29 January 2024 – Lliber to Senija

 The weather forecast was overcast – it did not mention the drizzle

It was overcast with low cloud, but not too cold

However there was a light drizzle

Fortunately it stopped for our picnic in Senija

And also for our after walk drink in Lliber square

It became proper rain as we drove home

18 of us today, including Pam on her first walk with the group

She fit in well and seemed to enjoy the walk

It is a shame that it was not a sunny day for her first walk

This walk is quite different from the other valley walks

Slightly longer, and much more difficult track

 The sky cleared a little as we reached Senija

But it was cold enough to put our jackets on again to sit in the square

It did not dampen the mood, or the animated chatter

Of all the wall drawings in Senija, this is by far our favourite

It felt much cooler as we started back to Lliber

But we still had our regular water stops

This photo, taken by Tina, captures the feel of the walk

Bar Varetes had been closed for three weeks, but reopened today

So we had our usual after walk drink in the square

Temperature – 13c

Time taken – 4 hours

Distance – 10 km

 

22 January 2024 – Parcent to Murla

 

 Sunny but very cold start to the walk

Had to cancel last week due to cold/flu

Not fully recovered yet

But so pleased to be able to walk again

It warmed up quite quickly once we got going

And the first layer of clothing was soon removed

A lot of work going on as we reached the dry river at Murla

It looked so different that I had to check my satnav

There should have been 18 on today’s walk

But two missed the start; they could not find the car park

Most were in shirt sleeves when we reached Mural

But it was still necessary to have our picnic in the sun

Most of the group know this walk quite well

So it was quite strung out on the way back to Parcent

Not much of a problem with a valley walk

Where no one is going to get lost anyway

We followed a new track between Mural and Parcent

This new hand rail part of a lot of track clearance

And also better sign posted than it used to be

Very enjoyable walk and managed much better than I feared

Temperature – 5 to 12c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km

8 January 2024 – Jalon to Alcalali

 

 This was the first of our new Monday Ramblers valley walks

We decided to downsize from two walks a week to one each week

Previously we did a 6 hour hill walk each Monday

And a 3 hour valley walk each Thursday

Jan has found the Monday walks too difficult for most of last year

I have also found some of the more difficult ones quite challenging

But most of all I just missed her company each Monday

And I felt guilty leaving her at home

So I have decided to stop offering the day long hill walks

And to concentrate on the 3 hour valley walks

I have also decided to walk each Monday

This is to avoid clashing with the monthly U3A meeting on Thursdays

It will still be called the Monday Ramblers

But will only offer 9km valley walks each week

We were pleased that all of the Thursday group changed to Monday walking

And particularly pleased that we had 17 for this first walk

A very good start to the new Monday Ramblers

Temperature – 9 to 11c

Time taken – 3.5 hours

Distance – 9 km