WAGS 2024 01 17: Paul´s Rant, or Mony A Mickle Maks A Muckle.

 

I was finding it difficult to decide on how to start this week´s Blog, being in two minds whether to ponder on quantum theory as it relates to black holes in Outer Space and if  there is a similar theory to solve the mystery of pot holes here on Earth, or to explain to the non-Scottish reader how George Washington got it wrong way back in 1793 when he tried to say what the phrase "mony a mickle maks a muckle" means. 

Neither of these subjects, however fascinating they are to to me personally, seem likely to encourage the casual reader of these Blogs to read much further. But then. like manna from Heaven, a rant arrived on WhatsApp from Paul our Emeritus Founder and Chief Blogger (his words not mine), a rant which deserves to be preserved for generations to come on a less ephemeral platform than WhatsApp, and so I hasten use it as the bulk of this particular edition. Whether it merits the description that Rod gives it in his Leader´s Report (A Whinging Obloquy), or something more flattering I leave it to you to decide. I shall say no more.

Rod´s Report first, and then Paul´s Rant:-

ROD 

A brief report on last Weds walk...how brief depends on Blogger John of course, but maybe he will bear in mind reader exhaustion following the recent whinging obloquy emanating from the non-active* President/CEO/Editor (unelected as per EU norms) of WAGS WhatsApp Group Inc. (* non-active ? See later for Myriam´s comment on this. Ed). Should we perhaps consider forming an editorial committee? But I digress.

The day dawned wet and miserable but a quick check around  produced no drop outs and all....John, Hazel, Tania, Antje, Myriam and Rod...gathered as proposed at Cantino de Rosa  in Odeáxere.  Bar Lopo was closed  so a quick vote suggested a restaurant in Mexilhoeira would  be an alternative for lunch. Much time and chatter was spent reserving a table. Walking around Bravura entails a short drive up to the dam carpark so it was 10.30 before we set off. 

It had been raining hard during the night and it was certainly wet underfoot but having navigated many puddles we ascended to the easterly ridges. 

Why JohnH was waving a tree, no one knows

Apart from the odd walker and mountain biker we came across no one and we eventually descended to the lakeside track...still many metres above the water level, of course.... when Antje took a fall, luckily no major damage

the flow of blood was stemmed....

quite like old times

and then we made our way back to the dam........ 

Myriam revealing en route more secrets about Paul than he maybe would have liked

The walk was  of normal WAGS (as currently understood) length....8k... and time 3 hrs (would have been under had we got on with it a bit).  Booking the table for 1 pm was always going to be too ambitious so Chris and Paul were obliged to impatiently wait, so impatiently that Paul didn't wait long evidently.. The eventual lunch was apparently up to scratch as to quality but maybe of excessive quantity since much of it seemed to find its way into assorted Doggy or Pussy Bags.

Illustrating the Scottish proverb, it takes many small streams to fill a big reservoir. We need a lot more rain.

And now Paul´s Rant :

Dear Leaders, I received this rant from 'Hangry of Lagos' which requires consideration and action!

It has come to my attention that a certain person is (or persons are ) engaged in a subversive attempt to undermine the natural graceful regression of the WAGS from a strong, fit walking group to a resourceful and gregarious Dining Society. The Emeritus Founder and Chief Blogger (his words, not mine: Ed.) has been emotionally engaged in directing the Group towards shorter and flatter strolls and longer and more fattening Gourmet Après Walk Dining and Banter sessions.
A rigorous standard was set of <10km or <3 hours and minimal vertical activity, for regular season walks, preferably starting before 10am and finishing NO LATER THAN 1pm for feet under the table and belt strainer. Unfortunately he (the E.F & C.B.) has been hors de combat for installation of spare parts and maintenance and has thus been unable to maintain rigorous discipline personally
Sedition commenced with a few WAGS claiming that they did not lunch or excusing themselves with various other imaginary reasons. However things are becoming far more serious in recent weeks, not only because of the excessive length of walks planned, (or usually unplanned,) but also because of leaders becoming temporarily uncertain of position and also DAWDLING or, as it was once known, dragging of feet. Over 3 hours for less than 8km of easy ambling is an execrable performance by any standards.
The able First Lieutenant, who reports back to him (the E.F & C.B.) after each walk, has done her best to enforce standards by booking tables for a strict sit down time, but in recent weeks these deadlines have been flouted, forcing her to make plaintive calls to restaurateurs for leeway. Poor Chris has been tasked with arriving before time to show evidence of good faith by manning the reserved spaces, but has on many occasions been left sitting and sipping slowly for an inordinate time until the laggers arrived. Another loyal supporter has also been at the table waiting to eat but because of recalcitrance was forced to leave 'hangry' on one occasion to see to his transport fleet , and on this the latest (stimulus for this rant) walk. being well on the way to the proposed venue for a 1pm start, baled out after a call from the Lieutenant saying that they were well over half an hour late.
This is not Playing the Game. The Wednesday Antediluvian Gourmet Society (ex Walkers) must be allowed to flourish gracefully before fading away.

Well, quite obviously, we shall have to pull our socks up. Walking and talking are not mutually exclusive activities. Let´s see how we do next week.

And now to the Lunch which Myriam arranged on the hoof by phone at Petisqueira A Oficina, Mexilhoeira Grande. Despite his long wait there, Chris seemed remarkably cheerful when we eventually arrived.  

Grão de galinha

Feijoada de buzinas

One of the best entremeadas I´ve had in a long time

Clever meia de leite

and our Closing music, on the theme of walking.

and Hazel has the last word on that with this picture of hers of the other girls and their boots:-

Photo credits to Hazel, Myriam and Tanja for great photos