Walk to Melegis Castle Sunday 26th November 2006

Dear Limper

Our walk this week was subject to a last minute change due to low cloud, whilst the Valley of Happiness was bathed in sunshine with a cool wind, our destination at Cumbres Verde was cocooned in a thick blanket of fog, thank you to Colin and Lesley in Monachil for alerting us to the situation. With no one willing to trade the sunshine for the fog a hasty about turn was made and we headed for Murchas and the walk to the Arabic castle before returning, via Melegis and the headless woman statue, to Murchas. Our decision to postpone the Cumbres Verde walk was, on balance, a wise one as low cloud continued to hang in the hills all day, whilst the sun shone on the righteous. Upon our return to Talara, Arthur suggested that refreshment be taken at the Noche Azul, no doubt so he could sample Miguel's Pork tapa.

We will try next week (Sunday 3rd December) to do this weeks postponed walk (subject to suitable weather) the details are the same as last week, a walk up Boca de la Pesca. We have walked around the lower edge of the hill on a number of occasions but we have never been to the top, not because it is difficult but because other tracks have been the objective. The plan is that we drive to Cerro de Sevilla above La Zubia and Cumbres Verdes, and walk out on a level path before we climb the 100 meters to the top of Boca de la Pesca, at this point depending on your level of fitness you can return the way you came, back to the car park giving you a round trip of about 6 km, or you can go on the extended route taking in Cumbres Verde. There is no planned tapa party afterwards, but no doubt a trip to Pacos bar in Cozvijar could be scheduled in if required. The views and the walking around this area are magnificent particularly now that we have snow on the Sierras.

If you want to go meet at the Acropolis bar in Mondjcar at 9.30 Sunday morning. Neither of the walks are difficult and they should be well within the capabilities of everyone.

The Photo shows Margaret, Jose, myself, Jossete checking if her head is still on and Andrew.

5th November Albunúelas

Report from walk leader Graham.

Circular walk from Albnúelas Sunday 5th November

A small select band of English and French gathered in the overspill carpark, all prompt before 10am. The stand in leader, Graham (in the absence of El Presidente, Stuart) decided we would wait for 5-10 minutes for any latecomers. Where upon at 10.10 prompt we were suddenly overwhelmed by a large raiding party of Dutch. Finally we departed in the direction of the gorge with a group of eight Dutch, five English one French and 4 dogs (additionally, it is worthy of note that there were only three men in the group thus making it very difficult to keep control).

Nethertheless, the walk proved to be a success with beautiful weather and very pleasant views, particularly with interesting cloud formations above Nigúelas. Two new members, Plym (not sure of the spelling- apologies) and Deborah both said that they enjoyed themselves and promised to join us again in the future.

Liz and I are returning to England on Wednesday and unfortunately, we will not be back in Chite until March. We wish all "Limpers" a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Graham.

Editors note.

Please note I am not responsible for the racist or sexist comments in this weeks report, as you all know from past news letters I try very hard to make everyone welcome and I try not to single out anyone, or group, for criticism, so I think it is a bit much picking on the Dutch for being late again.

Editor

To celebrate Bonfire night the tapa was held at the Masonic Lodge in chite. While we were expecting a reasonable turnout with the open invitation allowing none walkers to attend, which would have been difficult if it had not, seeing as neither I or Olwyn went on the walk, I gave up counting when the numbers exceeded 40. Once again the range of food was outstanding and the quality would surpass anything even Gary Rhodes could put on. In true bonfire tradition we had a Guy and a pretend bonfire, parkin, bonfire toffee, mushy peas, baked potatoes, BBQ, someone even found a packet of sparklers. and of course there was even time for a few games of Apple bobbing, hunt the marshmallows buried in flour and the old Maltesar and straw game.

It is with a sad farewell we say Adios to Alan,and Graham and Liz as they head off to a warmer climate for the winter, we look forward to their return in the spring.

We have a large selection of bowls and dishes that came with the tapa this weekend, if you are missing one or two can you call and collect.

We have to return to the UK sometime over the next couple of weeks so for the moment there are no further walks planned.

