Jan and Paul in Spain 2011

We have started a new blog for 2011 which you can find it by following this link

http://newjanandpaulinspain2011.blogspot.com/

24-31 Dec 2010 - Christmas at Rothbury

The snow came early to Rothbury this year, in November we had heard on the BBC news of the disruption it has caused in and around the town.   But we were not prepared for just how bad it was.

On Christmas Eve we all walked down to the town to do some last minute shopping and see just how bad it was.

With a four year old in the house Christmas Morning started early, we were opening presents at 6am

Jans favourite present this year was Georgia, who provided most of the early morning entertainment

Boxing Day found us all walking into Rothbury again, but this time we included the park.  There was a lot of packed ice on the paths and it was safer to walk in the loose snow.

Difficult enough on two feet, but even more so when struggling with a buggy.

The roads were too difficult to use the car much, so we had a lazy day at home on 27 December.   The boys kept busy playing with their new toys…..

…and Jan played with her favourite present

On Tuesday Stuart and Michelle took Georgia shopping with them, and we took Jack to the park again.

The plan was to feed the ducks, but Jack quite likes bread and insists of equal shares

Wednesday found us in the park again.   The earlier clear skies had been replaced by heavy mist, it was bitterly cold and the park was completely empty, not even the usual dog walkers in sight.

Jack was quite pleased to spend another day in the park.  On our first day he picked up this stick, and insisted on writing his name in the snow every few yards.

The park looked really magical with the winter sun shining through the mist

 Jan tried to get Jack to retrieve his stick when she threw it for him, but he found it more fun for him to throw the stick and Jan to retrieve it

Thursday was another day at home, but Jan was quite happy to be able to spend more time with Georgia

It will be nice to get back to warmer weather in Spain, but we this is something we are both going to miss - a lot..

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.

13 Dec 2010 - Pinos-Bernia Circuit

 Despite a cloudy and overcast morning there were still 11 for today’s circular Pinos-Bernia walk.

 It was also quite cold, so Pat set a good pace for the first hour.   It was uphill from the start and we were glad to have an excuse to stop and admire this mother and son.

We were very quiet, as we did not want to frighten them

 But we need not have worried, they soon came over to make friends

Even in overcast weather like today, the scenery is still pretty impressive.

Our first stop was outside the Bernia Inn.   We were all ready for a short break, but it was too cold to stop for long

The next stage was a nice path along the side of Bernia, but the low cloud meant no views of the Bernia outline

Fortunately the wind had dropped by the time we reached the finca for lunch.

 We usually stop at this finca, as there is plenty of seating, even if it is a little hard

 After a hot drink and something to eat everyone felt much better

 The next stage was mostly downhill and much easier going than the morning part

And our final break at another finca.

This one is derelict, and it’s sad to see that it gets worse each time we visit.

By now the low cloud had cleared, and the sky was brighter, we could even see Bernia

Another steep climb brought us back to Pinos, and this house for sale provided an opportunity to stop and look

Finally a warm, or alcoholic, drink at El Peon de Pinos restaurant

Next Week

Eye of Montgo.   Meet at Las Brisas on the Jesus Probre to Javia road at 0950.