30 January 2023 – Jalon to Parcent

We planned to walk Parcent to Benichembla today, but cancelled because of recent rain fall

16 of the original 21 joined us for this alternative walk

Yesterday we had very cold and very wet weather all day

Today it was a clear blue sky and 2-11c temperatures

There was also a considerable amount of snow on Carrascal

We were all delighted to get out after a whole day stuck indoors!

We started off well wrapped against the cold

But when we had our banana break most had removed their outer layer

I was not sure what to expect after considerable rain recently

I was pleasantly surprised to find the rivers were not too high

However I would not like to risk crossing it four times on the way to Benichembla

I had kept an open mind where and how far to walk today

But I soon decided to do our standard Jalon to Parcent via the pipelines

But to do it in reverse, which is a completely different walk

Our picnic area was a sun trap and very pleasant

We finished our picnic just as another group arrived – which was our old Monday Group

They had done this walk in the opposite direction, and warned us that the pipeline track was very muddy

However it did not prove any problem, nor stop the constant chatter

We made good progress and completed the walk with time to spare

So we spent almost an hour at Riu Rau for our after walk drink

Temperature – 11c

Time taken – 5 hours

Distance – 14km

26 January 2023 – Lliber to Senija

Thirteen of us for today’s walk

At last the almond blossom is starting to appear

It is much later this year than normal

It was the first time Bob and Sue walked with this group

For some it was their first view of the wall painting in Senija

It was so nice to get out in the sun after two days of cold, wet and miserable weather

The sun was warm but we still needed our jackets in the shade

This was a recce and it took longer than I expected

Not that anybody complained

The valley looked as lovely as ever

And there was constant chatter and banter

We made the best of every opportunity to enjoy the sun during water stops

 It was nice to have a good path and not to have to watch where we put our feet

 And not to have to walk in single file

This part was also very pretty in the sun

Despite being later than expected we still did our usual extension

To admire the wide valley views

The recent rain made us take to the fields to avoid standing water

It was very pleasant having our after walk drink in Lliber square

Where we spent almost an hour

Temperature – 10c

Time taken – 4 hours

Distance – 9km

 

23 January 2023 – Tarbena Circular

19 of us today, despite weather forecast of 0-5c

This is another walk which we have not done for almost four years

Apart from covid, it is another walk which is often cancelled because of the weather

This is because it is a difficult walk and you want a sunny day to make the effort worth while

We had the sun today, and the views were spectacular

But it was also very cold, making it uncomfortable to stop for long

However when sheltered from the wind the sun was very pleasant

I have always rated this as one of our more challenging walks

And today it was even more so than I remembered

But everyone was up for the challenge, and not a word of complaint

Although “the gorge” section did cause a few problems

Pretty well all of the first half of the walk is uphill

So we were glad to reach our picnic location

From here on the views were particularly impressive

And a lot of level or even downhill walking

At the mirador some even had sufficient energy left for the “assault course”

The rest of us were content to admire one of the best views on any of our walks

And of course a group photo

It was a weary group who made their way back to Tarbena

Too cold and tired even for a drink in the village square

Temperature – 5c

Time taken – 6 hours

Distance – 12km

 Total Ascent – 585 metres