Our second mid summer get together was at Bar Pensionista in Jalon
Julie was quick to show off her wedding anniversary gift from Don
At our last meal there was a lot of discussion about traditional anniversary gifts
And a quick reference to a smart phone confirmed that 18th is Porcelain
We all enjoyed our first get together in Parcent two weeks ago
And we were looking forward to seeing everyone again
It gives us all something to look forward during these long, hot summer days
It is too hot to do our weekly walks during July and August
At the end of our last walk it was suggested that we have an informal get together on alternate Monday’s
Someone suggested setting up a WhatsApp group where anyone could make suggestions
Gary offered to arrange a midday meal at the Cooperativa in Parcent for the first meeting.
Twelve of us met for a very enjoyable meal and had a very pleasant chat
This was our last walk before the summer break
There were 13 of us today
Which is pretty good for this time of year
Some members had visitors
Some has gone on holiday themselves
Some just found it too hot
In fact five missed this walk due to the heat
In fact the temperature was slightly lower than last week
It was also cloudy, and with a cool breeze
So it was really quite pleasant walking
And as always it was easier walking in a group
You get distracted by the chatter and company
So don’t notice the heat or distance so much
It was a local holiday today
So I was a little concerned that the Parcent cooperativa might be closed
Fortunately it was open and we could have our usual after walk drink
Someone suggested getting together during the summer break
It was agreed that we would start a WhatsApp group
It would be open to all members to make suggestions
Maureen agreed to set it up
Hopefully it will allow us to meet up for a drink or even a meal.
Temperature – 24 to 27c
Time taken –3 hours
Distance – 9 km
We had planned a very quiet day for my 80th Birthday; no fuss just a nice fish and chip meal in Dockers in Jalon.
Stuart has asked us to make sure that we were home at 1030, when he would contact us on Face time so that the grandchildren could sing “happy birthday”. He rang us on time, but said he had trouble connecting with Jack (his oldest). We waited in the sitting room, with the front door open as it was so warm, for them to call back. The three children connected and started to sing “happy birthday”. This video shows what happened then.
They had driven 1511 from Rothbury to Parcent. We had no idea that they planned the trip, and they booked a hotel so that they could make sure they would arrive at our house at exactly 1030. They parked down the road and rang us to set up the call. When the grandchildren rang, they walked up the road, through the open door and caught us listening to the children sing happy birthday.
They drove down in Michelle’s new car, a very yellow Porche. This was also a surprise to us. We had always thought of Michelle as the very level headed half of the marriage. Stuart has always had a taste for flash cars, but Michelle had usually had something suitable to transport two large dogs and three children.
Apparently she fell in love with this beauty as soon as she saw it, and who could blame her. Stuart took me, and then Jan, in a short drive around Parcent. Quite a difference from our 12 year old Seat.
We now see Michelle in a completely different light
The four of us went to Dockers for my birthday meal. Stuart insisted that we use my car; he didn’t trust the Rastro car park – even in the early evening
We were still coming to terms with the total surprise of their visit, but we all had a lovely meal.
They had booked their hotel to include Sunday night. This was just in case we had planned something complicated for Saturday night without telling them. So we had an extra day, and we went to Chino Imperial in Calpe – a firm favourite with all of the family.
We often go there for a family meal when they all visit in August, so the children know it well. We were fascinated when Stuart contacted them on Facetime to discuss what we were eating and more important what they were missing.
As always we had a lovely meal there, and the staff made a fuss of us as they always do. Over the years we have recommended The Imperial to most of our walking group, and they must have gained dozens of new customers as a result. Not a single one has ever had a bad word to say about their visits.
Once more we had used our car to travel to Calpe, so we all returned to Parcent together. We were all ready for an early night. They had an early morning start on Monday, and we had an early start for our last Monday Ramblers walk before the summer break.
We had a lovely two days and a second to none special 80th birthday.
I am not sure if they realise that Jan will be 80 in September 2028 ..............
Not only higher temperatures, but also direct sun today
Fortunately there is quite a bit of shade on this walk
Pierre tried to give him some water, but the dog was too nervous to come close
However he did manage to give him some of his sandwiches
These three were not at all nervous, and were very happy to see us approach
It got very hot when we left the shelter of the trees
So we had a water stop each half hour, when we could find shade
The next part of the walk was very exposed
Plenty of shade and quite pleasant inside the naya
There was even a cool breeze sitting on the wall outside
Jan distributed the sweets
And we began the return journey at 12 noon, which was right on time
I expected this to be the hottest and most difficult part of the walk
So we had our regular half hour water stop
And a light breeze cooled us down as we approached Jalon
It’s easy to forget how pretty this part of the walk really is
Our two ducks from last week were waiting in the shade of the bridge
Someone suggested Riu Rau for our after walk drink
I like it because there is always lots of shade and plenty of space to rearrange the tables
But I was not aware that the group had arranged a special treat
With our drinks on the table the waitress brought out a large birthday cake
After a chorus of “happy birthday”
I was presented with a framed photo of Jan and me on a previous walk
Lynn expertly cut the cake into 16 portions
But somehow I ended up with an extra slice
We also each had a mini birthday cake which Barbara has made the night before
Temperature – 25 to 28c
Time taken –3 hours
Distance – 9 km
