30 May 2022 – Jalon Valley

 

We started our summer walks early this year due to higher than usual temperatures

We had to cancel last week’s walk due to a forecast of 31c

We planned to do the same walk this week, but starting at 0900

But with temperatures forecast of 29c we converted it to a valley walk

I was pleasantly surprised that eleven regulars signed up for the summer walks this year

We also had five new members walking for the first time

And it was nice to see Brenda, who has not walked with the group for some months

I was sporting my brand new shorts, exposing my legs for the first time in years

Quite a lot of the walk was in shade, making it very pleasant

And when we did turn down into the valley it was downhill most of the way

Thanks to Tina for this full length photo, showing my white legs in all of their glory

We had our banana stop at the Alcalali Ermita

Even after two hours it was still quite pleasant with the breeze

And there is a little scattered shade at the picnic tables

And even more in the church naya

It is unusual to have so many “newbies” on one walk

And I had increased the numbers to 18 to allow everyone to walk

 

P18

So I was very pleased that everyone seemed to get on so well

A very promising start to our shorter, and earlier, summer walks

   

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 8 km

Total ascent – 150 metres

Temperature – 19-29c

19 May 2022 – Monday Ramblers Meal

 

18 of us gathered at the Parcent Cooperativa for our end of season meal

It is the first group meal since 2019 due to covid restrictions

Jan and I were surprised to be given a present by Colin at the start of the meal

We really had no idea what it was, and he insisted we open it at once

It was a framed copy of the local paper about Jan’s rescue on Bernia

The frame was passed around for everyone to sign it

What a lovely gift and such a nice thing to do

It may not have been one of our most enjoyable walks

But it was certainly the most dramatic one of our 16 years walking here

It’s always a little strange to see everyone dressed in their civilian clothes

But it is also nice to get together socially without walking

As always the meal was lovely and the service excellent

The only interruption to the chatter was to sign the back of the picture

We are very lucky to have such a friendly and welcoming group

And this was an opportunity to remember the many happy memories we share

Plus, of course, to remember the many absent friends unable to attend the meal

The picture will have a place of honour above the desk in my office

And a constant reminder of happy hours spent walking the hills, and our adventure on Bernia

16 May 2022 – Bolulla Castle

Started the walk with 17

The forecast was for 27c, but right from the start it felt much warmer

Fortunately the first part of the walk had some shade

After an hour or so were joined by Terry (second from right)

He arrived late at the start, but managed to catch us up

He had to choose at a T junction, and fortunately made the right choice

This is the first time we have increased the number during a walk

It was nearly noon when we had our banana break

It is a lovely spot with great views, but no shade

But we needed the rest, even if it was uncomfortably hot

Fortunately the next section is downhill

And we had lots of water stops, and to admire the views

It was too exposed at our planned picnic spot

So we agreed to push on to the alterative choice

I had noted this as a possible alternative with good shade

It was lovely and cool and a welcome break from the heat

It was also the last shaded area for the remainder of the walk

We were passed by two vehicles on a “safari”

Very envious to see them travelling in such cool comfort 

After walk drinks at Bon Aire were even more welcome than usual

Time taken – 5 hours

Distance – 10 km

Total ascent – 350 metres

Temperature – 27c