It was lovely to be able to share Christmas with Stuart, Michelle and Jack. But it was also lovely to return to our home in sunny spain in time for the New Year. These photographs were taken on New Years Eve, just so that we could send them back to UK to make everyone jealous!
Jan and Paul in Spain 2006
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
25 Dec 2006 - Christmas Day in Bedlington
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
5 Dec 2006 - Smugglers Bay
Hard to believe this photograph was taken at the beginning of December! Not to difficult to understand the advantages of living in Spain rather than UK.
The walk started at Combre del Sol and followed the coastline around to a lovely little cove called Summlers Bay.
Very hot day, and this unusual bit of shade was very welcome, as Barry takes a much needed drink of water.
I wonder how much the owner pays for insurance. The views must be very impressive, but I would not like to go to bed with this image in my mind.
Its a very steep climb down to the Bay, and some of the walkers remained at the top to avoid climbing the steep stone steps again on the way back.
Monday, May 18, 2009
28 Nov 2006 - Benimeli Walk
Benemeli is about 8 miles from Parcent, quite close to Sagra. It is overlooked by a mountain with aerials, so we call this the "Benemeli aerials walk".
The walk starts with quite a steep climb to a plateau with some old buildings (fincas) just below the final steep climb to the top. Jan and Barry have a well deserved break before we make the final climb.
There is a fantastic view from this plateau over the Jalon and Orba valleys, and also towards Benechembla and the "Green Horse" on the right of the photo.
At the top of the steep climb is a car park and a picnic site with a viewing platform. It always seems very unfair that others can just drive up, when we have to climb the mountain foot by foot. But I must admit it always makes me feel quite superior when we stagger in all hot and sweaty. And I think that they always look a little shame faced - but perhaps that is just wishful thinking.
Our climbing is not yet finished. We have a very steep concrete road up to the aerials themselves. Then a lovely summit walk to the far end of the mountain where we have our picnic lunch. With lovely views of the coast, Montgo and Denia.
After lunch its downhill all the way. About a mile on the road which leads to the picnic site and the aerials. Then we leave the road and walk around the back of the mountain we have just climbed. Finally downhill on a difficult track back to Benemeli, the cars and a well deserved beer in the town square.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
21 Nov 2006 - Pinos Walk
Penos is a small village about about 10 miles from Jalon. Getting there involves a lovely drive along a winding mountain road. There is not a lot to see in Penos, but it is the starting point of many excellent walks, and has a nice bar to retire to at the end.
You are spoilt for choice for the best spots to stop for a short break, always popular with the Monday Club who regard a walk as something to enjoy rather than something to finish as quickly as possible.
We always have lunch at this spot, with its lovely views over the valley towards the sea. It is also about half way, and just before we head down into the valley.
Jan during the picnic lunch stop. The range in the background is the unmistakeable outline of the Bernia mountains.
Like most Monday Club walks, this one is about 9-10 miles and takes about five hours - plus half an hour at the bar at the end of the walk.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
15 Nov 2006 - Boulla Castle
To reach the walk we had to drive over the col de rates and through the mountains to Tarbena, then take the Castells road to kilometer 7. Very impressive scenery, but a winding road which left Jan a little car sick
The leader was not sure how to get to the castle, so we just scrambled up the hill side.
Unusual to have a photographs of us both together, courtsey of a kind fellow walker
Well worth the climb to have fantastic views towards Benedorm and the sea.
Another scramble down, and then a lovely walk back to the cars.
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