Barranco de Galistero - 23 Feb 2010

This is a CBMW (S) strenuous walk involving (Scr) scrambling - led by our friend Peter Green (centre with the purple top). David walked in a group that included many other friends.

The walk is up a Barranco (Ravine) that is dry most of the time, it involves climbing the natural cataracts and then returning by good mountain tracks. After a cold start we have warmed up and need a water stop. Pat takes the opportunity to relax before we start the more difficult bits.

The thing that I like about this adventure is that we need to give each other help with the steep parts and this promotes a real team spirit. Here Peter gives a helping hand.

Because it is strenuous and Peter is a good leader we have lots of stops to get our breath back!! -

and have a joke or two!!

Care is needed on some of the dry waterfalls and ledges but help is always at hand.

Peter claimed that this was the last difficult bit  - until we arrived at the next one -

- but we soon got through and here Jacky finishes the climb!!

This dam is only intended to hold back an extreme flood but it is also the end of the Barranco walk and the place where we climb up to our picnic/lunch spot and then return to the cars on good tracks. Thank you Peter for a very pleasant and satisfyingly strenuous day.

Monday Club - Puig Campana - Monday 28th February 2011.

It is unusual for me to report on the "Monday Club" walks as this is usually done by our friends Jan & Paul, but today they were not able to walk with us and somehow I seemed to get the job as I have this Blog.



11 of us started from Font Moli near Finistrat in bright sunshine.  There was just time for a team photo (and a sit down!) with the Puig in the background, then we set off uphill.

 and continued up hill, never too steep but steadily up on generally good paths.

 We paused at a ruined Finca and Wendy, Tom and Ken explored these cave rooms behind the property. 

 After a water stop Pat tells us we are almost at the top, our leader Peter was scouting ahead for the path. Note the spectacular views to the east of Benidorm and the sea.

As we approached the Col we came to this area that was badly burnt some years ago and, by this time, we were putting our coats back on as it was bitterly cold  with a strong wind chill.

Finally we reach the crossroads on the southern side of the Puig remembering this point from a previous walk



Lunch was at this Refugio with some of us sheltering inside out of the wind. 

 Then continuing downwards on very good paths.



Mike had difficulty getting his leg over this fallen tree but was fortunate to have Sue and Jacki to give him a hand.

 Returning to Font Moli after a great walk with spectacular views looking towards Alicante.

Next Monday's walk is at Castell de Castells at 10.00am - parking in the village.  Those wishing to share transport should meet-up at the Golf shop near Teulada roundabout at 9.10am 

Walking in Spain January 2011

We arrived in Spain a few days ago and on Thursday 13th January, as a 1st walk of 2011, Rosemary & I did one of our favorite local paths down to Cala Liebeig, along the undercliff for a picnic at Cala del Moraig. Here we have a short rest after the very steep cliff climb.

The view back towardsCap D'Or and Portet is spectatcular.

 On Saturday 15th January we walk the cliff path from Cala Pinets to Calpe, note the Ifach in the mist.

 After Beer and Bocadillo in a cafe we head back along the same path to Cala Pinets. This is another favorite local walk.

On Wednesday 19th January David walked with the CBMW from the village of Abdet.  This was a lovely walk in two beautiful valleys, thanks to our leader, our friend Peter Green.

On Thursday 20th January we met our friends Jan & Paul for a most enjoyable walk along the promenades of Calpe with a snack at the "Pensionistas Social Club". Note the view of the Ifach.

 On Saturday David walked Sierra Afaro with the CBMW near the village of Tollos. A beatiful sunny day but very cold with a hard frost on the grass.

 Finally on Saturday 29th January Rosemary & I walked to Calpe again as it was too wet to do the CBMW walk on Cabo St Antonio.  Here during a brief pause the strong wind throws big seas onto the base of the Ifach. Then it was on to the Pensionistas Bar (again).

Last Walk of 2010 - Boxing day 26th December

David has been rather negligent about doing our blog so he is now trying to catch up.

While we were home for Xmas we did our last walk of 2010 with our UK Walking Club - the Saffron Walden and District Footpaths Association.  This Boxing Day walk takes place every year and here we head out through the snow in Audley End Park.

The Black and White contrast of these trees by the River Cam has a special Winter beauty. 

Back across the Park to Saffron Walden with its spectacular Church.  Then home for a cup of tea and a slice of Xmas cake. Soon we are back to Spain for Mountain Walking in 2011.

Xmas in the UK - 2010

 We returned to a very cold UK for Christmas with the family.

 For the Birds in our garden bathing was out and skating was in!

 The snow was 7" deep but we kept our paths clear and enjoyed the Christmas Spirit and lights!

 After our traditional Xmas "sweet making" we enjoyed lunch with our four grandchildren.

 Jon opens presents with Henry (4) and James (6) on Christmas Day.

 After Christmas lunch a walk in the snow.

Grandparents enter into the fun - love the Rabbit ears!

A good time was had by all.

A winter week in Moraira - 3 December 2010

 MONDAY (11th October)

We always walk with the Monday Club and this is our first walk after the summer break. Ten of us walked along the coast from Javea to Portichol, a shorter distance because of the very hot weather.

 This coast is really beautiful but quite rugged, our picnic lunch was on the beach at Potichol. What a lovely way to start the week!

TUESDAY (12th OCTOBER)

A favorite local walk of ours is to the beach at Portet, there is a very good path and lovely coastal views. Here Rosemary is looking out over the Moraira Marina with Cap D'Or in the background.

 Portet beach is quite small but the combination of soft sand, shallow water and two Beach Bars is fantastic!

WEDNESDAY (24th NOVEMBER)

Peter Green (centre) leads this walk from the mountain village of Tarbena for the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers Group (CBMW) who organise walks on Wenesdays and Saturdays. Here a group of us pose on the edge of a deep baranco (ravine)

 Spectacular views and good company were followed by a well deserved lunch in a Tarbena Restaurant.

THURSDAY (25th NOVEMBER) 

 We usually walk into Moraira several times each week, Rosemary absolutely loves to sit admiring the sea as well as looking around the many shops!

 The weather is cooler now but still 10 degrees warmer than the UK. The flowering Hibiscus bushes do not seem to mind the cold and Rosemary wears her Pashmina!

FRIDAY (3rd DECEMBER)

Friday is Market day in Moraira and althougth there are not as many stalls at this time of year the market is still large and a useful place to buy small Xmas presents as well as the regular vegetables, cheese and aceite(olives etc). Montgo makes a dramatic backdrop for the commercial bustle (note the full shopping bag)!

 We are always cheerful at the sight of food!

 And later at  lunchtime we are at Pepe's Restaurant in Alcalali village in the Jalon Valley for our Christmas Lunch with some of our walking friends.

SATURDAY (23rd OCTOBER)

 Another CBMW walk in the Marnes Valley with our friends Paul & Jan.

 The Bernia Mountain Range makes a dramatic backdrop for our "banana break"

SUNDAY (5th DECEMBER)

 A different route into Moraira across the beach on another lovely winter day.

 The sea providing some spectacular sights with Moraira in the background.

Then home to our little apartment for tea and cake after another brilliant week in Spain.