WAGS 2025 11 19: Whither The WAGS, or The Great Debate That Wasn´t

 The Preamble.

Rod´s invitation to the walk went something like this:-

"Following the gradual transmogrification of WAGSAL to INAL (me neither) and the apparent desire to move up the epicurean scale, it is with some apprehension that I propose a modest walk....and lunch at Rota Vincentina (sic) once again in the hope that if enough folk turn up we further chatter on whither the WAGS."

The proposed modesty of the walk did indeed attract numbers and the possibility of a great debate about our group´s future did whet the whistle or the appetite, not least because of the different approaches to the matter of food between Rod, whose idea of a sufficient WAGS lunch is a simple tosta at Honey Café or maybe a bowl of fish soup wherever, and Paul who has grander aspirations.

After all, Paul in a recent Blog had written:-

   " I am of the opinion that if we are going to do the lunch thing seriously we need to up the edible quality, not Michelin star, but more cheffed than cooked, How do you all feel about members taking it in turns to choose a themed lunch and location for days when we are not walking for one reason or another? Could be a favourite place or even one that has heard to be good from friends. Off the cuff we could try Italian, Thai, Indian, Japanese, English, Scottish, or Fish; and Antje could perhaps prevail on her BFF at Oasis to prepare some Ramen or Rendang. Here the possibilities are enormous and the best thing is, one doesn't have to be a Walk Leader to propose a lunch, nor a blogger to describe it."

The prospect of a full-on clash between these two opposite sides of the table had some of us licking our lips in anticipation. Now read on. First of all here is Rod´s Leader´s report.

On bright and cheerful morning after the deluge, John & Hazel,  Antje, Lesley, Maria, Chris & Rachel, Myriam along with visiting Pedro,  and Rod set off from the now quite frequently visited Bensafrim Market Cafe.

The Market fishseller viewed us with suspicion

Antje and Maria wait patiently for the others to join the Starter photo

Eventually they did

By request hills were to be avoided so we left town on the track to the north-west. A rather large group by recent WAGS standards, it quickly became strung out and when we eventually reached the first cross roads half the party opted to return to base. 

"If you want to go back now, you may do so."

The stalwart remnants wandered on to the top of the ridge that drops down into the next valley. From here we stopped briefly to admire the view and the  increasing number of rather questionable structures that adorn this part of the countryside....motives are unclear but doubtful if they are simply rural enthusiasts.

And so back for lunch at the Rota  Vicentina (sic) where Paul was musing over the level of  culinary acceptability of this restaurant following his recent proposal for elevating WAGS  feeding  standards. The rather inconclusive discussion over the present day's level of fare only seemed to confirm that Lunch really does now take precedence over Walks!"

The Statistics

 According to Antje, wearing her Statistician´s hat on this occasion, the distance walked by the stalwart remnants, that is Rod, Maria, ChrisD, Rachel and herself was 6.9 kms at 4.2 kph.

The Lunch

This was held at Rota Algarviana despite Rod´s attempts at obfuscation by calling it something else.

By happy chance, Paul had not been thrown off the scent by the mis-identification of the Café and was there already having an early lunch before rushing off to a medical session.

He had the Mista Grelhada but found it a bit disappointing because they had left out the frango.

ChrisD and Rachel had not stayed for lunch and then Paul and Antje said their farewells too. So the upshot was that fewer lunched than had walked, and the Great Debate - the Clash of the Epicurean Titans - never really took place. What an anti-climax.

The most interesting item on the menu was the Rancho served in a large earthenware pot.

Lift the lid and oh what riches !

There was Frango grelhado

and Rod´s simple omelette

Maria´s Pernil no forno looked delicious

Why the waitress did not include Rod in the photo she took, no one knows.

So, whither the WAGS? - whither indeed - and will the WALLYS* take over? Watch this space.

*Wallys (Western Algarve Light Lunchers and Yakking Society)