-from our roving reporter

Wednesday December 3 - Serella Castle

5 degrees at Castels de Castels on a sunny winter’s morning when 23 hardy souls gathered to join Peter Barrowclough on his Castle circuit. First job in hand was to organise moving the cars to the camp site car park (who is responsible for the incorrect programme instructions? “Pillory him” I say) – which was a good thing as a collection of huge trucks came to do work in the area next to the wash house! After a lot of faffing about Peter welcomed everyone and led us off up the hill at a storming pace. With Charles Pye snapping at his heels he was going like a train and even the cryptic comments of dangerous Dave (von) Harbach failed to slow him down.  With our ears popping from the vigorous ascent we stopped for bananas where the track meets the forest road before making a more leisurely ascent to the col where we could look down on the Guadalest Valley. From the col we trudged up the steep pull to the castle base – this bit never gets any easier – but we were kept cool by icy winds. At the castle the party split up with some heading for the summit, others heading for a place to lunch and solar gain and Charles Pye who headed off into the distance. Despite the icy winds below the castle summit was calm, sunny and very pleasant (which we found a bit odd) and the 360 degree views were stunning. We descended and met up at Peter’s selected lunch spot – but the prospect of a steep post prandial ascent brought on a minor mutiny and we walked on to the next summit before getting the nose bags out. The descent was chilly thanks to an increasing wind and brisk – so brisk in fact that Peter missed the left turn off the forest track onto the trail back to the camp site. The necessary backtrack to regain the path was met with good humoured booing and the odd chorus of “Why was he born so….etc). Back at the cars by 2 pm we decided to go to the local bar in Castels – but although the atmosphere was jovial, with many thaks to Peter for the walk, the high (credit crunching) cost of drinks in this rural bar led to howls of discontent. 8 euro for a jara of beer and a bottle of casera will ensure no further visits from the frugal CBMWs

Photos

                        1   Peter Calls the register

                  2 Banana break

                                3    Up on the col

4    View of the Guadalest Valley

5     View from the castle of the Serella Ridge

Saturday November 29 - Fleix 'Spiral'

Saturday morning and all was bright on the coast but by the time we gathered at Fleix for the Gordon Gleeson gallop the skies had darkened and there was a keen wind blowing.   It would seem a few people had called off after waking up in the morning and seeing the weather and Peter Green could not be coaxed out from under his duvet.

Anyway a group of ten gathered plus one fit dog, that included two Gleesons (just in case one was not enough to contend with), Gordon and son Mark and the other leader for the day, Mike Broadley.   Gordon got out his signing in book quickly and before we knew it he had us all signed up, including the two girls who would have been quite happy to go along with Mike on a modified route.

Anyway, after some discussion Gordon led us off and we had various let out causes if the weather turned nasty or we could not all keep up with the pace.

After a long warm up loop around Fleix we were down by the tunnel at Isbert’s Dam and not a torch among us.   It was at this point that we found that Orba Barry is blind as a bat and that is in the daylight!  but someone volunteered to hold his hand.   All was going well until………..Paul was the first to find the big boulder in the middle of the tunnel, closely followed by Angie and Ann but luckily Colin Ayrton had the sense to move it before it caused any more damage.

It was then up the Bull Run and up and up and up.   We were a little worried about Mike, who was dressed like a smurf for the day, all in red but the bulls were safely enclosed down below.   Lunch was taken somewhere on the top.  At this point I had lost my sense of direction and very nearly my senses, such was the toughness of the walk.   It was sometime around now that Gordon and Beatnik Bob were heard to mutter about being 10 minutes behind time – the back markers were about to rebel when it was decided to miss out ‘ the spiral’, to shorten the walk a little.  What a relief, as some of us had evening engagements.

It was then down the 5,000 steps ( or was it 10,000) to the river bed and up the other side.   At this point, 5 hours in, it was tough going.   A discussion ensued as to when you reach your highest fitness level, level off and then go down hill. Jon Lyons was heard to remark that he was at his fittest at 65 (so there is hope for us younger ones yet)  He then went on to say that he must be losing his fitness, as the last time he climbed from the riverbed up the steps to the washhouse he had done it in 20 mins and this time it was 24mins (sorry, Jon, if I have got the exact times wrong but at this point I was just following in your footsteps and could really only hear my heavy breathing).

