19 June 2023 – Jalon to Alcalali

13 of us on today’s walk

More than expected given the forecast temperatures of 29c

In fact it was only 23c when we met in Jalon at 0900

Cool enough to make the gradual climb out of Jalon easy going

And plenty of shade for our first water stop

Not much direct sun due to high cloud

And not nearly as humid as I expected

We reached the pipeline in an hour as expected

And had a slightly longer water stop

We had now done most of the climbing

And it was really pleasant walking through the woods

We even had time for a demonstration of how to pose for a photo by Sandra

We arrived at the Ermita de Sant Joan at 1030 as planned

We had not expected to meet up (again) with Peter, Pat and the Monday Club

This is the fourth time we have seen them in the past month or so

We soon parted company as they continued on to Parcent and we made our way back to Jalon

 We arrived back in Jalon at 1200, as planned but more luck than judgement

And made for Riu Rau for a well deserved drink

This is always the best part of the walk, and today was no exception

Another very enjoyable summer walk

Temperature – 23 to 29c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km

15 June 2023 – Alcalali to Parcent

The temperatures are much higher this week

So we started our walk at 0900

Numbers often reduce when the temperatures rise

So we were pleased to have 13 walking today

We do two walks from Alcalali to Parcent

Today was the one we call “Alaykee”, because she and her husband Robert introduced us to it about five years ago

It is a lovely walk with varied scenery, including woods

And also a field of bee hives

But the biggest problem is a wide river 

Normally easy to cross, except when there has been heavy rainfall

Fortunately we managed ok, but we did have to find an alternative crossing

A group of workmen were having their break at the font when we arrived

They are working on the bridge improvement nearby

Fortunately there was plenty of shaded space for all of us

Shade was again very important on this walk

A 20 minute banana break cooled us down and prepared us for the final section

Though it did take longer than usual to get  everyone moving again

Richard left his hat at the Ermita last Monday and I promised to see if we could find it

But Ali had already been there and found it, safe but apparently a little battered

Richard will be pleased, but not so sure about Brenda (who was glad that he had lost  it)

By now it was very hot and also very exposed to the sun

So we tried not to think too much about the steep climb to the village

Once more we had our drink in the deep shade outside bar Torre

We hope to be able to continue to walk until the end of June, but it will all depend on the temperature.

Temperature – 23-27c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km

12 June 2023 – Alcalali to Parcent

 Summer temperatures have finally arrived

So we started at 0900 to beat the hottest part of the day

Alan brought along Bert, a friend from the UK

A second friend, Nigel, cancelled because of blisters from an earlier walk

But he managed to make it to the bar after the walk!

Given the higher temperatures, the shade on this walk was very welcome

There was also a gentle breeze, which made it very pleasant

We had our banana break at the font in Parcent

Where everyone made for the shaded seating areas

Hot coffee from our new mini flask was much appreciated

As was the sweets provided by David and (posing) Sandra

As usual no one wanted to get walking again

But we wanted to get to the bar before it got too hot

We did however stop to feed our friendly piggy

From Parcent back to Alcalali is very exposed and therefore very hot

So we had a final water stop at the Ermita

Richard left his hat, and Ali his walking stick, at the Ermita

Ali went back, but Richard didn’t

We used bar Torre for our drink, because there was more shade than in the square

Another very enjoyable summer walk

Temperature – 21 to 28c

Time taken – 3.5 hours

Distance – 9 km