27 February 2020 – Cocoll

This is the view of Cocoll from our house

Bright and sunny as we left Benichembla

The weather forecast had promised 25c

But did not mention a very cold wind

Top layer removed when we left the shaded part behind

Jan and Terri, two ladies in pink

The final climb to the airfield is quite steep

Providing a good reason to stop and have a photo opportunity

The views really are magnificient

The landing strip prompted Steve and Jo to do an “aeroplane”

Steve trying to talk his way into the last seat

But it was reserved for “the man in pink” (Jose's spare jacket)

Lunch was followed by the traditional “aeroplane” photo

Fortunately the wind dropped and we had a very pleasant picnic lunch

This is a linear walk, and the rest was all downhill

Steve showing off his T shirt, which was only to be used for emergencies

There are two options for the return, we choose the same route back

Perhaps next time we will try the alternative, which was very overgrown last time

It is a long slog back, constantly watching our feet

However it is a great, if challenging, walk

Stats

Time taken – 6 hours

Distance – 13 km

Total Ascent – 698 metres

24 February 2020 – Parcent to Murla Ermita

This is a new walk, planned as a shorter walk for our Monday Ramblers 

It consists of the regular Parcent to Murla walk, plus an extension to Ermita Sant Sebastia

We had done the extension once before as a recce

But did not know how long the whole walk would take

We estimated it would be about 4-5 hours

We knew it would be a hot day, with a forecast of 25c

When we reached the river at Murla we were joined by a very friendly young dog

We did not encourage her, but she would not go away

By the time we reached our banana stop at the abandoned restaurant she was a firm favourite

 

She was very friendly and obviously enjoyed our company, Jose named her “Luna” (Monday)

We had our picnic lunch at the Ermita Sant Sebastia

Where despite our best intentions she shared our lunch and water

We passed three workmen having their lunch, and one said she belonged to them

However10 minutes later they drove past us and dropped her off to join us again

Soon after we passed this grave of an obviously well loved pet dog

We stopped in Murla for a short break

As we passed the bar a customer said Luna belonged to them

Although she started off as a problem, we were a little sad to leave her

And I suspect she might well have gained a new home from one of the dog loving group

The walk took 5.5 hours, much longer than expected. But I can easily reduce it by half an hour next time. I suspect we will always remember it as “Luna's Walk”

Stats

Time taken – 5.5 hours

Distance - 11km

Total Ascent – 393 metres

20 February 2020 – Col de Rates

Sunny but cold this morning, after two days of rain

We soon warmed up and removed the top layer of clothing

The track uphill was wetter and more slippery than expected

So we moved faster than usual

And were glad when we reached the banana stop

But it was too cold to stop for long

As we reached the top we left the trees and came out into the sun 

And soon reached the mirador

Where a nice Dutch lady took this group photo of us all

Then on up to the restaurant

Where we had lovely views

Except for those who sheltered behind a rock to keep out of the wind

So we were chilled when we set off again

But now we were in the sun and soon warmed up

And the path was much better than on the shaded side

Being in single file did not stop everyone from nattering

And it was a nice easy walk back to Parcent

Terri missed today's walk, but rang to arrange to meet us in the cooperativa

It was very pleasant sitting in the afternoon sun with a nice cold drink

How lucky we are to live in such a lovely area and enjoy the winter sun 

Stats

Time taken - 5 hours

Distance - 11km

Total Ascent – 575 metres