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

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