Jan and Paul in Spain 2010

Who is visiting this site?

2011-01-27T09:48:00.001-08:00

In November 2010 I closed this site, because the blog was full and I could not post any more photographs. I transferred all of the 2010 material to a new Jan and Paul in Spain 2010 blog, and provided a link on this site.

Since then there have been a large number of visitors to this site, and relatively few of them have transferred to the new blog.

I have quite a few blogs, and I think I have changed the link on all of them to the new blog. So I am at a loss to know why there are still a large number of visitors here.

If you are one of those visitors I would be grateful if you would leave a note to confirm where you found the link.

Many thanks

Paul

Link to New Blog

2010-11-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

This blog is now full, and we have had to open a new one.

All of the 2010 blog has been transferred and all new entries will be on the new blog

Please follow this link to the new blog

http://newjanandpaulinspain2010.blogspot.com/

1 Nov 2010 - Juvees de D’Alt

2010-11-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

We had planned to walk the Green Horse today, but we woke to an overcast morning with light rain and very heavy winds. Not the best of weather for a ridge walk. We all agreed that we would walk in the valley instead.

Fortunately both David and Pat had done a valley walk some time ago, and were reasonably confident that they could find it again. We had also walked it before, but that was three years and in the opposite direction to today.

The walk started down the mosarabic path to the valley bottom. This is the same path we use on the return leg of the Baranco Inferno walk. Good path and much easier going down than coming up!

At the bottom is this sign to Cova Santa – more appropriate for Christmas perhaps

This valley must have been quite populated at one time, for there are more abandoned finca’s and farms than is normal.

By the time we reached the valley bottom the weather had improved. The grey skies were replaced with blue, and we had a warm sun on our backs. So a halt was called to remove a layer or two.

This is a very dramatic looking valley, with a distant view to Denia and the sea

However it’s not long before we are climbing up again. Another mosarabic path, but a very manageable ascent. It is a gradual climb with level bits to recover in between the more steep sections. A cool breeze also helped to make it a pleasant climb.

We had no idea what this walk is called until we came upon this sign post - Juvees de D’Alt

A short distance further on we arrived at our first objective, an abandoned village.

Trust Pat to find not only a chair, but even a table! Just one of the perks of being “the boss”

The first part of the walk had been much better marked than we anticipated. And from here it was a broad dirt road to the rural restaurant where we usually have lunch when we walk The Green Horse.

The dirt road runs around one side of the valley, and climbs the whole way. There are no really steep parts, but the constant gradient is quite tiring.

This is a view of the dirt road from the opposite side of the valley.

We were all quite pleased when Pat decided it was time for lunch.

And it would be hard to find a better spot for it

After lunch we soon joined the track back to Benimaurrel, with long views past the village to the coast beyond.

Next Walk

The next walk will be on Monday 15 November. It will be El Cau. Meet at same place as last time. Take Pinos road. Just past motorway bridge look for parking area on right of road. We will meet there at 1000.

30 Oct 2010 - Col de Rates

2010-10-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Paul and Jean, friends who live at Calaspara in Murcia, came to visit us for the weekend. They also enjoy walking, and have accompanied us on some of our favourite local walks during previous visits.

They had admired Col de Rates, our local mountain, and were looking forward to walking it. It was unfortunate that on the morning we planned it there was an overcast sky. After weeks of blue skies our timing was not good. But at least it was not raining.

Being overcast it was also quite chilly, so we wore jackets to start the walk. The walk starts with a gentle climb along the side of the mountain, and we were soon ready to take off the first layer.

The gentle climb soon becomes steeper, but good tracks all the way. After our recent experience of overgrown tracks we were pleased to find that these were quite clear. So the walk to the top was not too difficult.

It was windy and quite cold at the top, so we did not linger long. We had planned to stop for our picnic lunch just below the summit.

The path down is also quite good, and provides lovely views of Parcent and the Jalon Valley.

As soon as we stopped we had to put our jackets on again, as it was quite cold without the warming sun. We always take a flask of hot water on our walks to make fresh tea or coffee. And on a day like this it is particularly welcome.

The views from our chosen picnic site are the best in the area. Even on an overcast day like today they are impressive. There are panoramic views of the Jalon and Orba valleys, the surrounding mountain ranges and the coast from Denia to Calpe. We were able to point out the previous walks we had done together and villages they had visited

Although we have done this walk many times, it is always a joy to do it again. Even when the weather is less than perfect. And it is always particularly nice to show it to someone who has not walked it before.

