Centenary Walk :19 January 2015, Moinho da Roche : CLOSED

[Geoff]

Welcome to a century of walks with a new one!

A slightly different part of the world , bit hilly in places but nothing too demanding with lovely views towards Monchique. Probably just over 2 hours. There is a stream to cross , but there are some stepping stones. We may not be able to check how deep it is before the walk : IF it is too high, we will have to retrace our steps, making walk about 2.5 hours.

For caffeine addicts, there isn't a cafe at the start of the walk, but there are 3 cafes on the approach road ( see below).....as I can't guarantee that O Tasco is open at about 0930 and Cafe Andre doesn't look very tempting, I would recommend Cafe A Taberna Nicola on the right ( see below) .

We will have a post walk coffee/ beer at O Tasco. They also do , so I am told, rather good food so you may want to participate in the Prato de Dia , which I believe is €12,50.

Start : 10.00 am

Degree of difficulty ( scale 1:5) : 2 to 2.5....moderate to energetic

Directions: From Lagoa, turn left on the N125 and go past the turn-off for Alvor. After a few hundred yards, there is a BP station on your right and a road signposted " Senhora do Verde, Vidigal, Casais, Alcalar, Torre" : turn right here. IF you go past the Hotal Penina on your left, you have gone too far.

Go up this road ( M532), crossing the motorway, for about 15 minutes , passing A Taberna Nicola cafe on your right, and Cafe Andre a bit later on your left. Carry on past O Tasco, on the left. Just past O Tasco, bear left and follow the Monchique sign. About 5 minutes after O Tasco, you will see a building on the right that used to be a cafe : this is what it looks like:

https://www.google.pt/maps/@37.2353011, ... !2e0?hl=en

Turn left here ( signposted Montes de Cima, Marmalete, Casais ) and park by the side of the road.

Map reference : 37°14'07.7"N ,8°35'29.3"W

Alternatively : wait by the turn off on the N125 at 0925 and follow us!

Usual caveats: all walks are at your own risk, and we do not walk if it is pouring with rain.....I will endeavour to put any cancellation note on this site by 0830 on the day of the walk.

Walking boots/stout trainers , walking pole(s), hats and water recommended. No charge, of course.

Please advise if you are intending to come and whether you will want to meet us at the N125 turn-off & will want lunch. Due to the increase in numbers on these walks last season, we are having to restrict the numbers to the first 20 people who state below that they intend to come.

Any questions , please ask below or PM me or ring 282 380015 preferably between 1800-1900 (but not before 2 January).

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOW FULLY SUBSCRIBED AND IS CLOSED TO ANY MORE PEOPLE

[Colana]

Hi Geoff,

I'd like to join you on this one,

Regards,

Ann

[Lowthian]

Hi Geoff, can you put me down for 2 people, will meet at location near the old cafe, & for lunch.
Regards Colin & Sharon.

[williew]

Sounds good, we haven't done this one before and would definitely like to join you
Willie and Carol

[snowbirds]

We will be walking as well. Brian and Penny

[Syma]

Syd and May will be joining you along with Wendy. Three of us. We will be lunching with you and would like to meet you at the N125 turn off at 9.25.

Hope this is ok. Looking forward to seeing you all again.

[Geoff]

hi Syd/May/Wendy...look forward to meeting up again...at 0925...geoff

[Linda and Russell]

Hi Geoff,
Please add us both to the list and we will be staying for lunch. We had lunch here a few weeks ago
and it was very good. Linda and Russell

[etsac]

Hello Geoff.
We intend to be back to Carvoeiro by 16 Jan (Easyjet, etc willing) and would be grateful if you would add us to your list for this walk. We will rendez-vous at the N125 turn off at 09:25.
Looking forward to the walk and lunch afterwards sounds good.
Best wishes.
Trish and Alan

[Geoff]

We will rendez-vous at the N125 turn off at 09:25.

That's great.....look forward to meeting up.

[mike28]

Hi Geoff,
Mike, Su, Sean, Colin and Louisa would like to join you for this walk...............thanks

[Geoff]

...and Ros...& Ray and Sandra....& Rob and Maureen...& Nina...& Eileen.PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOW FULLY SUBSCRIBED AND IS CLOSED TO ANY MORE PEOPLE

[Geoff]

Well, what a day, where to start? Perhaps at the beginning!

Awakening at about 0200 to the sound of gales and rain, the worse fears for the centenary walk came to mind....but re-awakening at 0730ish revealed clear skies, albeit almost freezing temperatures.

By 10.00am, 25 intrepid walkers had assembled and welcomed 2 newcomers, Colin and Sharon : Ray, Sandra and Colin not being able to make it. We set off at a vigorous pace in order to warm up : lovely clear blue skies, but a keen cold wind.

Was this the water obstacle some optimisticly enquired?



but no, so we trudged uphill:

and straggled down dale;


and up to the old abandoned farmhouse ( but with a new roof?) for the group photo:


then down again to THE water crossing....some waded:
"Eek, colder than a Scottish byrne" thought Willie:


Most balanced precariously on the ( thoughtfully provided ) stepping stones :


whilst dodging the splash from an extra " helpful" stepping stone:


with some lateral thinking on the use of carrier bags:


The pace was quicker than expected and so the centenary walk was completed in a record 1 h 40mins or so......we now need to go back and add another 45 mins or so!

Nevermind, this meant more time for a drink at O Tasco where I was overwhelmed by the most generous presents of wine, cakes ( from Carol & Ros) and a photo montage :




and an amazing song:




Finally, Sue & I were treated to a great meal:


My thanks to you all for making this such a memorable occasion, and for your companionship over the last 100 walks...and to all those others who have walked with us but couldn't be there today.

Thanks again.

[Geoff]

Willie's Montage:

[snowbirds]

Thanks Geoff for a really good walk today with great views. Here are a couple of photos I took which you may enjoy. Brian