15 December 2023 – Walking Group Christmas Meal

For quite a few years we have been organising three meals each year

So you would think by now that it would be pretty stress free

However each one has its own problems

We like to arrange a set cost for a choice of meals, to avoid problem paying the bill

But that involves visiting a two or three restaurants to determine cost and availability

This year we settled on Pepe in Alcalali, same as last year

They accepted the same arrangements as last year, with only a very small increase in cost due to inflation

Unlike last year everything went extremely problem free this year

Good service, great food and no surprises when the bill arrived

It is a lot of work, but it is well worth the effort

14 December 2023 – Lliber River Walk

 

Lovely sunny morning for our last group walk of 2023

We had a good turnout of 14, despite festive commitments

This included Sally, for her first walk with the group

Despite the warm sun, the wind was quite cold

Our usual banana stop on the river was in the shade and too cold

So we found an alternative, and sunny, spot along the track

Despite the sun, most of us (including me) kept their jackets on

What a pleasant way to spend our 55^th wedding anniversary

Thanks to Pierre for this photo

Half way through the walk we crossed the dry river

And returned on the opposite side

When we reached our usual banana stop it was now in full sunshine

We stopped for a short break

And Electra distributed our second sweet ration of the walk

The return walk was now in full sunshine

Though some kept their jackets on

The pace increased as we neared the bar in Lliber

It was surprisingly quiet in the square

Where we had coffee rather than a cold beer

Lovely walk to end our first year of valley walking.

Temperature – 10 to 14c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km

 

 

11 December 2023 – Col de Rates

24c today – what a change from last week

This was our last Monday Ramblers walk of 2023

So Col de Rates on such a lovely day was very fitting

The climb was much harder than I remembered it

And we were all very pleased to reach the regular banana stop area

Despite the higher temperatures it was pleasant climbing in the shade

The extensive rain damage has finally been repaired

So the steep section was not as bad as expected

After a short stop at the mirador we climbed to our picnic site

Where we had these spectacular views

This is probably the best view of the Orba and Jalon valleys

And was much appreciated by Jacqueline and Keith

I am still impressed, despite having done this walk so many times

It was so pleasant that we had a longer than normal lunch break

On the way down we met these friends of Trevor and Laura

They have converted a property close to the restaurant

And are hoping to establish a walking holiday centre using the goats to carry guest’s packs

The path down is much easier than the one going up

And has much better views

None better than this popular photo stop

We were only 7 minutes late to meet Jan in Parcent

For welcome drinks in the Cooperativa

Temperature – 18 to 24c

Total Ascent – 470 metres

Time taken – 5 hours

Distance – 9 km