Our latest Club Walk was in the Costa Vincentina Nature Park on stunning Atlantic Coast near Carrapateira, a 7km circuit from the Restaurant Sitio do Forno returning there for a superb lunch.
The route takes us along wide tracks, through open landscape with many sand dunes. The views are simply amazing. We walked along to Praia do Amado, a beach famous for its surf schools. We then passed through the very typical Algarvean village of Carrapateira and then back to the cliff top.
Keith and Alison Scott were again the leaders, with over 30 walkers it was very well attended.
So the weather relented and the captain’s drive in took place on the 6th of April a week later than originally intended.
A slightly reduced, but still very impressive, field of seventy two from the previous week braved the less than typical Algarvean weather to enjoy a fantastic day.
To summarise:
I managed a moderate 181 metres with my opening drive and Eddie Kassner won the pot – which he immediately donated to the captain´s charity the excellent Castelho de Sonhos that continue to do such great work for the local community.
At our new Captain Dave Darling's drive in Members were treated to a great performance of our adhoc ladies choir who did the finest "Mackem Hacka" in history (maybe the only one come to think of it!) - a truly magnificent surprise!
It was recieved with much hilarity, well done to all.
The latest Men's Matchplay quarterly lunch was held at a new venue, Bela Vita in Club Atlantico on the East side of Carvoeiro. A superb lunch was followed by the usual presentations for the top three and a couple of extra, and extremely deserved, ones.
The top three this quarter were: 1st place NIgel Cotterill, 2nd Des Briggs and 3rd Eddie Kassner.
There were also a special presentations to SdM Captain Per Lars Tonstad and Mick McFarlane.
The lunch ended with another very special presentation to our organiser Dave Tweed. We all have great admiration for all his hard work in organising the Thursday matches and our lunches, and especially the cherished hand made trophies everyone is so keen to win.
On Saturday 2th March we had Norwegian day. A total of 84 players took part. Many volunteers have participated in preparing and running the day. The weather was alternating with sometimes strong wind, light rain, but also sun - just like a normal Norwegian summer day.
At the 8th tee, samples of typical Norwegian food were served, as well as a small glass of aquavit or other drinks. The players seemed to appreciate this.
Afterwards there was a gathering with prize distribution in the clubhouse. The prizes also had a Norwegian feel, with a large side of smoked salmon for each of the winners. The prizes were given by Norwegian members of the club, many thanks to them. Unfortunately, the winners had left the clubhouse when the prizes were awarded, this also applied to those who finished second and third. The ceremony can never be the same when the winners are not present and receiving the prizes.
But it was a successful day with lots of smiles and laughter.
There was also a presentation to Eddie Kassner our Competition Secretary, well deserved for all his hard work.
The walk set off from Carlos's restaurant, Praia Grande, Pera and took in part of the boardwalk and around the nature reserve, for those twitchers there are viewing points across Lagoa dos Salgados . The walk was 9km, for those that would just like a gentle stroll it was possible to do the boardwalk only and meet at the restaurant for lunch. Non-Walkers are also welcome to join us for lunch.
On Saturday 27th of January we handed out 52 prizes to all the winners and runners up in 2023. We were lucky with good weather, and a lot of the members waited by the club house for the prize ceremony. Pestana offered us a half pizza and a beer or glass of wine for €10, and many members seemed to appreciate it, myself included.
Here is the list of winners and runner ups. Congratulations to all of you.