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

 

   

 

7 December 2023 – Jalon to Alcalali

Chilly at the start, and everyone wore jackets and jumpers

But very pleasant walking in the bright sun

The field was recently ploughed, but they left a flat area to walk near the low wall

Lots of oranges looking ready to pick, highlighted by the bright sun and clear blue sky

Jan has started to use her mobile phone to take photos – at last

After walking for an hour we started to remove layers of clothing

We reached Alcalali early because we were walking faster than normal  due to the reduced temperatures

The river is more overgrown each time we cross it

Bamboo quickly becomes a problem here, and is very expensive to clear the river beds

There was a Spanish group at the mirador when we arrived, but they left as soon as they saw us approaching

Just as we settled down for our banana break Tina’s walking group arrived

But they did not stay long, they had planned coffee and brandy in the square

Our group had to be content with Jan’s boiled sweets

The temperatures had risen for our walk back to Jalon

And most of the group were in their shirt sleeves

We choose Riu Rau because the other bars were in the shade

Where we passed a very pleasant hour recovering from our walk.

Temperature – 13 to 18c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km

4 December 2023 – Parcent to Jalon

Winter has arrived in the Costa Blanca

We expected the drop in temperatures

But not the overnight rain

We had four cancellations by 0800

This prompted us to try to cancel the whole walk

But we were unable to contact three who had said they would walk

So Jan and I went to the start to see what they wanted to do

We all agreed to walk to Jalon, so we could seek shelter if it did rain

We had a warm drink at bar Claudia – sitting indoors

And a second back in Parcent at the cooperativa – again sitting indoors

Temperature – 12 to 17c

Time taken – 4 hours

Distance – 14 km