29th October Izbor

Dear Limper

Our walk this last weekend was a delight, I won't hear anybody say anything wrong about Izbor again, by the way, if you could not get the Izbor spell checker thing to work last week, I will just say that mine came up with "Inborn" whilst trying to correct "Izbor". The arrangements last weekend involved a lot of moving cars around, so we all met in Pinos del valle, then the drivers took the cars down to Izbor while the rest of us retired to a bar for coffee and tostada whilst awaiting the drivers return. The walk was being led by Nick and Carol who live in Pinos so I was a bit reluctant to mention anything when we headed up hill in a Northerly direction, when according to my memory Izbor was down hill and South,. We proceeded to hit all points of the compass for about 1 hour before finally heading off in the right direction. Nick did reassure us that he knew where he was going and was enhancing our experience of the area by taking us on unknown footpaths and alley ways. The path was an eye opener, with wonderful terraced Olive groves, lush green fields and paths winding amongst giant Cactus. What, from the motorway on the opposite side of the valley, looks like a hillside devoid of any charm is transformed into a walkers paradise. It was strange that as we arrived in Izbor what had been a well spread out group of walkers, suddenly became a tightly knit group, each person not wanting to be separated from his neighbough. Arriving at the Bar Casa Blanca the landlord wanted to know where we lived, when we mentioned Chite, Niguelas, Padul he rolled his eyes and gave us that superior knowing look of someone who had heard about the strange people who populated the head of the valley.

On our return to Chite we all went around to Liz and Graham's house for tapa. Once again the quality and range of food on offer was astounding.

This coming Sunday the arrangements are slightly different, first off I am not going on the walk, The walk will be lead by Graham and it is the delightful circular walk from Albunuelas the walk takes about 2.5 hours and is classed as easy and suitable for Olwyn. The walk starts from the car park in Albunuelas at 10 am then proceeds up hill for about 15 minutes before joining the track that runs alongside the top of the gorge, after about 1 hour the path swaps to the other side of the valley and returns to Albunuelas, where I feel sure a bar can be found for refreshment.

The tapa afterwards will be back at our house in Chite from around 4pm onwards, because of the significance of the date the 5th of November the tapa will take on a Bonfire night flavour. For our Spanish friends the 5th of November is an important fiesta day. When people all over Britain celebrate the fact that in 1605 a man named Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Government, unfortunately he was caught and executed. The celebrations in Britain involve lighting big fires and setting off Fuegos artiificiales. You do not need to go on the walk in order to come to the tapa.

22nd October Fondales

Dear All

Well this Sunday found us all heading off for the Alpujarras once again, I am really enjoying the walks in this area, its just a pity that it takes such a long time on slow and twisting roads before you arrive at your destination, you can then look back down the valley and see the hermitage above Pinos del valle only about 20 km away in a straight line, but 1 hour away by road. We had been promised sunshine on Sunday after a week of rain and heavy grey cloud, so it was with joy in our hearts that we set off from Fondales with blue skies and sunshine on what promised to be a spectacular walk, The path drops down into, and crosses the Rio Trevélez by way of an old arched bridge. In the past this bridge and route was used by the moors to transport their silk that they harvested and spun in the area. After a long steady climb we reached an old and apart from one modern house an abandoned community with spectacular views all around. No doubt soon some property developer will come along and build a smart apartment block there. From this point the way back takes an unlikely route straight down a cliff face, what possessed anyone to think that they could build a path down there in the first place is beyond me, but in actual fact the path is a work of art as it twist and turns. It makes its gentle way down with no feeling of exposure on the perilous hillside it descends. The path re-crosses the Rio trevélez via a natural stone bridge before returning to our starting point at Fondales. At this point I would like to apologise to the rest of the group for inadvertently walking past a refreshment house, there had been numerous calls along our walk, that a bar would be very welcome and I did not recognise and failed to take any notice of the fact that a picnic table with a can of beer on and a twelve year old girl, was in-fact a bar selling cold beer and that the young girl was the landlady. We returned to Chite and Josettes house for an excellent tapa, Josette had not been able to accompany us on the walk stating she needed to prepare the tapa for our return. A more believable story later emerged when we learnt that there had been a tennis match on the television in the afternoon. Josette has found a pair of sunglasses that have been left at her house, so if anybody as left them or if you just fancy a new pair please contact Josette.

The walk this coming Sunday is the long time postponed walk to Izbor, there as been a lot of interest shown in this walk particularly as stories have gone around about the residents of this Pueblo having 2 heads and tails. Just as a an experiment type izbor into Microsoft word spell checker, Our guides for the walk this week are Nick and Carol and they assure me that it is virtually all down hill and takes about 4 hours and it is not classed as difficult. Once again the transport arrangements are a bit complicated but basically if you want to go on the walk meet at the T junction were you come up from the dam into Pinos del Valle, at 9.30. At this point some folks will go to the bar Venecia for pre walk coffee, while the drivers will take cars down to Izbor, and then return by car to bar Venecia for the start of the walk. Tapa will be held at Liz and Grahams house in Chite afterwards.