The mosarabic path back to Parcent requires careful attention to where you are putting your feet. These old paths were well made, and survive the occasional “gota fria” rain storms. But they are very rocky, and many of them loose. This is good excuse for frequent short stops to admire the view.

25 Oct 2010 - Fig Tree Walk

2010-10-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

We have been unable to do this walk for about two years, due to the road to Castells being closed for widening. We were a little apprehensive at the start as there were black clouds and it looked like it might rain. As there was no sun it was quite cold, by our standards anyway. So most started the walk in jackets.

The start of the walk is a long uphill climb. It was not long before we had to stop to remove at least one layer of clothing.

There were 16 on the walk, quite a large number for a Monday Club. It was Barry’s first walk since the summer.

It was also the first time we had seen Colin for quite a long time. He had medical problems last time he was with us, and it was good to see him looking so well – at least at the start of the walk!

An hour later we reached our first stop. There is an abandoned farm at the first level area and we always have a short break here for a quick drink and get our breath back.

The first climb was long, but followed a well defined path. So Pat, who led the walk, told everyone to go at their own speed and we waited at the finca for everyone to catch up.

But not too long a break, and it was soon time to carry on

There is a very steep climb immediately after the finca. It follows a very ill defined track, which is difficult to find at the best of times. This was not the best of times, as it was very overgrown.

Despite this we made good progress, and were soon able to look back down at the finca where we had our short break.

Whilst Pat searched for the path we caught sight of this local. We think it is called a wasp (or perhaps bee) spider. We saw one in Wendy’s garden during our (wet) BBQ, but can’t remember whether it was wasp or bee.

When the Castells road is open this is a very popular walk, and is well supplied by cairns – including this unusual and attractive one. When you are trying to follow a difficult path like this one it is always a great relief to find a stone cairn confirming that you are on the correct path.

Once we reach the summit we reach this wide track, and follow it for an hour or so before we reach our lunch picnic spot. This is my favourite part of the walk; you can step out and enjoy the views without having to look at where you are putting your feet.

Lunch was in a lovely spot, with views over the valley towards Aitana and the mountains near Benidorm. By now the sky had cleared and the sun was warm. But the wind was still quite chill, so we did not have to look for shade.

After lunch it was a long downhill walk towards the finca and later the cars. The track was still wide and easy to follow, but no longer firm. It’s very easy to fall on this sort of surface, particularly going downhill. You tend to brace your legs a lot, making it quite tiring. The views remained impressive, but you had to stop if you wanted to look.

As always the walk ended at a local bar. You will note that I settled for a coffee (coffee in front on empty chair)! The arm on the left belongs to Barry. Everyone moved slightly back for the photograph and he ended out of it completely. I blame the photographer.!!

PS Just after I finished the blog I received an email from Wendy (who is very knowledgeable about these things) confirming that the spider is a Wasp spider and that his proper name is "Argiope Beuiennichi".

23 Oct 2010 - Pinos Marnes Circuit

2010-10-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

It is some months since we last walked with the CBMW, and we had forgotten how many cars there can be. The walk started just outside the mountain village of Pinos, and there was no formal car park. Even though we arrived 20 minutes before the walk was due to start, all available parking space had been taken. We had to pull in at the side of the narrow road as close to the edge as we dared.

We had also forgotten just how busy these walks can be. There were 49 walkers and the leader, Peter Barraclough, had to shout to make himself heard for the pre walk brief.

The 10 km walk started downhill and along the road towards Pinos. These are narrow and winding roads and quite dangerous when so many walkers are far more interested in talking than watching where they are walking.

In less than half a mile the 49 was reduced to 48. One walker fresh out from UK had not appreciated how difficult the terrain can be here. Although this walk was not particularly difficult, he packed it in as soon as we started on the first hill. The group had to wait until he reached the road, from where he would be unlikely to get lost on his way back to his car.

Our first stop was soon after we completed the climb. Many of the Monday Club were on this walk, and we had David and Rosemary for company.

Autumn is our favourite time of year for walking here in Spain. It’s similar to walking in UK on a particularly warm summer day. The breeze is quite cool and makes the walk really pleasant. Mind we have a lot more sunny days than you are likely to find in UK, even in high summer. The mountain scenery is very peaceful, or at least as peaceful as it can be when walking with a group of 48!

