In the Beginning
The earliest memories of the AWW are from September 1996 mostly from photos by Rod and some that Myriam had received and filed away. There is no clear memory of the composition of what might have been the first walk of the group that came after various name and walking day changes to be the AWW. However the early walkers who transferred from the Saturday Walkers were Maurice, Rod, Ian Cooper,Tony Webster, Alan Boak, Ricky, and Ralph Pinto, Myriam and Alan Williamson. Mark Harman was soon after
However that was before the digital era, and whatever snaps were taken were developed and recently scanned , I have not been able to locate any earlier than 1998 when the first crossing of the Algarve, later to become The Algarve Way was attempted. This is a photo of the group, taken at Cabo Sao Vicente. There were 7 brave pioneers.
L-R: Tony Webster and Shadow, Mark Harman and Ziggy and ?, Maurice Clyde, Ian Angus, Rod Frew and Pookie and Purdy, Myriam Lo, and Ian Cooper and Josh.
Of these, all except Ian Angus were living in the Algarve, and were regular Wednesday Walkers. Several other walkers walked part of the way.
About the beginnings of the group, Rod said "After a few weeks of getting to know each other better the focus of many of the initial walks was developing Maurice ' s dream of a cross Algarve trail based on the old Pilgrims' route to the burial place of St. Vincent at the eponymous Cape and linking in with the European GR system in Spain."
Mark Harman, Tony Webster, Myriam, Ian Angus, Jane Cook, Rod and Ian Cooper. Photo probably taken by Maurice
Ian Angus,Rod, Ian Cooper, Francisco, Myriam, Maurice, Mark Harman, Tony Webster at the begiining of the first Algarve Wayy on the banks of the Guadiana
Maurice asks Myriam the way!
Second crossing of Algarve Way 1999. At my house near Loule which was used as a staging post. This second crossing was done E to W from Alcoutim to Cap Sao Vicente. The core walkers who completed all days were Maurice, Paul, Myriam, Neil, Paco. Lindsey missed only half a day and Simone missed some time too.
Algarve Way 1999, Maurice,Paco, Paul and Neil
Core + Stage visitors, 1999 Algarve Way E to W: Francisco, Paul, Myriam, Neil, Paco, Mercedes, Maurice, Lindsey and Simone
Somewhere on the W Coast
In Monchique
A quick lunch on the Algarve Way 1999. David Silva 4th from left joined for a day.
More than halfway. At Marmelete, Myriam and Mercedes dance to a local accordionista, playing for beer.. Also present, Brian, Simone's support crew.
A bit of a mystery. If this is Algarve Way 1999, we should all be walking towards the climb to the Coastguard House, whereas half the party are heading for the cafe. Paco, Myriam and Paul
Another early W coast walk. Hardly anyone camera conscious but can identify Anna Rose, Ian S, Rod, Myriam, Barry Shaw, Hedley and Tony Webster
Not sure about the lady in yellow, but Maria, Anna Rose, Myriam Jane Cook
End of an early walk Back to camera, Tony Webster and Mark Harman; along the wall, Susan leaning away, Maria, Judy Cooper, Myriam , Ian Cooper and one yet to be named
Myriam, showing flexibility, ties a bootlace watched by Barry Shaw and Tony Webster.
A long uphill. Following are some scanned photos of scenery with walkers scattered therein taken between 1999 and 2001
Downhill towards the Medronha Man who produced in the lean to to the right of the big house.
Somewhere near Azeirinho Alto
This is possibly on the climb up to a house between Amado and Muracao on the west coast leg of the RTC.
Rod led a team to Dona Ana in Spain, among whom were Lindsey, Carla, George, Ian S. Andrew and Mike
Atmospheric shot - Janet?
Ian S refuses to sit and rest.
Mike, George and Andrew
Too tired to talk
A very long beach!
On the ferry to San Lucar de Barrameda
A famous Tapas place in San Lucar, Janet, Carla, George and Ian
It was worth the walk. Some support crew joined at the end. Susan, Ann Green, Stan, Elaine and David Hart
This was from a walk Rod led to the Alpujarras in Spain in March 2002. Attending were Carla, Lindsey, Andrew, George, Mike, Maria, David Hart, Mike Ian W and Ian S.
Lindsey and Myriam and her dogs, Maio and Xana. Could be Foia.
An early walk by Mike, notable for a visit to the dinosaur footprints at Salema, which are currently eroding without protection. cast: Elaine, Mike, Lena, Simone, Rod, Thyl, Paul
And in conclusion for these early pictures, mostly scanned from photo prints we have a selection for which I have no actual dates but let us say most were before 2000. This one shows Tony Webster, Barry Shaw and Maurice.
Relaxing mid-walk at Quinta de Escocias near Bensafrim. Ian Cooper, Jane Cook, Maurice and Esme seated centre by Barry Shaw, Myriam in the back shaded corner
Seeking shade for a snack next to a Trig Point in the Alferce area
Maurice checking the route to Picota, with David Silva and Tony Webster
Cooling by the waters. Yorkshireman, Tony Webster, Maurice, David Silva and Ricky. Not sure where!
Myriam clinging on to cross a narrow bridge near Fonte Santa.. Maurice looking amused
Looks like Maurice cooling off.
Jane Cook, Esme and Yorkshireman on the same bridge
Almond blossom probably on the slopes up to Fonte Santa.
As I said, this is by no means complete and as a response to seeing these pictures perhaps other might dredge up similar recollections which can be added at a later date. Please let me know if you have any suitable material.