26 February 2024 – Parcent to Alcalali

Despite 15c it felt like winter had arrived today

The forecast showed a chance of rain at 1100

But fortunately it remained dry throughout the walk

It was however a grey sky and a cold wind

However the dull weather was not enough to dampen our spirits

As always it was much better out walking than sitting at home

However the pace was faster than usual

We had less water stops

And it was cold enough to cut short our picnic stop at Alcalali mirador

But despite this we still enjoyed our walk

We have been spoiled this winter with the warmer temperatures

And even more with the long, sunny days

But a glance back through the blog will show that it is not always so

The sky started to clear as we returned to Parcent

So we were able to sit outside on the terrace of the Cooperativa

The sun appeared as we walked home

And we were able to sit on the naya and enjoy a warm, sunny afternoon

Given the weather forecast I feel we were very lucky

Temperature – 15 to 17c

Time taken –2.5 hours

Distance – 9 km

   

 

19 February 2024 – Jalon to Alcalali Ermita

17 of us for today’s walk

Lovely clear and sunny morning

A little chilly when we started

But warm enough to take off the first layer when we had our water stop

I sometimes worry that we only have 16 valley walks

Which means we repeat each walk every three to four months

But no one else seems to notice, let alone complain

Particularly on such a lovely day as today

The almonds have finally made an appearance

Still only a shadow of previous years

But on a day like today offering great photo opportunities

The wooded section of the walk also looked lovely in the bright sunshine

All agreed how lucky we are to live in such a lovely area

With such a wide variety of low level walks

And, of course, the Alcalali Ermita

I have come to think of this picnic site as similar to Piccadilly Circus

Where is you wait long enough you will see everyone you have ever known

Or at least those who live in the Jalon Valley

I was surprised that there were not more walking groups today

At this time of year, and on such a nice day, I would expect it to be very busy

This is the week when Alcalali would normally have its Almond Festival

Not sure if it is on this year, given the shortage of blossom

We visited Riu Rau after the walk

Despite drinks being a little dearer there

Everyone agreed it was well worth the small extra cost

Temperature – 16 to 22c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km

 

   

 

12 February 2024 – Tormos to Isbert Dam

There were 18 of us on today’s walk

 Normally we would do the annual almond blossom walk today

But there is very little blossom in the valley this year

It is six years since the almond blossom blight arrived

There is no treatment for infected trees

They have to be cut down and the roots removed

Even during the past year we have seen many trees removed

We were fortunate to have another sunny and warm day

This has been the warmest and driest winter since we arrived in 2006

What little rain we have had has been mostly at night

But there is plenty of time for the rain to arrive

Meanwhile today was ideal walking conditions

The bright sunshine made the varied scenery look its best

The only downside is that bar Almasara has closed

Yesterday was its last day open

Bar Tormos was also closed, as it is each Monday

So we will have to find an alternative for future walks from Tormos

Today we went to Bar Citrus in Orba for our after walk drink

Plenty of space in their garden area for us all to sit together

Temperature – 17 to 22c

Time taken – 3.5 hours

Distance – 10 km