27 June 2022 – Lliber Zoo

 

We were lucky to be able to walk again before the summer break

We had to cancel the previous two Monday walks due to unusually high temperatures

I had to arrange this walk at short notice when the temperature suddenly dropped

And this morning the forecast was possible storm and chance of rain all morning

But in fact there was high cloud and fresh winds, no sign of rain at all

In fact it was ideal walking weather

And a real delight to be able to get in one last walk before the break

It was nice to welcome Les again and also his wife Helen for her first walk with the group

There were 14 of us on the walk, more than I expected with the short notice

And it was lovely to have Annie join us for a drink in Lliber square

We were able to finish the walk earlier than expected due to the cooler weather

And this was despite a detour to the dry river for our banana break

We were all sat outside the bar before noon

I was pleased that everyone came to the bar

And in fact many seemed in no hurry to leave

I left after an hour, and there were still a few going strong

It was a shame that Jan had to miss another walk due to her broken wrist

Hopefully she will be able to do our next walk in September

I will certainly miss our weekly walks over the next two months

And would like to thank everyone for their support over the past few difficult months.                                                            

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 8 km

Total ascent – 110 metres

Temperature – 18-25c

 

 

 

 

6 June 2022 – Jalon Valley

15 of us for today’s walk

Should have been 18

One late cancellation

Two couldn’t find Parcent car park

To be fair it is not easy to find if you are not familiar with the area

Paul’s wife Natalie joined us for the first time

Hope she was not put off by the higher than usual temperatures

We also had a new member with Marie on her first walk with the group

I asked for feedback whether anyone thought it was too hot to walk

Was relieved that no one had any problems

We had planned to visit the cooperativa in Parcent for our after walk drinks

But I was not happy to be told that they have closed for a short holiday

I had arranged to meet Jan there after the walk, as we were not aware it was closed

I tried to ring Jan, but she had already left home to walk into Parcent

The only bar open was Siremar

We went past the cooperativa hoping that Jan might be waiting for us

But we received a message that she found the bar closed and walked back home

It was a bit much to ask her to walk down again

So I walked home and took her to the bar in the car

It was nice for her to meet up with everyone again, having missed walks since her accident.

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 8 km

Total ascent – 120 metres

Temperature – 19-29c

 

 

 

4 June 2022 – Queens Platinum Anniversary Street Party

Chris and Peter organised an afternoon street party for 48 neighbours and friends.   It was very hot, despite adequate umbrellas, but that did not stop some very energetic dancing to music provided by Dave.   He compiled a selection of Number One hits from 1953.   We left after five hours, but the dancing and party was still going strong for another couple of hours.   Everyone enjoyed the party and it was a very good way to celebrate a very important occasion not only for ex pat Brits but all the nationalities who attended.