This 10km circular walk is in an area quite close to our last Monday Club walk, and we had the same Bernia mountains as a constant backdrop.

When walking in this area the CMBW always stop for lunch at the house of an elderly chap who used to be a leader with the group. That was long before we moved here, and we had never walked with him. But he makes the group very welcome to his very isolated home. He normally offers all a glass of wine, but he had a bad harvest this year. He did lay out a great collection of chairs, but not quite 48. By the time we got there the chairs were all taken, and we had to find a comfortable rock to sit on.

The return journey was mostly downhill on narrow and rocky paths. It is a feature of walking in this area that you spend a lot of time looking at your feet to make sure that you do not lose your footing.

Now this is a most unusual photo of David – walking on his own. Most unusual for him not to be having a chat as he walks.

The walk becomes quite spread out on these narrow tracks, and even with a back marker it is quite difficult to keep the group together. This calls for regular halts to allow everyone to catch up, and is one of the less attractive features of a CBMW walk.

Just under five hours after we started the walk we come within sight of the cars – always a welcome sight. Despite the large number of walkers this was a very enjoyable walk, and one we would like to repeat with the Monday Club.

18 Oct 2010 - Lleus to Pinos

2010-10-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bright and sunny, though a little cooler than of late. An ideal day for our walk from Lleus to Pinos. Eleven of us today, just about right for a friendly walk. And nice to see Tom back again for the first time since May.

Its three years since Jan and I last did this walk. I was not too worried as I knew that Lleus was signposted off the mountain road to Pinos. What I did not know was that the second turning was signposted to a restaurant and not to Lleus. After an exciting tour around the ever narrow tracks we spotted Lleus church on the other side of the valley and finally found it.

We were not prepared for a herd of ostriches in a field by the side of the road. They were very timid at first, but soon got used to us and allowed us close enough to take a photograph.

First sight of Pinos, our destination. But though it seems very close across the valley, it would take us another hour or so to reach it.

“Hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil”. A nice shot of Sylvia, Pat and Rosemary.

This is a very varied walk, with lovely views of both the Bernia Mountains and the sea at Calpe. It starts with quite a steep climb, but that is followed by an easy walk through lovely scenery.

Just as we settled down for our “banana stop” a lady invited us to come to her house for our break. We thought that she was Spanish, but in fact turned out to be English. She lives in a house right in the middle of the campo and apparently relies on a well for her water and a solar panel for hot water. Unfortunately we did not take up her kind offer as it would have been interesting to see just what her house was like.

The last part of our walk to Pinos was along the dry river bed, with its dramatic rocks. It appears that the water has washed away the soft stone leaving these large rocks apparently balanced above the ground – very strange.

We also visit this river bed on another of our walks in the area, so we have seen it half a dozen times. It has always been very dry, except after very heavy rain. Even then the water soon dries out leaving the ground completely dry.

Part of the path was very overgrown with undergrowth. David was unwise enough to confirm that he had a secatares, and Pat soon had him clearing the whole path. The rest of us offered support, but very little assistance.

At the end of the dry river bed there is a steep climb up an overgrown track leading to the Pinos road.

Throughout the walk there are constant views of nearby Bernia Mountain.

We had lunch in the square outside Pinos church. All of the buildings have been renovated and painted recently, and the church itself now contains an art gallery. It was closed today, but there appeared to be an art class for a group of “Brits”. After lunch Pat described next week’s walk.

As we leave Pinos we pass this attractive finca.

Before we join the downhill path to Lleus there is time for one last group photo with Calpe and the Ifach as the backdrop.

Next Week’s Walk

The Fig Tree walk is another one which we have not been able to do for a long time, due to the Castell’s road being closed. Now that the road is open again it will be nice to do it again.

16 Oct 2010 - Granadella

2010-10-16T13:46:00.001-07:00

David and Rosemary invited us to join them for one of our favourite walks – Granadella beach. We were also joined by Alastair and Nakita, the son and girlfriend of one of their neighbours.

We were surprised to find so many Spanish hunters in the area, and were soon aware of the sound of nearby shooting. We passed a couple of them on the main path, and they warned us not to walk on Saturdays or Sundays as that was the day's that they went shooting. Damn nerve!

We ignored the warning, though David did blow his whistle every few minutes. I am not sure whether it attracted the attention of the hunters, but it nearly deafened me. He really does enjoy any opportunity to blow his whistle.

