24 February 2025 – Lliber to Senija

We had planned to walk from Lliber to Senija through the valley

But on Sunday we had 24 hours of heavy rain

When we did this walk last October we had to cross muddy fields because of flooding

I expected it would be the same today, so suggested the longer and higher route

Everyone was in favour, at least until we started to climb the hill out of the square

This route is longer, with more ascent and worse terrain

But it was surprisingly dry considering the heavy rain

We only do this walk once a year

So it was new to most of the group

This was partly because most of the regular group were missing for various reasons

It was nice to have Helen and Richard back after their cruise

And as always it was good to have Barry and Linda for a short visit

Particularly as they distributed some very tasty UK boiled sweets

The temperatures were lower than we have become used to

But it was sunny, so very pleasant walking weather

We needed it a little cooler, because there is more climbing on this walk than we are used to

The added height meant we had better views than usual

So there were good opportunities to take photographs

After our picnic it was downhill all the way to Senija

Our return to Lliber was the usual route

And as expected it was muddy and slippery through the woods

But we kept to good surface roads when possible

And fortunately there was not as much flooding as I feared

It was busy in the square, no doubt everyone making the best of the weather after the miserable Sunday

Someone commented that my beer was just like me – a big head and an even bigger bottom

Temperature – 10 to 14c

Time Taken – 4.5 hours

Distance – 12 km

Total Ascent - 360 metres

17 February 2025 – Parcent to Alcalali Mirador

 

17 of us on today’s walk

Lovely warm and sunny day

It was warm enough to enjoy our banana break

But not too warm for walking

We have been very lucky with the weather so far this year

 Hardly any rain and ideal walking weather since January

This January was reported as the warmest in Spain since records began

We are making the best of it, and hoping it is not going to be the hottest summer too

We were not due to do this particular walk until next month

But it was the perfect day to see the almond blossom

This used to be part of our annual Almond Blossom walk

So I had high expectations of some lovely views and photographs

Unfortunately there were very few blossoms

It is still lovely scenery for anyone who had not seen the valley a few years ago

But it was sad to see so few for those of us who have know it then

Alcalali still has an Almond Blossom week

But I fear many visitors will be disappointed this year

Despite that it was a lovely walk

And I was lucky that both Lydia and Paula took lots of photos

Including quite a few really nice ones of me

So I make no excuse for having more photos this week than usual

Jan missed the walk again this week

Her back and hip problems are not getting any better

She has been referred to Denia hospital for assessment

And we are hoping it will not be long before she can join the group again

In the meantime she joins us for the after walk drink each week

Normally she drops me off at the start

Then she has the car to join us at the bar at the end of the walk

Temperature – 12-20c

Time Taken – 3 hours

Distance – 9 km