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Notes on this years trip

Algarve - Portugal - April 2005
Here are a just few brief notes on this year’s trip, I'll add to them when I remember what we did! Reviewing this 6 months on, I realise how poor these notes are. Must try harder next time!
We had two 'newcomers', Alan and Dave, both good mates and a pleasure to have along. Dave chose not to play golf and joined Keith (currently with a dodgy hip) and myself just for the 'crack'. Alan, who did play, ended up winning the tournament! As usual the tournament was for Keith's mum's trophy.
Stacks of photographs taken this year as I borrowed a camera from Chris, a Canon 10D. Well over the top for me really but surprisingly easy to use, despite its weight. The 1 GB memory card and double battery grip meant I managed around 400 photos without needing to change anything! I still used my trusty Casio but more for the 'miscellaneous' shots.
The weather was brilliant all week, just what we needed, and as all three rounds of golf had after midday tee-offs this allowed some hangovers to ease up (also sweated out by midday temperatures, mad dogs and ....etc.).
The villa groups stayed pretty much to themselves this year with the lads (Pete, Cliff, Paul, Tony and Graham) taking a few trips out to Praia da Rocha and Portimao. They never did find the 'nightlife' there. Our villa, formerly 'the coffin dodgers' consisted of Andy, Keith, Mick, John, Dave, Alan and I. John and Eamon 'flitted' between the groups when they felt. As for me, I just wandered about, joining whoever was about.
Alvor was quite quiet compared to previous visits at this time of the year, with a lot of bars fairly empty. Not that it mattered.

Saturday 23rd
Gary couldn't make it. I picked up Cliff. Keith / Mick picked up Alan. Graham, Paul & Tony went on an earlier flight from Stanstead to catch the Chelsea / Fulham match (!) John and Eamon went from Gatwick on an early flight. Dave, Santa, Andy and Peter made their own way.
A prolonged run to Gatwick was due to traffic / road works. We used the long term car park (a mistake as it ended up being £63 as opposed to £42 off site). There then followed the inevitable hassle of check-in but at least the Golf clubs went free which was a result.
The plane took off on time (14.15) but after 45 minutes of flying we were returned to Gatwick. This was the result of a technical fault, which we were subsequently informed was a cracked windscreen! It went downhill from there, baggage reclaim etc… ending up checking into the Hilton at 21.00 for a dead average 'complimentary' meal and a five hour stay (fortunately we weren’t paying the £233 per room). Checked in again at 03.00 Sunday and actually flew at 05.00. Free breakfast included, yippee!

Sunday 24th
We turned up at Faro 07.30’ish, fortunately the hire vans were still there. Keith got a flash Mercedes bus and I ended up with an old transit! Anyway it served its purpose, and it allowed Cliff to see the views (when we went over the bumps).
Checked into the villa o.k. (the other lads who had arrived the previous afternoon had already been let in the previous night). We were slightly miffed that they chose to use our villa as well as their own the previous night, but what the hell we were now on holiday. After a 'hello Alvor' drink or two we spent the afternoon by the pool where John, Dave and I managed to incinerate ourselves. All in our villa went to Capacho for supper, the usual excellent Portuguese menu and hospitality. Michaels afterward, he really must get a proper replacement for Roger!

Monday 25th
Golf at Parque da Floresta. An impressive but windy course but general consensus was that it was too hard for all players. Unfortunately the course marshal lost the plot a bit by making two of the groups double up to move them along as they were supposedly 'slow'. It had no effect on anything except wind up the guys, who finished the course at least fifteen minutes before any one else followed them. Apart from that Alan won the day, but none of the scores were overly impressive. We returned home somewhat knackered. Probably won't be using this course again. Can't remember where I eat in the evening (!)

Tuesday 26th
After breakfast at La Latina, spent a considerable part of the day drinking with John at Maria's, silly not to. Peeling nicely already! Can't remember where I eat in the evening, twice I've said that (!)

Wednesday 27th
Golf at Morgado. Still my favourite course. Hot with only a slight breeze. A pleasant respite after Parque on Monday. Nice to have company (Keith) on my travels round the course. Graham won the day comfortably. Supper at the Lusitania, very quiet but as good as previous visits.

Thursday 28th
Keith and Mick took Dave and Alan off to Luz to checkout the progress of their place they have just bought. I had another appointment but ended by the pool for the afternoon. Never saw the lads until the evening. Keith, Alan and I had supper in Al Dente, a good Italian restaurant just across the road from the villa. Barola for a bit rock with Jimmy's old band. A pint at Michaels to finish.

Friday 29th
Golf at Palmares. Despite having been to this course several times it was the first time I went round it in a buggy. The views are probably the most impressive of any of the courses we’ve visited over the years. Alan won the day and as a result won this years event overall. Tony actually made a trip to a golf course and spent the day ball finding. Another good evening meal of Sardines and Olives on the seafront (TR).

Saturday 30th
A somewhat protracted check out from the villas, but still enough time to do a bit of last minute shopping and a pint or two. Uneventful return to Faro and the flight home was, like all end of holidays.
Managed to make the Prince for the last couple of hours.

Last Update: 16/01/2008