15th October Guajar Faraguit

Dear Limpers

Well what an interesting day out we had today, let me start at the beginning, A couple of weeks ago Alan and my self were invited to join a walking group run by Guillermo from the Nomadas outdoor sports shop in Durcal (The number 1 spot in the area for all your outdoor gear) and we had a very enjoyable day out and met and made friends with a group of Spanish walkers. To thank them for their kindness shown to us, we invited them to join us on today's walk. So it was with great excitement that a group of 11 British and 13 Spanish made their way to Guajar Alto. Where,, after stopping for coffee at Comidas Carmen a long line of walkers set of for the walk back to Guajar Faraquit. We had not been walking for long before it soon became apparent that what once had been a very good path had detoriated after the storms a couple of months back, and it was not long before the group spread out with the leaders disappearing into the distance only reappearing again when we got back to the Bar in Faraquit. At this point I must apologise to the weaker walkers in the group who found the route more difficult than was originally advertised, but having only walked the route in the opposite direction before I had not appreciated there was so many uphill sections. But help was at hand for the final road section when Nick turned up in his car to collect the stragglers. After refreshment in the bar, the cars were recovered from Guarjar Alto and 14 of the group returned to Jose's house in Pinos del Valle for an excellent tapa table.

The walk this coming Sunday the 22nd of October is a new one for the group and takes us back into the Alpujarras and to the pretty village of Mercina Fondales. In order not to confuse or mislead anyone about the walk the guide book describes it as taking 3 hours, covering 9km, it has 400 meters of ascent and descent and is of average difficulty. No responsibility accepted for the accuracy of these details. As you can probably work out from the above, I received a number of death threats after today's walk. After the walk we return to Josette's house in Chite for tapa and to celebrate her birthday.

If you want to go on the walk meet at the Acropolis bar in Mondujar at 9am for the drive up to Fondales which takes about 1 hour, with stops/breaks/diversions and the un-organised chaos of this weeks walk we should return to Chite for about 4pm.

5th October 2006 Walk with the Giants

Dear Limper

Our walk last Sunday, walking with Giants in the Sierra Nevada turned out to be one the best multi-ability walks we have done. What looked like a shambles and a disaster in the making, was transformed into something better than the original concept. The original plan was that we would drive to Capileria catch the 11 am national park bus that would take us up Mulachen, walk for 4 hours before catching the 4.15 bus back to Capileria. We discovered by chance on the Saturday that we had been accidentally booked onto the Saturday bus instead of the Sunday an easy mistake to make in English but not quite so easy with Sabado and Domingo in Spanish, but never mind, nothing lost when they told us we could transfer to Sunday instead , except that we could not catch the 16,15 bus we would have to take the 18.45 instead. this left us with a further 2.5 hours to fill. After hours of debate into the early hours of Sunday morning and so many different plans that we were investigating, using the Chinese alphabet to name them, a solution was found. So Sunday morning found 8 of us in Capileria on a day with a crystal clear blue sky and perfect walking temperatures. Plan Z called for a car to be left in Capileria where 6 of us caught the national park bus stopping off at the upper car park to collect the remaining 2. The bus dropped us all at the Mirador de Trevélez at 12, where, after the family photos, the group split into 2 groups. with the girls doing a 2.5 hour walk following the gentle downhill slope back to the upper car park and then returning to Capileria for Sunday lunch and a look around the shops, while the boys headed for the Refugio at the head of the Poqueira gorge. This is an amazing place situated high amongst the mountains of Veleta and Mulachen and open all year round with sleeping for over 100 people, it serves food to weary travellers and after walking for 1 hour we thought sustenance was needed and so we stopped for soup and tortilla. Our return route should have taken us straight down the valley back to Capileria, but instead we headed uphill on a unknown shortcut, some 40 minutes later we returned past the front of the Refugio before picking up the path going straight down the valley. After about 1 hour you come across 2 Acequia with a path between them that you can follow back to Capileria and which, according to legend, defy the laws of gravity by making water flow uphill. In any case it provided 2 hours of light hearted banter between the opposing uphill or downhill water groups, On our return to Capileria some 6.5 hours after leaving the bus a welcome refreshment was taken at a small bar.