We all completed the walk and for a few it was our personal challenge done for the whole walking season, after which we had a well deserved drink in the new refurbished bar in the village.

PS – of course we all promised not to tell anyone that Gordon did not have to carry a rucksack all day, as he had son Mark to help his ‘old man’ out.

Wednesday 5th November - Castell de Castells South

Alan Jackson, standing on a box so that the short arse could be seen, called his flock to attention at the wash-house in Castells. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits as the rain had gone away and left us with a crystal clear, crisp day to enjoy the wonderful views on this scenic walk. 34 of us set off up towards Serella Castle with Peter Barraclough in his wide brimmed hat at the rear. The vista were stunning as the air was so clear. We could see across to Ibiza at one point which according to my GPS was 130km away! We followed mostly forest tracks until we descended to our lunch spot close to the small rock arch on the El Somo circuit. The Johnsons had cut most of the prickly stuff on this faint path so the only torn clothes reported were Peter Baraclough’s  pants through which tear he displayed his frilly underwear. The lunch spot was calm and sunny and set us up well for the rather slippery descent towards “kilometre 7”. We then followed the Foyes Valley route back to Castells where most headed for the newly reopened bar near the bridge. A happy crowd in the bar thanked Alan (and Margo) for a great walk and listened to Irene explain how Peter B managed to get her lap wet.

Post script – back at home I was keen to try out Google Earth Plus which allows me to overlay the day’s track on the satellite image. It works! As the image enclosed shows

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.

Saturday 18th October - Bernia West

Saturday 18th October - Barranco de la Canal & Al Ambra Castle (in reverse)

For a start, this was not done in reverse and the middle section was changed (as Carol didn’t fancy the down hill bits due to the dampness underfoot !) but no one seemed to mind and anyway, who’s gonna argue with our Carol!!!

The weather was less than ideal with low cloud for most of the walk. This, however, did not deter the 28 people that set off on the walk, with the same number finishing thanks again to Alan J our ever reliable sweeper.

The walk description stated “Old walk, new leader. Taken at a steady pace” Steady pace – Charles Pye got blisters for Christ’s sake!! I don’t for one minute suggest it was taken at a “blistering” pace or that Charles is getting soft in his old age but it’s surprising what a little extra adrenalin can do when you’re new to this leading malarkey !!

The first 1.5 hours of the walk sees off 430m of the 500m ascent so it’s a tough start made worse by the high humidity due to the cloud cover. Although the cloud got a little low for comfort at one point the rain stayed away and a warm(ish) sheltered spot was picked for lunch.

We were blessed with a really good group who gelled well together and, it seemed, a good day was had by all.

For the first time in many years the castle was visited by a few of the more hardy in the group (or should that read stupid !) who signed out and met up later with rest in La Lluna bar.

Thanks Carol for a lovely walk and a most enjoyable day

Wednesday 15th October - La Bolulla Castle Circuit

About 45 walkers turned up on a nice sunny morning for Peter’s first walk of the season. The crowds were of such a size and there were folk still arriving at 10 o’clock so that we were late getting away. Peter Green dropped his keys on the roadway, no doubt in the hope that a buxom blonde would pick them up – but unfortunately I found them and he now owes the charity box a donation.

The walk was Peter’s own variation with a hack across country to start with – but he hadn’t rekky’d  it lately and we ended up walking through a large collection of bee hives. For once the group stayed silent (wasn’t that nice?) but returned to chattering as soon as we passed by without getting stung.

Before lunch I helped lead a splinter group to break away and with Peter Green and we went on ahead to climb up to the castle. The main group took their time and had lunch at the col below. 15 of us got to the castle (Wasn’t the walk listed as Bolulla Castle???) and were rewarded by seeing 3 golden eagles swooping around the valley to the East. We descended and encountered a group of Icelandic walkers (some of whom were rather striking) who were asked what they had done with our money!

