Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers

Wednesday 3 October 2007 - Opening Meet, Parcent

The 20th season has opened and what an opening. 110 walkers turned out despite the weather at the Bar/Restaurant Piscina in Parcent to commence their Autumn walking programme. This season marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of our group and many founding members were present to witness how their enthusiasm and love for mountain walking 20 years ago created a structure which has brought so much pleasure to so many.

The occasion was celebrated with an anniversary lunch attended by 103 people and speeches were given by John Lyons the CBMWs President and also Bob Stansfield a founder member. Bob who is 82 years of age and now lives permanently in the UK is the author of some comprehensive books on Costa Blanca Mountain Walks which were first published by Cicerone in 1995. He mentioned in his speech how moving the occasion was and how delighted he was to see how the CBMWs had developed into one of the most well supported and successful organisations on the Costa Blanca.

There were two walks on the programme prior to the lunch, one a gentle mainly level walk of 8 kms led by Alma Dauris and well supported by 53 walkers. The other a strenuous walk of 12½ kms with an ascent of 800m to the summit of the Carrascal de Parcent unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the weather.