Over the years that the lecrin Limpers have been running a repeated topic of conversion has been the safety and security of the group from Bandits and Desperado's who may attack us at any time whilst we are out on the fells. To this end we have always relied on Graham armed with his bowie knife to keep us secure, but as he gets older and the group gets bigger we have begun to realise he can no longer guarantee the full protection that we come to expect. To remedy this situation a number of us have taken up training in armed combat run by Angel from the Granada National police. Already I can feel the benefit of the aggressive look the trainees have now got. Only yesterday we came across an old shepherd, who last week may have attempted to rob us, this week he just sat on a rock and waved at us. In retrospect I think he was saying don't go that way,

The walk next Sunday the 15th October is from Guajar Alto back to Guarjar Faraguit the walk should take about 2.5 hours and apart from an up hill section at the start is mostly down hill, the walk is classed as suitable for Olwyn. Meet at the Acropolis bar Mondujar at 9.30 for the drive to Guajar Faraguit, where we have to leave one car before driving on to Guajar Alto. The after walk tapa club will then meet at Jose's house in Pinos del Vale.

Planned Walk 8th October

Dear Limper

The planned Izbor walk for the 8th October has been postponed, Because we have to fit in a high altitude walk before the weather deteriorates. This walk is a unique opportunity for everyone to experience walking amongst the Giants! The highest mountains in Spain, Mulhacen at 3479 Meters, Veleta, Caballo, and the best bit there is no effort involved. All the hard work is done by a bus run by the Sierra Nevada National park which takes us from Capileira to the Mirador de Trevélez at 2700 meters. leaving you with a virtually level high altitude walk along the old Veleta mountain road. The intended destination is the Glacial lake of the Laguna de Caldera but because we use the same route for both the outward and return journey you are under no pressure to walk further than what you feel comfortable with.

We catch the 11.00 am bus from Capileira which drops us off about 1 hour later at the top and we catch the return bus at 4.15 leaving us with about 4 hours to explore this wonderful area.

The return bus journey costs 7.50 euro and places on the bus are limited and have to be prebooked, Please let us know by Monday 2nd of October if you want us to reserve you a place. If you book a ticket you will have to pay even if you don't turn up. If the weather is poor and the bus is not running then you don't have to pay.

If you want to come, contact me and reserve a place on the bus.

Meet at the acropolis bar Modujar 9.30 Sunday 8th for the drive to Capileira.

We will plan to get back to Mondujar around 7pm.

24th September Restabal

Dear Limper

It is with deep regret that I have to announce that this coming weekend the 1st of October there will be no organised Limper walk. This is due to an expected hangover on the Sunday morning.

Our walk this week from Albunuelas to Restabal was a great success the weather was ideal, deep blue skies, warm sunshine and a tail wind. The walk is a linear one and so involves having enough cars to transport everyone to Albunuelas and leaving something behind so that the drivers can return later to retrieve them. With 18 Limpers turning out it was obviously too much for our logistics manager and it was a disorganized rabble who made their way to the start of the walk. From Albunuelas the walk follows the GR7 path, (the second time in 2 weeks that we have been on a section of the GR7 at this rate we have only got another 3000 km to go and we will have done it all) all the way through the campo land down to Saleres before crossing the Rio and continuing into Restabal, where we retired to the Bar Sifon for a quick drink and pre tapa, tapa. Afterwards when all the cars had been recovered we retired to Arturo's garden to continue the eating and drinking.

17th September Nigúelas

Dear Limper

Our walk last Sunday started from the car par in Niguelas. We headed off on the GR7 route to Murchas before taking the newly upgraded road going down into and across the Rio Torrente. The road has been constructed at great expense but does not appear to serve any purpose what so ever. Once over the river we climbed the opposite bank into Acequias. For the return trip to Niguelas it was democratically decided to take the higher of the two routes as this affords good views over the Torrente and Niguelas. About halfway up this path you can take a branch of the GR7 that returns you to Niguelas and this was our chosen route. We had not gone very far when we came across a Scorpion hiding under a rock, for me and a number of others in the group it was the first time we had come across anything so dangerous and there was only Dave who wanted to stroke it. Back down by the Rio Torrente we decided to take a detour on a recently reconstructed footpath running along side an Acequias, This is obviously the Alcades pride and joy because they have done a good job with the path and fences, but the section with the narrow path and overhanging rock has been left, unfortunately this was too much for some members and they had to turn back. We all met up again in Niguelas for a trip around the old Olive mill, and we finished off at Antonio's and Marie Trinnies house for Tapa and a sing song with Antonio leading the way on his Guitarra,

The walk this coming Sunday is from Albunuelas to Restabal an easy walk that takes about 2 hours and is virtually all down hill, we will then go on to Bar Jovi for tapa. Anybody who then fancies walking back to Chite can do.

