Jean gives a brief history of Menorca

One of the many flower photo stops

Phew! It's hot.

Jean Russell’S Menorca Trip

Walking and Sightseeing April 20-27 2008

A wonderful week organised by our own professional Menorcan native Jean Russell.

Our trip started on Sunday with most of us being transported by bus from Calpe and others picked up on route to Valencia airport.

We arrived in Menorca following a storm which had left the place pretty wet and cold, but the next morning the sun began to shine and continued to do so for the rest of the week.

The main attraction and purpose of our visit was no doubt the walking, but in addition to this there was a wide variety of other things to interest many of us and prevented us galloping along.

Riner - “We have stops for...."   – flowers, birds, taking photos, sketching (Colin left on beach, tortoises (strategically planted by Jean we think), Geoff Ellis taking a swim, nudes on beaches. The most notable stops being when we encountered three country gentlemen, one of whom gave us a song, and the second being a goat shagging session! (sorry no photos!)

Nothing however prevented Colin Bagnall spending most of the week practicing his texting skills.

Our sightseeing day was memorable, visiting a cheese factory (giving us wine) and a Gin factory (giving us liqueurs) Jean was in practice for the forthcoming summer season. She told us everything possible about the island which prevented us Saga Louts from getting our afternoon nap.

John and Christine Durrant, who unfortunately had to cancel, sent along a well prepared quiz which was enjoyed by most and led to a lively conversation at breakfast the next morning. (When you see Dr Geoff ask him if he now knows the name of Dr Who’s dog? - Be prepared for the answer!)

Several birthdays were celebrated during the week including David Harbach who was presented with a present of a local sausage. Photos will no doubt be available – but banned from the website.

Our thanks were given to Jean for a wonderful week. As a leader she was almost perfect.  Only two mistakes (that we knew about). However we now need to redefine a Strollie – in Jean’s book this is 19k – beware of this leader!

Thank you again Jean for looking after us so well. We were very insecure travelling back without you to tell us where the toilets were.

Our thanks also to Ian McKernan who helped with the organisation and supplied our private transport to and from the airport.

Be assured many of us will go back to Menorca, hopefully by invitation from Jean.

Report by Carol Harbach

Photos by Geoff Hall & Helen Granville

More photos can be seen in the CBMW Photo Album

One of the lovely coves on the island

First tortoise stop!

Group photo on the last day.