-from our roving reporter

Wednesday 22nd October - Benirrama to Val d'Ebo Circuit

Now that’s what I call a memorable walk!! The last 1.5 hours were completed in dreadful weather condition, quite as bad as I’ve seen in the past 11 years walking in this area. The rain was torrential, the cloud came down which meant limited visibility at a time when the track is difficult underfoot and hard to recognise at the best of times. Thank goodness the lightning stayed away!!

Of the 30 walkers that set off at least half a dozen did so without waterproofs – unbelievable – and with the forecast predicting rain! I do not wish to chide those who did not carry waterproofs, for they have, surely, learnt their lesson, but take this opportunity to remind everyone that important information is included on the first and last pages of the programme for your safety. That is why we require all walkers to purchase a programme. As you know, we all walk at our own risk but our walk co-ordinators do feel responsible for their group so the least we can all do is follow simple guidelines.

Having said that, and on a lighter note, there was, as is nearly always the case, an amusing side. A relative newcomer to the CBMW was a guy named Jack,” Burnley Jack”. Like many of us he’s no spring chicken but clearly a fit and experienced mountain walker, He was, however, one of those that left his waterproof in the car. (I suggest a tick list in future Jack, I never go walking without one!). 30 minutes from the end our ex-nurse Pam became a little concerned when she notice that Jack’s hands and parts of his face and legs were blue. Her mind was put to rest when it was explained that he had the same colouring when he started!!!  A few minutes later Helen, our leader, found a heavy duty large plastic bag. Little Bill cut a head hole in the bottom and the bag was pulled over Jack’s head. Hey presto a perfect fit, I heard someone say he looked smarter when he returned than when he started the walk!!

The weather for the first 3 hours of the walk was fine but with clouds beginning to build over the mountains Helen decided, quite rightly, to shorten the walk by approx. 30 minutes. We therefore finished our lunch about 10 minutes before the rain started.

This was only the third time Helen has lead for the group and I don’t think she’ll have a tougher one if she leads for the next 10 years. (or I hope she won’t) There were several new comers on the walk and she set a pace that seemed to suit the majority. When the rain came she remained focused and got us down in the shortest possible time bearing in mind the number of people and the condition. Very well done Helen and thank you for the walk.

Wednesday 22nd October - Jalon - Parcent Circuit

The appearance of the Guardia Civil at the Jalon rastro site under the trees caused some initial concern to the campesino selling his oranges and lemons. However, the build up of a large crowd was not the prelude to a demonstration in connection with the nefarious LRAU laws but the gathering of 60 intrepid walkers eagerly waiting for the co-ordinator Alan Jackson to blow his whistle to form a circle.

At 10.00 hrs on the dot the mass of walkers traversed the main street causing a build up of vehicles back to Mas y Mas and as several locals craned their necks trying to spot a placard or banner identifying the excitement the group slipped behind Juan’s Bar and headed towards the campo. The single track through the holly oak bushes resulted in the creation of a long gap betwixt the leader and the sweeper but reassuringly those at the back were able to keep in view the wide brimmed hat of Peter B who was joined at the hip with Alan J for 14 kms. I have been assured by Peter that any lady member who is planning to visit Royal Ascot in the summer can get in touch with him.

The walk was undertaken in warm pleasant weather with a fair level of humidity which brought about the usual October problem of flies attracted to perspiring bodies. Apologies for my rather forward response to the attractive blonde lady who I thought was waving to me………….she was in fact swatting flies! The lunch break was taken amidst a peaceful orange grove near the Bar Piscina Parcent but the dark menacing clouds sweeping down from the summit of Col de Rates resulted in a brisker pace for the walk back to Jalon. Fortunately the group were downing a welcome drink in a bar (in fact in two bars as Bar Olé could not accommodate everyone) when the heavens opened up. Many thanks to Alan for his leadership and pastoral care.

To see earlier walk reports from this season click here