WAGS 2025.06 11: Mira Rio & Season´s Finale (?)

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Eight of us gathered at Mira Rio on what was, for mid-June, a remarkably fresh morning, which made for very pleasant walking. While we were assembling for the Starter Photo, the Restaurante´s new puppy wandered over to inspect the camera but managed to avoid knocking it over.



 

The Starters: ChrisD, JohnH, Cristl, Myriam, Maria, Antje, Rachel and Hazel



The canal was full of running water, the canal itself having been cleaned of weed and its surrounding tracks having been well-strimmed.


The customary group photo was taken at the look-out point at the confluence of the two rivers


where a group of fisherman were seen. Later, meeting them again back at the restaurante, we asked them how they had done and they showed us a photo of their catch - at least 20 sargos.

As we approached the little cottage by the canal, a bird was heard singing very loudly. Was it another nightingale? No, this time the Merlin Bird ID App identified it as an Eurasian blackcap.





The cottage had its usual selection of freebies at its gate but was also advertising free pottery classes - Sundays only. Obviously occupied by community minded people.


At this stage we left the canal and were led up a steep hill by Cristl and Maria who were in agreement that a walk without a hill doesn´t qualify as a proper walk. This hill was 72 metres.


Once over the hill and back to ground zero at Clube Nautico, we were allowed a 15 minute rest by the Leader.



Myriam´s artistic eye was caught by 5 green bottles. And then it was  back to the canal


and a steady trudge back along the road through Vale de Lama to Mira Rio.



The Track and the Statistics




The Lunch

For the lunch we were joined by ChrisW, Hilke and Paul.



On the menu were:-

Sardinhas alimadas

Favas com Carne

Arroz de Pato

Paul had a special wine



Seasonal Statistics

Well, it is possible that that is the last walk of the season, now that rising temperatures are forecast. Last season 2023 - 2024, we recorded 36 walks. This season 2024 - 2025, we have recorded 37 walks, but one of those was a non-walk when some of us just sat inside Café Silva and watched the rain come down. So, 36 actual walks again. Well done, all.
Closing Music

I can´t tell you how many complimentary comments I have received over the past few months about my choices of closing music for the blogs, mainly because there have been none. So what the heck, I´ll close with a repeat of one of my favourites, "Don´t Fence Me In.". At least I will enjoy it.


Thanks to Myriam for extra photos.

Comments

  1. Yves16 June 2025 at 15:19

    Take heart, John, we may not have able to comment on your eminently suitable choice of closing pieces but I can assure you that you had us foot-tapping along with many of them!
    Well done! Many thanks for all your work!
    Here's looking at next year and more auspicious times to share the group's jollies?
    Enjoy what promises to be hot summer!
    Cheers,
    Yves... walking wounded.

    ReplyDelete
  2. John Hope16 June 2025 at 15:51

    Wonders will never cease ! Yves has actually solved the problem of how to post comments

    ReplyDelete
  3. Myriam20 June 2025 at 11:48

    A huge thank you to John for doing the Blogs which I always look forward to reading. His knowledge of music is unfathomable!! What a variety! And always to the occasion!!
    I had no idea that this one was meant to be the last of the season. Or rather, I didn't hear about it!
    If it was, then are we going to start on the breakfast walks?
    We all look forward to it!

    ReplyDelete

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