32 of us met at the Pensionista in Parcent for the end of season meal of the Monday Ramblers and Thursday Valley Explorers. It was a great afternoon and added another happy memory to the many we already share from hill and valley walking in this beautiful area.
Paul and Jan
10 on today’s walk
This included Rory on his first walk with the group
The weather forecast was cloudy and 10% chance of rain
However it was much brighter and even sunny as we started
Last time we did this walk it took more than four hours
This was a recce to find somewhere suitable for a banana stop after about 1.5 hours
We found one with this beautiful view
But unfortunately nowhere to sit for our banana stop
So we had to eat standing up
I hope, and think, that the view made up for the lack of seating
It was still sunny and very pleasant as we started our return journey
There is no bar at the end of this walk
So we had agreed to have a snack at the Ermita picnic site
We arrived there about midday, two hours into our walk
However as we had our picnic we could see thick rain clouds approaching
We cut our picnic short and started the hour walk to the car park
It was very obvious that we were not going to get back before the rain
Soon after we left the Ermita 100% of the 10% chance of rain arrived
Some came prepared for the rain
The rest of us just got wet!
Temperature – 18-21c
Time taken – 3 hours
Distance – 9 km
Only 11 on today’s walk
Often happens at this time of year, due to visitors and holidays
Martin joined us after a break of some months due to illness
It was nice to have a smaller group for a change
We had ideal walking weather
We have had some heavy rain at night
So I was relieved to find that the river was dry
In fact dryer than I have ever seen it
Delighted to find this painted butterfly
We last did this walk in October 2019
Since then cancelled many times due to heavy rain (or covid!)
We had our picnic in the play park
To get there we had to pass a new bar in the square
I’m sure the group would have preferred the bar
First time I have seen this font empty
We made really good time on this walk
And finished an hour earlier than last time
So we had more time in the cooperativa
Where we met up with Jan and Annie
Temperature – 18-25c
Time taken – 4 hours
Distance – 14 km
Total Ascent – 245 metres