Meet at the church in Restabal at 9.30, where we will leave at least one car, we then drive along to Albunuelas and walk back to Restabal, later returning by car to Albunuelas to collect the cars. This walk is classed suitable for Olwyn.

10th September 2006 Capileira

Dear Limper

The walk last Sunday found us heading to Capileira and up the Poqueira gorge as far as the hydro station at La Cebadilla, The walk climbs steeply at first as it leaves the village of Capileira causing a few members to question their judgement in choosing to come out walking again with the group, but after 10 minutes or so the track levels off and all is forgotten as we head towards the abandoned village of Cebadilla reportedly built to service the hydro station. The track is easy walking and gives magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. At Cebadilla the track crosses the river and returns along the opposite bank passing through terraced farm land. If we had had more time and carrier bags with us we could have stopped to pick delicious tasting Blackberries growing in the hedge rows. The path meanders along the hillside for about 1 hour before recrossing the river and climbing back up into Capileira, where we stopped for a drink before returning to Chite for tapa.

The walk this coming Sunday is a short local walk starting at the carpark in Niguelas at 9am and going to Acequias and either returning to Niguelas along the edge the Rio Torrente or taking the path that climbs up Cerro Alto, the path chosen will depend upon the abilities of the group. Afterwards we will stop for a drink and tapa in Niguelas, if they have anything left after their week long fiesta.

Meet at the carpark in Niguelas 9am Sunday

3rd September

Dear Limper

The walk this Sunday was to the small white building that sits on top of the tuberia that used to feed the hydro electric station behind Durcal, you can see it from the valley floor, The walk itself involved climbing some 700 meters up a well graded zig zag path. The views from the top are extensive and well worth the effort involved in getting there. Sadly only Margaret and myself were there to take in the vistas. The walk up was in the shade most of the way and a very pleasant breeze accompanied us down via the Barranco de la Rambra. On our return we went to Pacos bar in Cozvijar.

The walk this coming Sunday is a new one on me as we are taking it straight out of the Alpujarras walks guide book. The walk is from Capileira to La Cebadilla and is described as only 7 km long and with 300 meters of ascent and takes 145 minutes it also passes the best picnic spot in the valley and it suggest taking a towel so you can have a paddle. I accept no responsibility if things are not as described, I am only reading the book. On our return to the valley tapa will be taken at Pat and Val's in Chite.

Meet at the Acropolis bar in Mondujar 9 am Sunday 10th.

Veleta 23rd August

Dear Limper

What a wonderful start we had to the new walking season with 13 people turning up for the walk up Veleta, including Antonio from Niguelas on his first outing with the Limpers, who said afterwards that it will be another 2 years before he will be fit enough to come again. A number in the party had expressed reservations about whether they would be able to complete the walk due the altitude, so they joined us for the first hour as far as the chair lift station before returning to the car park. This left the brave and foolhardy to be whisked away on the ski lift up the flank of Veleta. I must say I find this method of climbing a mountain brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone. As welcome as the lift is, it still leaves you with a good hours walk to puff and pant your way to the summit. Whilst it was quite cool and windy at the top the views were outstanding and well worth the effort of getting there. Our return track was somewhat shorter than the ascent as we were able to short cut the bends by cutting across country in the direction of the ski lift for the descent and the wonderful views across Granada. The whole group reconvened to take tapa, back in Chite.

The walk this coming Sunday is up the Durcal tubo, a zig zag path that follows the water feed pipe for the Durcal Hydro Electric plant. The ascent climbs some 700 meters up to the summit of Penon de Granada before crossing the Loma del Perro and returning via Barranco de la rambla, and should take between 4 and 5 hours. The path is not difficult but there is about 2 hours of climbing to start off with. We will go to Paco's bar in Cozvijar afterwards for tapa.

Meet at the Acropolis in Mondujar at 9 am Sunday

Veleta 24th August

Dear Limper

What a wonderful start we had to the new walking season with 13 people turning up for the walk up Veleta, including Antonio from Niguelas on his first outing with the Limpers, who said afterwards that it will be another 2 years before he will be fit enough to come again. A number in the party had expressed reservations about whether they would be able to complete the walk due the altitude, so they joined us for the first hour as far as the chair lift station before returning to the car park. This left the brave and foolhardy to be whisked away on the ski lift up the flank of Veleta. I must say I find this method of climbing a mountain brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone. As welcome as the lift is, it still leaves you with a good hours walk to puff and pant your way to the summit. Whilst it was quite cool and windy at the top the views were outstanding and well worth the effort of getting there. Our return track was somewhat shorter than the ascent as we were able to short cut the bends by cutting across country in the direction of the ski lift for the descent and the wonderful views across Granada. The whole group reconvened to take tapa, back in Chite.

