WAGS 2025 04 16: Full Up, Or Follow My Leader Right Or Wrong

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We will start with this week´s unusual photo from Yves, following what we believe was a minor earthquake, epicentre Algoz. There were no reports of injuries to British tourists,  but maybe they don´t frequent Algoz.



Then we will go straight on into this week´s Leader´s Report as he tries his best to downplay what may charitably be classified as temporary senior moments.

"John and Hazel, Maria, Lesley, Myriam and Rod signed up for a third walk of the Dams series.. this one to Odelouca.

The rallying call was for 9.00 which was obeyed by all except the leader who, until too late, was under the impression he had decreed 9.30. Deserved admonishments consumed 5 minutes but still the cafe remained closed. By 9.45 the café still showed no sign of life, so coffee was there none. Off we set towards the dam, caffeine free therefore, with John reminding our leader that he shouldn't overshoot the turning towards the dam as he had done once previously.  Well, overshoot it he did! Now was this yet another error, distracted as he might have been by fellow passenger chatter, or was he being deliberately contrary? The answer is as the reader so opines! 

It´s so easy to miss this sign

 In any event we stopped, to turn around, at one of the magnificent viewpoints further up the Alferce road, affording us a great view of the lake, now almost brim-full, spread out below. And so on to the dam. 

 The carpark and sitting area was occupied only by two worthy gentleman (any racial slur not intended) from the Algarve Eco-Systems Gardening Division pursuing their leisurely tasks. They were affable enough and would doubtless have been happy enough to chat all day. They were of the opinion that the dam lake was only a percentage point or two below maximum, and this was clear as we set off along the upper perimeter track showing the water right up to the vegetation line; a view we had not seen for many years and one we probably won't see again for many years to come.

 The track then swings round to the north opening up further views of the now water filled valley walked with so much pleasure by the AWW's in days of yore.

"Do we go on or do we go back?" They decided to go on.

except for John who decides to go back.

At the first cross roads, John decided he was nearing his limit and decided to head back. The rest carried on for a while until at the next cross roads the popular vote indicated that we should all take the shortest route back. It wasn't really obvious whether this was caused by exhaustion, or abject fear that the dish of choice for the menu of the day might run out.


 So we wandered back, soaking up the last of the sun and listening to the twitter of the birds (take that as you will) and the intermittent ring of a mobile with Paul announcing his arrival at the café. 

In the event and even taking another detour on the return, we managed to arrive back at the café a good 10 minutes before  the  foreseen hour.   Just consider, if the leader had actually turned up on time, we might have indeed arrived back before the café was yet even open for lunch. So after a heart stopping, or was it just warming, 3k walk, it must now be the turn of the restaurant correspondent to continue.

Rod"

But first some comparative photos of the dam´s water levels.


2.11.2022

21.04.2024

16.04.2025



19.11.2020

2.11.2022

16.04.2025

21.02.2024
16.04.2025

16.04.2025


The Track and the Statistics

as recorded by Hazel




and before we go on to the Lunch, here are some archive shots of the Odelouca valley pre-dam.

The Odelouca River with one of the dam buildings already constructed. 25.03.2009



and Rod´s friend down on the valley floor always ready with some refreshment....

18.04.2007

The Lunch





ample choice. 


The Ráia de Alháda seemed to be very popular.




Paul seemed impressed by his Coêlho á Caçador, and there were more mundane dishes such as Bitoque de Perú


and an omelette decorated with pink ribbons of something




The sobremesa selection was quite impressive





some Easter flowers to conclude




Thanks to Hazel, Maria, and Myriam for photo contributions.

and some Easter music (!) to finish. Coincidentally, a big Easter Parade in Praia de Luz this morning.




Comments

  1. Paulo a Pe20 April 2025 at 19:09

    The water in the barragem seems to be getting awfully dirty, and much less blue than days of yore. I blame Trump!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Myriam20 April 2025 at 22:06

    Very good archive photos! Well done, Blogger!!

    ReplyDelete

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