23 February 2026 – Alcalali to Parcent

22 on todays walk

This included Tina, who has just returned from her Far East adventure

Because the group was so large we asked if it was ok to use Bar Toni after the walk

I was surprised that he did not want such a large group to use his bar

Just as well we asked before the walk

This was the first sunny walk since Christmas

Ideal walking weather, warm enough to sit but cool enough to walk

We don’t usually do this walk after heavy rain

I hoped that the four weeks since the last rain would be enough

However I was a little concerned that the river was very high at the first crossing point

I quite expected that we would have to use the alternative route along the road and over the bridge

However before we reached the river we had to cross the bee hive field

Some of the newer members were a little concerned

But I assured them that all would be well if they kept quiet

They were – and it was

The river was higher than usual, but was fordable with walking boots

The braver ones used the rocks, assisted by Pierre

I suspect a few of the less daring had damp socks, but no one complained

I think the hill was more of a challenge to some

But all arrived at the font (public wash house) without any problem

On such a warm day more choose the shaded seating than the sunny ones

All were pleased to have a 15 minute “banana break”

By now it was pretty hot, and the last stage is without shade

This is the part of the walk when the pace tends to increase

Everyone knows the route, and the faster walkers tend to pull ahead

So I insist of a last water stop at the Ermita to allow everyone to catch up

I let them all go at their own pace for the remainder of the walk

We decided to use bar Nonombre for our after walk drink

They are always pleased to see us

And it is a very pleasant place to end a very enjoyable walk

Temperature – 17 to 22c

Time taken – 3.5 hours

Distance – 9km

16 February 2026 – Jalon Almond Blossom Walk

First walk after two week break with tendonitis in my left leg

Wanted an easy and level route to test my leg

This is a shorter version of the usual walk

This used to be our regular Almond blossom walk each year

But there is not much blossom left after years of blight

 

I was not expecting very much, but was pleasantly surprised

There have been red warnings of heavy winds for the past few days

Which caused some members to pass on today’s walk

We had five cancellations on Sunday alone

So I was pleasantly surprised to find 18 turned up for the walk

The rastro parking area has been closed for a few days due to the warnings

But it was open today

I have started using two sticks, which help both my leg and my back

They greatly improve my posture and I find it less uncomfortable

However it does make it more difficult to take photographs

And this was both a day, and a walk, to do so

Both Lynn and Jim contributed some lovely photos for this blog

 We all took photos of the almond blossom

But this colourful yellow field was an unexpected bonus

And Pierre and Yolanda added to the spectacle

My leg was a little sore during the walk

I managed to complete it without any difficulty

But I was glad to sit down in bar Claudia for a coffee and chat

Temperature – 13 to 20c

Time taken – 3 hours

Distance – 8km