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

 

   

 

5 February 2024 – Alcalali to Parcent

 Lovely blue sky, what a difference from last Monday

Should have been 18 walking today

But two cancellations due to illness

One of the very few almond blossoms in the valley this year

So sad when we think back to 3-4 years ago

 

They are still digging up almond trees due to the blight

Thanks to Pierre for this photo

Lovely walking along the pipeline on a sunny day

We stopped to admire the views and take photos

And also this “rustic shop”

So we were a little late reaching our picnic stop

Where we could choose warm sun or cool shade

Fortunately Jan remembered to bring the coffee this week

Pierre presented Jan with yet another (very large) “holey rock”

Despite the sun it was still cool enough for some of the group to keep their jackets on

Though most removed them once we were walking in the sun again

Thanks to Tina for this photo – showing my best side!

Lots of space to spread out and have a natter on this last section

And of course the usual water stop at the Ermita

Though everyone was keen to complete the last section to the bar

Leaving me at the back to take some photos from the back of the group

Then the “sting in the tail” – the steep climb up to the village square

And the well deserved end of walk drink

Another very enjoyable walk in great company

Temperature – 15 to 19c

Time taken – 3.5 hours

Distance – 10 km