APAPS 24.01. Starting Again -Mira Rio 2024 07 03.

And so we start out on our ninth APAPS season; will we make it through to the end? Who knows? Numbers are fewer, breakfast appetites are smaller, and fresh blogging inspiration is ever decreasing. Just as a reminder and also for the information of new adherents, APAPS stands for Os Amigos do Pequeno-Almoço Peripatéticos, in other words, "we like sheep " (to quote from The Messiah) wander around a bit looking for nourishment.

Here is a very brief pictorial record of last Wednesday´s stroll and breakfast. First, the early morning participants.

Then wonders will never cease. The run-down ruin near Mira Rio which has been under repair/restoration for the past 15 years to my knowledge is now occupied, complete with flowers and pots plants at the door, electric door chimes , and a guard dog.

The canal had water in it again , a welcome sight.

Newly stripped cork oaks

Three donkeys, or maybe two donkeys and a mule

We paused as is customary at Clube Nautico for philosophical contemplation.

and then climbed a hill so as to look back at Silves

then down to the shady bit of the canal

which reminded Antje of a snake.

The track was perhaps a little bit too long and it was hot at the end.

When we got back to Mira Rio on the pre-ordained stroke of 10.00 hrs,, Chris and Paul were there already  waiting for us, somewhat impatiently apparently.  Their eagerness to have a breakfast is commendable, of course, but Mira Rio are meticulous as to the timing of their service. Incidentally, a breakfast of that quantity for Euros 5 a head seems to be excellent value.

JohnH inadvertently added his Sagres and Seven-Up to his plate which gave the bacon an interesting flavour. Not an experiment to be tried again.