The walk this coming Sunday is up the Durcal tubo, a zig zag path that follows the water feed pipe for the Durcal Hydro Electric plant. The ascent climbs some 700 meters up to the summit of Penon de Granada before crossing the Loma del Perro and returning via Barranco de la rambla, and should take between 4 and 5 hours. The path is not difficult but there is about 2 hours of climbing to start off with. We will go to Paco's bar in Cozvijar afterwards for tapa.

Meet at the Acropolis in Mondujar at 9 am Sunday

Planned walk 24th August

Dear Limpers

Well I hope you are all feeling refreshed and raring to go after the summer recess. Whilst you have all been sat at home sun bathing the path finder section has been out looking for new and exciting places to visit. First on the list is Veleta, Spain's second highest mountain. We have found a relatively pain free way of getting to the top, but it still involves about 2.5 hours of ascent and of course what goes up must come down. The proposed walk is (subject to weather conditions, and that certain advertised transportation methods are still operating), that we drive up into the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Hoya de la Mora car park above the ski resort of Pradollano. We then walk for about 1 hour up and around to the upper ski station. Here we can buy a ticket for the chair lift (6.50 euro) that will take us up Veleta about 450 meters, leaving us with a walk of about 1.5 hours. The actual walking is very easy as it is virtually all on a well graded road, the only hard part is getting sufficient oxygen into your lungs to drive the legs forward. Bring food, plenty of water, and some warm clothing, you may well be sweating in Lecrin but on the top of Veleta things can be very different.

The after walk tapa club will convene at the Masonic lodge, Chite on our return.

Please meet at the Acropolis bar Mondujar 8 am Thursday 24th August.

If the weather conditions are not suitable for the mountains an alternative walk will be offered.

9th July 2006 Oh S**t

Dear limper.
Can I start by saying how disappointed Alan was at 8 am Sunday morning when totally out of character he was ready and waiting on the car park and there was only me about to witness the fact. Because of the poor turn out for the planned walk up Cumbres Verde (me and Al) it was decided that we would explore a track nearer home that neither one of us had been up before. The track sets off up the hillside to the right of the Rio Durcal and when it was built it must have been a major engineering feat as it twists and turns up the hillside it would also have been wide enough to drive on. Sadly as time has passed by the track has fallen into disrepair and it was not long before we came to our first "Oh Cacka" moment where the path had been washed away as it crossed a baranco. the crossing now involved climbing down into and out of the baranco before picking up the track again. This was repeated a further 3 times before the path levelled off and we were able to enjoy a level contoured path as it meandered along the hillside above the Rio Durcal. Our second "Oh Cacka" moment occurred about 2 hours into the walk when the path suddenly stopped as it came upon a rock face it could not get around. At this point I can only wonder what was said by the poor bloke who had spent the better part of life digging this track out when he reached this point and realised he could not proceed any further. Not wanting to return the way we had come up we decided to climb the hillside we were on for a better look at where we were, and at the top we found a small path that according to the map would lead us to a forestal road we knew about and a return path back to the car. After walking along the ridge for some 30 minutes those same two little words came flooding back, when our nice little path suddenly went down a very steep and exposed section of the hillside. I don't give up easy but I know when it's time to turn back, and the moment had arrived, so we retraced our way back along the ridge before finding what appeared to be another track leading us back down the hill, after spending about a hour making our way down, this track also gave out. Giving us another chance to practice our new found phrase. We retraced our steps to the ridge and made our descent by way of our outward bound path arriving home some 13 hours after setting out. This path will not be added to the Limpers collection of walks to do again.

Because the majority of the members are either not about, or don't want to walk again until September when the weather cools down a bit, no further walks are planned for the moment.

The news of the week is that the two Dutchies are going to turn into the 3 around about Christmas time. Congratulations to them both.