Going over the ridge is not Jan’s favourite part of the walk, but it does provide wonderful views of the coast.

Thanks to Alastair for this unusual photo of the four of us together.

Once over the ridge we saw, and heard, no more of the hunters. We soon arrived at the end of the ridge and this beautiful view of Granadella beach

The beach was busy, and the café’s all open. Nakita, Alastair and Rosemary all opted for an ice cream. Jan and I resisted the temptation as we have been on a diet for three weeks. An ice cream is about the same number of calories as a glass of wine. And if we have to give up our evening glass of wine we are not going to undo the benefit by having an ice cream. Sad or what?

As we neared the end of our walk we met a Dutch chap with an abandoned dog. Apparently someone has released five dogs and just drove off, possibly one of the hunters we had seen earlier. The poor animals were all terrified and obviously starved and ill treated. He had called the local police who attended to check if the dogs had a chip and if not would take them to the local pound. It’s so cruel to abandon these poor animals who then become a real nuisance as they roam the roads in search of food to survive.

11 Oct 2010 - Javea

2010-10-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

We met at Javea for our first Monday Club autumn walk, the same one we had done for the last of the spring walks. Despite a thunder storm on Saturday, and a weather forecast of possible rain, the morning was clear and sunny. And we were even able to sit to put our boots on, which even “super fit Peter” took advantage of!

Normally the sea is calm and smooth at Javea, so we were surprised to find Atlantic style waves breaking on the rocks. Apparently the forecast storms were out at sea. We had never seen the seas like this, but Pat confirmed that it was not that unusual.

We could have avoided this part of the walk, but felt that it added an extra challenge. It was not at all dangerous, but it was necessary to time it carefully to avoid the larger waves. I was trying to get some good photographs, forgot to time it, and got wet for my lack of attention.

We had a short break to enjoy the sight and sound of the crashing waves, before climbing uphill to continue our walk

Although we have walked here a few times, I can never remember the correct name of the next area. I think it might be Tosca. It is a well signposted nature reserve, with lovely views back to Javea and Montgo behind.

Our “banana stop” was at Sardine Bay. We have visited here before, and some of the group have had a swim. Today the sea was much too rough to consider a swim, and the area completely deserted.

was a bit chilly to stop for too long, and we were soon off again

Our lunch stop was Mar Azul. It is a lovely little sheltered bay, and despite the stone covered beach very popular. Mind there is a large car park, and that may explain why. Today was no exception, there was plenty to watch as we ate our picnic lunch. Although dogs are not allowed on the beach there were two who were having a great time running into the water and being swept back by the large waves.

Normally we return along the rocks around the bay, but Pat decided against that route today due to the waves breaking on the rocks. So we returned the way we had come. As we reached the road there is a picnic spot, where we had a short break to talk about coming walks.

Pat keeps a record of all our Monday Club walks, and used it to check which ones we had not done for some time. For the past year the road to Castells has been closed for repair. It is now open again and that allows us to revisit a range of favourite walks.

This walk normally starts with a long walk along the beach, and ends with a long walk along the road back to Javea. Today we had parked the cars to avoid both, so it was a short and easy walk back.

There is something about the sound of crashing waves, and we had a short sit to look and listen before driving back to Javea for our end of walk drink.

As always we ended the walk with a drink overlooking the beach at Javea. The local police had closed the beach, and we enjoyed watching the sea break over the wall and drench unwary walkers.

This was an excellent start to our new walking season. After a long and very hot summer the weather today was sunny but with a cool breeze – ideal weather for walking.

David's Photos

David has sent me some nice photographs of the walk, but they arrived too late for the blog. There are some nice ones of the group and well worth adding.

Next Walk

Our next walk will be Lleus to Pinos.

Meet at Lleus church at the usual time of 10am.

2 Oct 2010 - Isbert Dam

2010-10-02T08:51:00.001-07:00

The temperatures are still pretty high, and we have not been doing much walking lately. We have missed our weekly walks, but we wanted an easy one to get started again. The walk starts from Tormos, a small village just a few miles from Parcent. It was lovely to be back walking again, and Jan was showing off her new haversack.

We were surprised to find these stacks of boxes at the side of the track, as the oranges seemed to be very green. There were no sign of pickers as we passed, but when we returned four hours later quite a few of the boxes were full.

