Walk:Saturday 3 Januarey 2015:Barragem do Funcho....CLOSED

[Geoff]

Michael has asked me to tell you he is looking forward to the walk

....so am I after eating too much....perhaps you could join him?

[Sharen Crane]

Thank you for the offer but I'm looking forward to doing absolutely nothing that day!

[Geoff]

I must be getting old....I omitted to say what the start time was....my diary said 0945, but then no-one else knew that, and everyone else assumed a 1000 start, though Linda & Russell missed the walk having got lost/mislaid en route!
Anyway, 'twas a gorgeous January Day, brilliant blue skies and ever-increasing warmth from the sun (19C on way back after lunch)....such a magnificent change from the cold grey UK we left only yesterday.
So, 16 walkers enjoyed a great walk at a good pace....so good, we opted for a shorter/steeper climb rather than the usual longer but more gently sloping route:



though we did pass a frost pocket, my first I think in the Algarve:



we even saw the first cistus of the year;



Departing from tradition, we opted to have a rewarding drink at O Gralha at their new sunny terrace ( the food reports of the new owners are grim!):



before wandering down to Casa da Vinho for a good value €8 prato do dia :



A great start to the 2015 CVO Walking Season, thanks to all for your company.....walking time was 2h35m till the beer stop, plus another 10m from there back to the start...I estimate almost 11kms......leaving the restaurant at just after 3.30pm, I reckon we spent almost as long in there as on the walk!

[Sharen Crane]

Michael has asked me to thank you for yesterday Geoff. He had a very enjoyable day and was very pleased to meet several members. I'd like to thank you for my nice relaxing day Excellent photographs btw.

[Geoff]

Hi Sharon
Glad he enjoyed it...and, I hear, a break from the ironing.....

He might sign up for the 5th but wants to see if he survives the 3rd before doing so.

Is he going to come on this one ?.....it's easier....and perhaps yourself?

[Alison]

Many thanks to Geoff for such an enjoyable day yesterday, great to meet lots of new people as well as some familiar faces too. Us tail Enders did our best to slow the peloton down so that we could stop and admire the wonderful views, take photos (to prove that mc really was there....). Sorry we can't join the walk on Monday to celebrate geoff's 100th (!) - but look forward to catching up with everyone again next time.

[Geoff]

hi Sharon

He might sign up for the 5th but wants to see if he survives the 3rd before doing so.

Is he going to come on this one ?.....it's easier....and perhaps yourself?

...no news, so I presume not?