10th July 2006 Disaster

Dear Limper

The major high light of the week was the planned BBQ on Thursday night at the picnic site in Guajar Alto, as usual when food is on the menu, we had a good turn out with 12 turning up as opposed to 4 for the walk on the previous weekend. Sadly when we all arrived at the picnic site there was a notice proclaiming by Royal decree that BBQs were not allowed from the 31st May until the 1st of November. There was a big discussion as to whether this applied to us, obviously if it had been a truly British BBQ party we would have been exempt from any Royal decree not signed by our own Queen Elizabeth, but because of the large international gathering of Dutch, French, Lebanese and Irish, we decided to follow the guide lines and just have a picnic instead. The venue is perfect with tables and chairs laid out overlooking a waterfall. A note has been made to reconvene here at the beginning of November. In order not to waste all the BBQ food we had taken we returned to Chite for a hastily assembled BBQ which was enjoyed by all, There have been calls for a yellow card to be issued to Mr Mark Bellwood because it was his suggestion that we should hold the BBQ party in Guajar Alto, not only did he propose the duff venue he did not even turn up. Can you please let me have your views as to whether the matter should be taken further.

Because of the major sporting attractions taking place at the weekend it had been decided not to hold a walk on the Sunday, but when reports started to come in during the week that the wooden bridges on the stretch of the Rio Durcal between Conchar and Melegis had been swept away it was decided to mount a special expeditionary force to investigate if any other damage had befallen that wonderful stretch of the River upstream that we normally river walk in. So at 5pm Sunday afternoon we headed off for what we expected to be the first wet feet walk of the season, but instead we found an river totally devastated by the storm that had taken place about a month ago. Gone are all the rock pools and the rocks to scramble over, the whole river bed upstream from the waterfall just after the Aceqia end is now covered in about a meter deep bed of shale, the river is nowhere to be seen, we walked as far as the large bolder that blocks the way and did not find one drop of water. In preparation of walking in the river I had carefully packed my house / car keys and mobile phone away in a plastic bag inside my ruck sack, somewhere along the return path the sack had come open and the keys and phone had fallen out. This was not noticed until we had nearly returned to the car. A return journey was made all the way back the way we had come, no sign of anything could be found. We only had one car (unusable) and no phone, spare car keys back at Chite. So it was decided to walk back into Durcal and get a taxi back to Chite. By the time we got to Durcal it was 9pm, I had promised Ross's wife that he would be definately be home for his tea by 8pm. By now the world cup was well and truly in play and my calls to the local taxi firms fell on deaf ears. All the Chite crowd were off watching the match. In the end I found a lone Geordie electrician watching the match in Sammie's bar who magnanimously offered to run us home when the match had finished. I have never got so excited about a football match, I did not mind who won, as long as someone did and Keith could take us home. You can understand how pleased I was when they started to play extra time, and I was ecstatic when the game went into penalties. We finally got home around 11 pm. Please note our new mobile number 627021994

The walk this coming Sunday the 16th of July is a multi ability walk up Cumbres Verde. The idea is that we park at Cerro de Seville and walk out on the mainly level path along the side of Cerro Gordo with the option of returning back along the same track whenever you feel like it. For the ones who want something a bit more demanding the path proceeds around then over Gordo before returning to the cars. Please meet at the car park in Niguelas at 8am. The shorter route is classed as easy and is as long as you want, the longer route is strenuous and takes about 5 hours with about 450 meters of ascent.

Best wishes

Stuart

2nd July 2006 El Caballo

Dear All

It was a very poor turnout we had for our Sunday walk, with only 4 members bothering to get out of bed for the 7am start from Niguelas.We all enjoyed the drive in Mark's 4x4 as it carried us up to the 2000 meter line. It wasn't that we did not want to walk this section, but we thought that it was an ideal opportunity for Mark to find out if his car would actually go off road. The area that we drove through and the initial forest road at the start of the walk is in the area that was devastated by last year's fire. So what previously was a nice wooded area is now a landscape devoid of any vegetation. After the first hour of walking the track leaves the road and the devastation behind and heads for El Caballo. It must be an optical illusion but it looks higher and further away at this point than it does when you are sat in the bar in the valley. With a number of stops along the way to take on fuel and recover ones breath ( which I found was increasingly more difficult the higher we climbed) we arrived at the 3011 meter summit some 4.5 hours after leaving the car. The position of the mountain at the head of the chain leading up to Veleta and Mulhacén gives it an ideal position in which to plan further excursions. It is surprising how quickly the sweat and tears expended on getting to the top disappear when you have such views. Our return via the beautiful blue Laguna de Caballo and the many families of Cabra de montana, including a rare white one which we passed on the way down, made this a walk to remember. It was a good job we had taken the car up to the starting point because even though we were all fighting fit after our 8.5 hour excursion, we came across a French lad begging for a lift down. After a quick beer in Niguelas, and a bite to eat at home, I was in bed for 9.15.