We soon reached the tunnel which leads to the dam. The tunnel was part of the railway line which was built to transport building materials to build the dam.

The tunnel is much darker than it appears in this photo, and a torch is recommended. On the other hand it is quite high and wide, and after quite a short distance you can see the exit.

It was cool and very pleasant in the tunnel, and by contrast seemed much hotter when we come into the sunshine again.

Just after the tunnel we came in view of the impressive dry river bed leading to the cleft in the hills where the dam is built.

The dam is something of a folly. The river bed is very porous and the water runs below ground. I am sure that it quickly fills when there is heavy rain, but has always been completely dry when we have visited.

There is always plenty of shade near the dam, and today was no exception. There are also plenty of flat rocks to sit on. Much of the walk is without shade, so this was very welcome.

This is a circular walk, and the path back to Tormos follows a shady road for about half of the journey. The second half is completely without shade, so a cool beer in the Cooperativea was very welcome.

20 Sep 2010 - Monday Club BBQ

2010-09-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

We have not had any rain for at least six weeks, it was saving itself for the Monday Club BBQ arranged by Wendy and John. The morning had started overcast, then light rain and it was pouring down by the time we arrived at 4pm. It had been planned to sit outside, so all the chairs and tables had to be moved indoors.

John had to move the BBQ through the house onto the front naya, and he was soon busy cooking for the 14 of us. Despite the weather and the change in arrangements he did us proud.

Not only did Wendy have to deal with the weather, and the change in seating and table arrangements, but she also had to manage it all with a broken arm. Just a week ago she had fallen whilst on holiday, resulting in a lot of time spent in Valencia and Denia hospitals. She was very brave, and insisted that it hardly hurt at all!

At the end of our last Monday Club walk in May, Wendy invited the group to a BBQ at her house just before the start of the autumn walks. It was the last time we had all met, and we were really looking forward to seeing everyone again and hearing all the news of their summer activities.

Bob and Janet share a joke, but Barry seems a bit uncertain about the whole thing

Jan and Janet make the best of “ladies first” to get the pick of the large amount of food on offer.

Despite the weather we all had a great time. Good company, good food, lots of drink and no shortage of chat. Well done and thanks for an excellent BBQ to Wendy and John.

Next Walk

The first walk of the autumn season will be on Monday 11 October . Meet in the Masymas car park in Javea at 1000. The walk will be similar to our last walk in May. Pat did tell me the details, but that was after I had knocked back quite a few glasses of wine so I am doing quite well to remember the date and place.

11 Sep 2010 - Fontiles

2010-09-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

From the bottom of our road there is a lovely view down the Jalon valley towards Orba. At first sight what appears to be a road running up the side of a hill catches they eye.

However it is in fact the wall of the nearby leper hospital at Fontiles. It was built in the early 1900s and is today mainly a training school for doctors and nurses who will work overseas. I understand that they still have a few patients suffering from the disease, however it is now used primarily as a sanatorium for elderly folks.

There is a large car park just outside Fontilles, unfortunately is it for the cemetery! We have parked there a number of times, and it has always been closed. Which is a pity because it is very Spanish and would be interesting to walk around.

There are no restrictions on entry to Fontilles, and no signs other than a white board with a red cross and the legend Fontilles Sanatorium. We have been told that visitors are welcome, in order to allay any worries associated with the subject of leprosy.

The first sight of Fontilles is a surprise, as it covers such a large area, in such a lovely setting and has the most impressive and interesting looking buildings. And of course the wall.

This large and imposing wall runs along the hills surrounding Fontilles. We have been told that it was built to ease the fears of the surrounding villages, rather than to keep the patients inside. To see this large wall running through such a beautiful area reminded me of our first sight of the Berlin Wall. It seemed so out of place and intrusive.

The first building you pass is the administration building. From a distance it is very impressive, but as you get nearer you can see that it is badly in need of a little maintenance. The staff are very friendly, speak English and have a supply of leaflets explaining the history and present use of the hospital.

There are extensive walks around the community, and again no restrictions that we could see. Being a warm morning there were groups of patients in wheel chairs taking advantage of the lovely weather.

There are a number of shaded areas with seating arrangements and religious statues. It has a wonderful peaceful feeling about the whole place, not at all depressing as so many modern hospitals can be.

We saw a number of these stone seats. Very attractive, but not at all comfortable.

