Friday January 12, 2024 dawned grey and cloudy with a bit of a nippy breeze. Our destination was the top of Cerro de São Miguel, 411 metres above sea level.
The hikers were Randy, Harald, myself and Jackson, of course. Harald and Randy have been hiking buddies in the Algarve for a number of years. This hike was significant to Harald because he’d never climbed Cerro de São Miguel and it was the first time in three years that he and Randy had hiked together.
The cool breeze proved to be a blessing on the upward, steep climb because, before long, I was sweating like a little red hen hauling fence rails. Here are a few shots of our climb:
We were taking a trail up the “backway” that begins not far from Moncarapacho. That’s where I met up with my hiking companions.
Made it to the top! Hanging on for dear life! The wind was humming in the overhead wires and antennae and wasn’t exactly warm. I stopped to don my jacket and readjust everything and left my walking stick leaning against a small building. Got part way down the mountain via the narrow paved road before I realized what I had done. So, Jackson and I went back for it. That stick proved useful on the descent of the steep trail – wet clay and sliding rocks hazards.
Some shots from the top:
Part way down the mountain is the chapel of São Miguel hidden within a cluster of homes clinging to the side of the mountain. There were also barking dogs but Jackson was completely unphased.
After retrieving my errant walking stick, Jackson and I began the downward trip.
And so another hiking adventure came to an end. It was time to head home for lunch and possibly an afternoon nap! Until next time.
Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground 
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