The post lunch climb was accomplished in hot, humid, still air and we were all glad when we reached the crest of the hill (where Adrian fell over and gashed his leg open). The route back past the rock arch was slippery but nobody else came to grief. After the walk all the friendly crowd buggered off in the direction of Castels de castels leaving Peter and me to drink alone in Taberna – was it something we said??????????????

Photos by: John Mail

The Group near the rock arch

The Splinter Group at Bolulla Castle

View of the Bolulla Valley

Wednesday 8th October - La Muntanya Sud d'Alcala and part of Forada Ridge

This was Carol’s first walk as a Leader with the CBMW. "No problem" she declared when it was over but failed to mention her complete lack of sleep the previous night!

Although a long way to travel for many ("Irish Peat" came out with the best funny of the day when he proclaimed “I don’t travel this far when I go on my holidays “) 22 set off on probably the chilliest morning so far this season.

However, the clouds disappeared after a couple of hours and we were blessed with a warm sunny day thereafter.

An interesting walk of "two halves" the first being picturesque, easy walking on forestry roads and the second half on a track along part of the Forada Ridge with wonderful views of the Vall de Gallinera.

An extended lunch was taken below the Forat (the rock arch seen on the back cover of the spring 2008 programme) so that the "non wimps" who wished to ascend to the Forat could do so. "Irish" together with Mike Ross traversed the arch itself (big posers) and, as someone pointed out, therefore qualified to be members of the A Team. This was not well received by one or two in the party!!

21 of the 22 starters settled down for a well earned beer after the walk at the Bar Piscina (the other, a Granny, who is normally such a stalwart when it comes to the drinking bit, shot off to do a spell of Grandchild sitting – never mind Ann, still plenty of time to catch up).

Thanks Carol for a lovely walk and for two peoples sakes please get some sleep before your next walk scheduled for 18^th Oct.

Photos by John Mail

Saturday 4th October - Castell de Castells

We were 37 in all, including 3 newcomers to the CBMW’s, starting at 10am on a lovely day.  I took the 1^st  1½ hours slower than last time as it’s UP all the way.  Would you believe that last time I did this walk there were complaints that I was going too fast, ME??  Over half the group climbed up to Serrella Castle to see the fabulous view down to the reservoir at Guadalest.  On the way back, luckily, there was no water in the river bed, so nobody got wet, this time!  Our time was 5¼ hours, only 15mins faster than scheduled. For our customary drink we went to the pretty hotel Serrella where there were tables and chair outside for us to sit in the sunshine.  More importantly, Ian said the caña was only 1 euro.

My thanks to Jackie and Mike Broadley and Irene and Edward Lawrenson who rekeyed the walk with me the previous Thursday to cut down bracken on the paths and check the riverbed.

Wednesday 1st October - John Dauris Memorial Walk, Parcent Circuit.

This walk, which has now become a traditional walk for the start of our autumn season, was dedicated this year to the memory of John Dauris and was again lead by Alma.

Alma and John had received immeasurable help during John’s illness from, amongst others, MABS the cancer support group. Because of this, Alma had decided to raise money to purchase a special orthopaedic bed and donate it to this organisation. The CBMW’s, amongst others, wished to help her in this quest and what better opportunity than this opening walk.

The turn out can only be described as amazing and demonstrated just how John is remembered as a popular and well liked person. 144 people set off with Alma in the vanguard, Bob F, Crawford and Peter G acting as assistant leaders due to the numbers and Alan J, our ever reliable sweeper, looked after the tail.

In all, including the alternative walk that started a little earlier, a total of 164 walkers participated which is, quite simply, unprecedented and will surely never be equalled.

But things didn’t stop there. 134 stayed for lunch, with approximately 1200 Euros being collected from donations and the raffle, and a further 700 Euros being pledged from the sale of programmes (this has since been updated to 1000 Euros) which when added to the monies raised by Alma prior to the walk amounted to a fund of 2,450 Euros at that time. (2,750 after update).

John’s brother Ken said a few words in memory of John before lunch and a most enjoyable afternoon was enjoyed by everyone.

Many thanks to all those who turned up on the day and “dug so deep”. Thanks also to all those others that have helped Alma achieve her goal – she tells me now that 2 BEDS are on the cards.