At the centre of the whole complex is the very Spanish church. Each time we have visited it has always been open to the public. As Spain is such a religious country we had expected that this would be normal, but in fact we have only found them open during a service.

Not a very clear photo of the church. It was very dark and cool inside, and this was the best that my camera could do. It is very large inside, but also very gives the impression of being very simple and basic.

There is of course the usual brightly painted statues to lighten the gloom.

Just outside the church is this lovely little grotto, my favourite spot.

It is a short walk back to the main square….

…….and the statue of the founder of the colony

Our final visit was to the café, which was surprisingly busy. And being Spanish, surprisingly noisy. It seemed so strange given the peace and quiet of the area, to hear what sounded like a loud meeting, but proved to be just three men sitting and having a chat.

As we sat at the bar we heard one of the patients call out “Juanita”. Looking up we saw this large wild boar ambling past. All the patients seemed to know her, and she seemed quite unconcerned. Normally these animals avoid humans, and we have only spotted them twice, and each time they ran off immediately they saw us.

4 Sep 2010 - A gentle walk

2010-09-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

After an exceptionally hot summer, when even the local Spanish were complaining about the heat, the temperature has fallen this week to a reasonable 24-26c. So we decided this morning to walk into Jalon. We realised that it would be quite hot on the return journey, so we drove to Alcalali and parked the car there.

It was so nice to be out in the “campo” again, surrounded by the lovely scenery. We started the walk about 0930, we had the valley to ourselves and it was warm but pleasant to be walking again. There are so many impressive mountain walks in this area that it is easy to forget just how lovely the Jalon valley itself is.

Although cool by recent standards, it was still warm enough for this horse to be in the shade to eat his breakfast.

We were soon passing Alcalali in the distance. We would pass by the finca where Dave and Sue live, but there was no sign of them. They run walking holidays, and have a group starting today, so no doubt that is where they were. Although comfortable by our standards we did wonder how walkers just out from UK would manage a mountain walk.

We were surprised how green the valley was, despite the recent heat wave. The Jalon valley is best known for almonds and oranges, but we were surprised to see a lot of avocado trees.

We both wear our “foreign legion” hats when we are walking on our own, though we tend to tuck the flaps in when we are in danger of meeting other walkers. Dave made a remark about Jan looking like 'deputy dawg' with her flaps down, so she is particularly sensitive about it.

The only people we saw during our walk were this family who were picking grapes. At this time of year there is often a queue of trailers loaded with grapes waiting their turn to unload at the bodega.

The grapes did look quite ripe and ready for picking, but we were not tempted to try them. Far better to wait for the finished product in the bottle.

Being a Saturday there were no trailers full of grapes on the Jalon car park, but there was the weekly Rastro market. Often it is crowded and you have to push your way through the crowds, but today it was reasonably quiet. Perhaps everyone was on the beach, or perhaps it is just getting quiet now that the school holidays are coming to an end.

Ever creatures of habit, we made for our favourite café in the square. The Rastro crowds never get as far as this, preferring to use the many bars and cafes which line the road opposite the market. It was mostly Spanish families today, with the toddlers playing on the swings and running amongst the tables as they do. Lovely to see them at that age, so innocent and full of fun.

As expected the return journey was hot and hard going. Strange that the path always seems to climb on the way back. You never notice walking down a slope on the way in to Jalon, but always seems to be climbing one on the way back – no matter which path you take. So it was a welcome relief to come in sight of the car, and not have to face that steep climb up to our house from Parcent.

It’s still a little too hot for walking, even such an easy one as this. It will be another month before the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers, and the Monday Club, start their autumn season of walks. But it was nice to get out and attempt a shorter walk than we usually tackle.

1 to 14 Aug 2010 - Visit to UK

2010-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from a two week visit to UK to help look after our grandson Jack whilst his mum is busy presenting him with a new sister.

Last Christmas Jack’s favourite movie was called something like “Ice Age”. It featured three baby dinosaurs, and Michelle used this to explain to him that his mummy was also going to have a baby soon. We were quite worried that he might be disappointed if she did not bring home a cute dinosaur.

Our first few days involved a lot of walking into Rothbury with Jack, and always involved a visit to the local park and an ice cream or a similar treat. There is a charity shop that has a box of old toys for a few pennies each, and that was always a favourite with him. He also liked to feed the ducks, but found it hard to understand that the bread was for them and not him.

