20 Dec 2010 – Eye of Montgo

From some angles Montgo looks like an elephant, and “the eye” is the cave on the right.   An outcrop of rock looks like his eyebrow.

 There were just ten of us for the last Monday Club walk of 2010 – including Janet who had a nightmare return journey from UK due to a combination of snow at Gatwick and air control strikes in Spain.

 Saturday and Sunday were grey, miserable and wet.  So we were delighted that today was sunny with blue skies.  

 The walk starts with a steep climb, but you are rewarded with lovely views back towards the cars

 There is no obvious path, and not even many cairns.   So it’s just a matter of finding the least difficult route.

 Its one of those walks that the more you climb the further it seems to the objective!

 But we eventually meet a good path coming from the direction of Javea.

 The views now are to the coast and towards the windmills of Javea

 Although the path is obvious, it is also very steep and care is needed due to the loose rocks and stones.

 At last Pat, who is leading the walk, calls a halt for a water stop.   Peter decided to convert it into a banana stop, and is promptly told off.   As you can see he was full of remorse.

 And at last we reach The Eye and our lunch break

 The Eye includes a series of caves, but they were ignored in favour of just sitting and enjoying the warm sun.

 Sitting on the edge Jan enjoys the views

 And all too soon its time to start back down again

 Its even more difficult coming down than going up, and just as tiring on the legs.

 A short stop to allow everyone to catch up before we rejoin the overgrown path

 Sue’s contribution to the festive season was a bouncy snowman attached to her haversack

A stop at this “bothy” presented Peter with another opportunity to tell one of his many tales to a captivated audience provided by Pat and Sue.

This was a very enjoyable last walk for 2010.   Thanks to Pat for so many memorable walks throughout the year.   A very Happy Christmas to all our friends, both those we walked with today and those absent friends who could not be with us today.   Looking forward to many more enjoyable walks in 2011.  

 Next Walk

Monday 3 January.   Meet at the port car park in Javea at 10am.   Walk to the lighthouse, across to the tower and back via cova Tallada.

Monday 10 January.   Meet at Bernia Inn for a circular walk via the tunnel and the fort.