Friday 23 December 2016

Marmalete ...

A warm sunny day forecast and a plan to wash the only pair of trousers (apart from the rarely used waterproof ones ) ... which means shorts and once they are on the legs seem to want a longish walk ... to the mountains ... last time the route was walked all the way to Monchique in the rain ... a test of endurance and work for the mind ... today was a complete contrast, with not a cloud in the sky ... the route gaining altitude all the way ... crossing a couple of rivers via fords, easy enough in vehicles or even on mountain bikes ... and after lobbing a few rocks in to create a dry crossing, the tactic of surprise was employed ... running over before the water had a chance to permeate the shoes ... which, surprisingly, pretty much worked ...

Before that, another dog shelter, with plenty of barking dogs, some free and thinking about a walk ... meaning at least three shelters around town ... and to tempt the stereotype, lots of English folks ... more stereotypes on the way ...

After the dog shelter, off-grid houses are tucked away, looking well presented, without obvious security fencing or dogs ... not many folks about ... the first a young fair-haired boy on a bike with a fishing rod ... friendly enough and confirming a sense of alternative Germans about ... a young German couple packing their car further evidence ... friendly, yet reserved ...

A row of orange and lemon trees alongside the track offer free fruit ... and a picnic spot soon after at a place for sale ... high up the valley and peaceful ... an abandoned table and chair for a rest and snack in the sun ... intriguing ...

At Marmalete, a coffee and WiFi, before pondering the return trip ... another 4 hours back along the track or 3 on the hard shoulder with a hitch-hike possibility ... and sure enough, though there are few cars on the Monchique to Aljezur road, one stops ... Diago, a young Portuguese chap, mooching about, slightly stoned ... he confirms the German theory ... young folks with children, wanting to home-school them ... forbidden by the German government, who also claim rights over emigre children ... Interpol known to come round, noting car registrations ... home schooling also forbidden in Portugal, Diago says ... his sympathy with the Germans, having been bullied at school himself ...

Back at Amizagh, a Pizza Party is proposed ... a weekly event in the woods near Monchique ... where Guy went to volunteer ... optimistic young party-goers gather, working out ways to travel the 40 km to the place ... the return a problem for later ... seems more like bedtime than party time ... a generational thing ...l-r in the pic: Jules, Ryan, Holly, Sanna and Seba ... tomorrow a community meal with some added organisation ... it happens rather ad hoc most of the time ... 

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