Much as he enjoyed the novelty of walking to the park with his grandparents, his favourite was always playing one of his computer games with dad.

Just two days after we arrived Michelle gave birth to Georgia, a beautiful 8 pounds 3 ounces little bundle of joy.

The next day we all went to visit her in hospital. Jack appeared to be not too disappointed that Georgia did not look a lot like the baby dinosaur, and Jan would not put her down.

A few days later Michelle and Georgia arrived home. Jack took to his new role of big brother with ease, and both Stuart and Michelle took pains to keep him involved with his new sister.

We were still in demand to take him to the local park. He would insist on taking his new scooter, and would ride on it all the way downhill to the park. His granddad would carry it all the way uphill back to his house.

When Stuart was this age I used to swap my half eaten ice cream for his new one. Jack is much more street wise. He is pointing out that the one with very little left is Granddad’s and he is not letting go of his one.

Jack recently spent a weekend in a caravan, and loved the experience. We wanted to get him a toy one, and were sold on this one because the car looks just like his mum’s. He thought so too, and loved it.

When he got tired of playing with his caravan he was encouraged to play with his sister, under strict supervision. However we need not have worried, he was very gentle and affectionate.

We had our fair share of typical English summer weather – grey skies and light rain. But on the rare sunny days we made the best of it. A sunny morning decided us to go into Morpeth for a picnic lunch in the park.

After lunch Stuart, Michelle and Jack took to the water, whilst Jan and I looked after

Georgia

Morpeth has a lovely park, and at this time of year it is full of both locals and tourists making the most of it.

Stuart and Jack ambled off along the river to do some “man bonding” as he showed Jack how to skim rocks

And what better way to finish off the day than tackling he “stepping stones” – quite an adventure at Jack’s age.

24 July 2010 - Weekly Food Shop

2010-07-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

The only exercise we get at this time of year is when we go to Calpe each week for the weekly food shopping. We usually shop here throughout the year, as it’s also an opportunity to get our “people fix” and have a nice walk along the promenade. But at this time of year we restrict it to walking to our current favourite café to sit and watch the world go by.

Normally we would sit outside, but with the temperatures at 34o we find it more comfortable to sit inside. This café has lovely views of the sea, plus deep shade. And it also provides free English papers, which is an additional advantage.

Coffee con leche and a tostada with this wonderful view, not to mention the free English paper, cost less than £2 each. There are always empty tables, and no objection to taking as long as you like. In fact the most difficult part is getting the waiters attention to pay the bill when you are ready to go.

It was too hot to walk along the promenade, but just right for a paddle in the sea. The beach was really crowded and I don’t understand how people can lie on the sand in direct sunlight when it is as warm as this.

But then its time for the serious business of the day, shopping at Lidl…….

…..followed by more shopping at Mercadona.

We always enjoy our weekly visit to Calpe, but we enjoy even more returning to the Jalon Valley. When we see this view we know we are back home.

By now we are usually very hot and uncomfortable, so what better way to finish off the weekly food shop!

19 July 2010 - Paul and Jean Visit

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Paul has wargamed with us for many years, but Jean is a relative newcomer to the hobby. It was nice that Jan and I could play on the same side rather than against each other.

Paul and Jean have recently moved to Spain, and were very interested in Jans collection of Spanish Gardening books. Not a subject which I know much, or indeed anything, about.

This time of year it is never long before the heat gets too much and it’s in to the pool to cool off.

In the evening we went to a local restaurant. We had booked a table outside, but it had turned very windy so we ate inside instead. We were the only ones to do so, and we were quite pleased to note that they had to struggle to control their table cloth.

Despite the large selection of starters, I could not find one I liked except for my usual soup. However I was impressed when it arrived as I had obviously chosen the best looking one.

Paul had clearly chosen the largest one. Don’t be fooled by the bottle of water that was mine as I was driving. The menu includes a half bottle of wine or a bottle of water. Mind I did have a small glass of wine in exchange for sharing my water.

Next day we went to the marina at Denia. Another very hot day, so we did not walk far. In fact we had to abandon the elevated path to the lighthouse and seek shade below.

It’s always nice viewing the “rich people’s toys”, and today was no exception.

There are lots of bars and cafes around the marina, but this is our favourite. Lots of deep shade to keep the heat at bay whilst we had a coffee and watched the world goes by.

