There we (well some of us ...since others were so busy yacking that they failed to notice) came across what looked suspiciously like a Taliban IED (Improvised Explosive Device for those not up to date with modern warfare terminology). In fact it turned out to be the latest design of partridge feeder.
IEDs (by IBI, of course)
“On we went along the ridge above the sprawling Corte do Bispo (that of footballing fame Sven Ericsson who was apparently at one stage going to locate a football academy there..but didn't). Then further along a little used narrow path still on the ridge before descending along an even less used and narrower path through scrub back down to the river and further refreshment for the dogs in the pool.
(IBI)
Hi and Dry (IBI)
We then ascended past the well known to WW's of old, Quinta de Escoçia...now perhaps in new hands since there seemed much activity and even people around.
The Scottish Trio (IBI)
“At the top we paused at the quinta whose fortress fencing in the past had caused even us some problems penetrating, and then veered off along an undulating ridge path which we had not used before. This was a last minute route change since it was still cool and it seemed from chat levels that further exertion was necessary!
Fortress Fencing (IBI)
“Along the way we stopped for lunch...well really 'elevenses' in view of the hour....so fairly brief. Then a sharp descent back down to river level once again.
(IBI)
“Elevenses”
Homeward bound along the Yellow Brick Road
“That left us only one more hill to climb before the easy track back to Bensafrim and arrival (bang on time of course... well 8 minutes early actually!) back at the bar.”
There we were met by Ian S bringing library books, and by the Oldest Member whose advice not to walk much later than mid-June we quickly adopted.
Ingrid does a Myriam watched with evident delight by the Oldest Member
(IBI)
Artistique, nést-ce-pas? (IBI)
“For many of us the perfect walk may simply be the one that we come back from in one piece.”
(Geoff Nicholson)
I am glad that John has finally realized the importance of sartorial elegance to truly fulfil the role of Chief Blogger. The orange trekking vest is a start, but a disappointing lack of detailed shots for me to assess the width (never mind the quality) and of course the pocket count is vital. I shall trawl round the Charity Shops with renewed vigor looking for something to match.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt the CB 's Heir Apparent will continue the suavity and elegance that is required as allegedly his fellow country persons have a certain je ne sais quoi in the fashion stakes!
Pocket count is a comparatively modest 10, including one for the mobile.
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