20 Apr 2009 - Monday Club Fig Tree

We were not expecting many of the Monday Club on this walk, but we were expecting more than just Tom! Some of the group were on a walking holiday and many were in UK. At least one decided not to walk because the morning was overcast. Because we knew there would not be many, we offered to lead this walk which is not he most popular among the group. It is about 10 miles long. It starts at a bridge on the Parcent to Castell road, leads sharply uphill on a tarmac road (which is what many dislike about the walk). We have a break at a finca and then follow a rough track over the top to join a forestry type road to a very scenic lunch spot. Then its downhill again and back to the cars.

We were very lucky at lunchtime, when we spotted two wild boar. Just as we sat down, they broke from cover nearby. There was no undergrowth for them to head for, so we could see them running over the gorse.

Despite the overcast start, the weather was kind to us. We had a rain free walk, and even some sun at lunchtime. Just as we got back to the cars the rain arrived, though it was only light.

17 Apr 2009 - Spanish Tree Cutting

In the three years since we moved here to Parcent, the trees in front of our house have grown considerably. However the one in front of our house is not as bad as further down the road There are a particular problem when we have our regular strong winds, as the swimming pools quickly become clogged.

Because the trees are on ground belonging to the house owners, we are allowed to trim them, and earlier this year it was decided to do so. A Spanish tree expert was given the job and he turned up with two helpers.

The "gaffer" came with helmet, goggles and thick gloves. The "helpers" came in jeans and short sleeved shirts. He was quickly up the ladder and lopping left, right and centre. They were below trying to avoid the branches raining down on them, and clearing them away as quick as they could. Certainly none of this health and safety business here in Spain!

It was sad to see the lopped trees when they had finished. And there were a lot of confused birds flying around looking for their recent tree top homes. But it has made a great difference to the swimming pools. And we now have an even better view than we did before.

6 Apr 2009 - Gerald Pinos Walk

This is the second walk from Pinos in the same month. Despite starting from the same place, it is in fact a different walk. This area is a particular favourite of Gerald, who had been walking with both CBMW and Monday Club for some time. He lives in UK, but has a holday home here. He was asked to lead a walk of his choice, and he offered this one. Despite being in the same area, it is a walk we all greatly enjoyed.

At this time of year there are large numbers of wild flowers, and our group has taken to frequent stops to admire and photograph them. So much so that we now have three types of stops. First lunch stop, second water stop, thirdly flower/photo stop!