It was then back home for a little more of this…….

….and quite a lot more of this.

We plan to visit each other each month or so, and if they are all as pleasant as this weekend we will be very pleased.

11 July 2010 - Parcent Autoloco

2010-07-13T00:54:00.000-07:00

We receive an email each week from the town hall to keep us up to date with what is happening in the village. This week read “Sunday 11th July the village celebrates the autoloco event where home produced go carts and ´mad cars´race down the hill to the Cooperativa. This is a great spectacle organised by village youths, starting after 10.30 in the morning.”

As Brits do, we arrived at 1030, and found the roads closed, a collection of Go-Karts, and lots of people strolling around. But it was well past 11am before the first Go-Kart was towed up the hill ready for the first race.

There is a group of helpers at the top of the hill who give each one a good push, and they then free wheel down the hill towards the Cooperativea. If they grind to a halt, they are given another push.

The village was crowded with spectators, and the entries had come from as far as Denia, with most of the villages in the valley being represented. As always happens, the whole village really entered into the spirit of the thing, and each driver was cheered and clapped as he flashed past.

It’s a shame that I don’t have sound on the blog, because the noise would have done credit to a Grand Prix. The sound system was on the steps of the Cooperativea, and the volume up full. The “music” was felt as much as heard.

There were a few young boys taking part, but most were older teenagers of young adults. It was all very macho, and everyone took it very serious. However the effect was often spoiled at the bottom of the hill, where there is a sharp left turn. Most came to grief here, and had to be pushed to the finish line.

It was very hot and tiring waiting around for the next one to come. So after two events we retired to the Cooperativea for a coffee and bacon bocadillo. Its very hungry work taking part in these village events!

3 July 2010 - Parcent to Jalon

2010-07-05T05:41:00.001-07:00

Its a few weeks since the Monday Club stopped walking for the summer. We have done a few short walks since, but have missed our “proper walks”. In fact it’s been much cooler since the decision was made, and most Mondays since have been considerably cooler than our final walk. So we decided to walk into Jalon from Parcent. This is a regular CBMW walk, and one we have done with the Monday Club in the past. We can see the start of the walk from the house, its just to the right of Parcent church tower.

We normally walk into Jalon along the valley path, and back along the hillside path. But this involves a steady climb from Jalon, and it was too hot for that. So we decided to do the walk in reverse.

Before we reached the hillside path this lovely horse came trotting down a side track and across our path. There is a stables nearby, and we assume that he somehow got free from there.

We both have “foreign legion” hats. They do not look very smart, but they are very effective on very hot and sunny days. We usually keep the flaps up when we are walking in the town, and only put them down when we are out of sight of non walkers

This higher path is always cooler than in the valley, and parts of it are shaded. We had left Parcent at 10am, so it was very pleasant and reasonably cool.

The best views on this walk are going towards Parcent, but this way also provides changing views towards the coast.

Earlier this year we noticed that quite a few of our regular walks are now signposted, including this one. The small square on the tree is made of plastic, but already many of them have been damaged, whether on purpose or not I don’t know.

As we neared Jalon we passed the goat farm. Most of them were in the shade, but a couple were sat on top of a pile of rotting oranges. They were obviously not as offended by the strong smell as we were.

Both of the café’s in Jalon square were packed. Usually the Spanish sit inside, and only “mad dogs and Englishmen……” However there were quite a few Spanish families outside today and we enjoyed watching the young children in the play area.

We took longer than usual on our coffee con letche and toastada, but eventually we had to face the return journey. If there were a bus service from Jalon to Parcent we would have been tempted, but there is not. It was now very hot and it took us much longer, even though we were on the valley path.

This isolated church is our favourite rest place during the hotter weather. There is a deep naya, and it is always cool. It seems to attract any wind available, and the noise of the leaves is very restful. I often hang my shirt outside to dry, but it was not necessary today

In hot weather this last mile is by far the worse part of the walk. There is no shade from the sun, and the white path is so bright you have to squint even with sun glasses.

And then we reach Parcent. Our house is one of those on the right, below the twin peaks of The Green Horse. As you can see there is a steep climb up from Parcent.

However we had cheated. As we often do in the summer we left our car just outside Parcent to avoid the steep climb to the house. It takes about 20 minutes from Parcent, and in parts is very steep. We always feel guilty when we drive down from the house, but very grateful when we reach the car at the end of the walk.