To celebrate Liz and Grahams return to the UK a BBQ will be held on Thursday the 5th at the picnic area in Guajar Alto.Bring BBQ things and tapa. We have plenty of charcoal but no tongs and forks. We will be leaving Chite at 4.30 pm arriving at the picnic area around 5.30pm.

26 June 2006 Albunúelas

Dear Limper

Well there is trouble once again in the group, this time it is a recently formed Anglo French breakaway group creeping off in the middle of the night to do our planned 5pm walk, on the pretext that there was a football match to watch in the afternoon. If that was not bad enough one member of the group had the audacity to turn up for tapa.

The late start circular walk from Albunuelas was a success and not too hot due to a pleasant breeze which took the heat out of the day. The main reason for doing the walk was the Oleander bushes that were in full bloom, unfortunately due to the thunder storms and heavy rain that had fallen on this part of the Lecrin Valley last week the flowers were looking a bit battered. The walk finished with drinks and tapa at Bar Jovi in Restabal.

The walk this coming Sunday will have limited appeal as it panders on the masochistic tendency of certain group members, it climbs up to the 3011 meter summit of El Caballo, We are planning to drive the first section of the walk in Mark's 4 wheel drive and thus save ourselves some 4 hours of walking in what is normally a 12 hour round trip. We meet at the car park in Niguelas at 7am. you will need to bring plenty of water and a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The walk is classed as not suitable for Olwyn or anyone else with any sense.

June 18 2006 Pinos de Valle

Sorry for not including this in the previous email.

Lecrin Limpers Walk Report for : Sunday 18 June 2006

Destination: top of valley ridge beside La Jara(1365m) behind/above Pinos de Valle

By the arranged rendezvous time at the lavadero top of Pinos (actually in use at the time by a local senora) 7 of us had mustered: Graham & myself along with 5 chicas

Josette; Liz; Margaret; Pat&Val- oh yes and Rudie/Rudy!(not a chica!)

A decision was made to attempt to go as far as possible along the initial campo access track, to the loop T-junction which almost proved to be achievable even for Josette’s car(Val driving!) We did not get quite as far as the loop T-junction aimed for, but still 20 mins into the route parking up about 20 mins walk short- but this seemed quite agreeable to everyone and the cars were safe ‘off road’!

At noon(2 hours later)we were having our well deserved ‘snap-snack’ from our knap-sacs and everyone was fine- no ill effects, in fact the consensus was how agreeable/interesting and pleasant the walk had been- so far! The valley lower down was ablaze with large amounts of vivid pink oleander- then higher up lots & lots of rich yellow santanilla(?)- a favourite flower of Salvador Dali, we were informed by Graham, which he always had throughout his house in Port Lligat(way up north in Catalonia);masses of butterflys and an unknown by us, double-tailed type of “dragon-fly”! Fascinating!

The weather was very kind; plenty of mixed cloud, bit threatening for a while but it missed us, and that characteristic cool breeze at times- just when you needed it! The

sky did clear substantially on the way down/back and the temperature was rising as we descended- arriving back at the cars 4 hours & 10 mins from set-off!

Then it was off to tapas at Graham/Liz’s, via respective casas, to pick it up & it seemed for some- to change into their Sunday/Queeen’s Club best ...a great day! Al.

June 18th 2006 Dilar

Dear All

Our walk and picnic last Sunday to the Rio Dilar was a great success, Well can I rephrase that, the picnic was great, but there appeared to be a lack of motivation when it came to the walk, with 3 members giving up on the walk after 100 meters when the first picnic tables appeared and the rest of the group turning back at various places along the route. I think the problem was, that there was a lot of mistrust amongst the walkers. That the game keepers left in charge of looking after the food would turn into poachers,.and there would be nothing left if they stayed away too long. But everyone enjoyed themselves and no one fell in the river which was a first in itself.

The walk this Sunday the 18th June is a walk above Pinos del Valle, It is a linear walk up a very pleasant valley along a campo road, being linear you can return to your car whenever the fancy takes you. The gradient is slightly uphill and should not pose a problem for anyone. The after walk tapa club will meet at Liz and Grahams house in Chite after the walk. The walk this week is brought to you courteously of Graham and Alan.

Meet at the Lavadaro at the top of Pinos del Valle 9.30.

Regards

Dilar

Dear Limper

The walk this coming Sunday is a nice gentle affair with a return to the Rio Dilar. I know some of us were only up there a couple of weeks ago but most of us were tired on the return down the valley could not enjoy the beauty of the area and a number of folks could not make the walk anyway, So it has been decided that we should return with sandals so we can paddle in the water, walk as far as you want to go, up a very pleasant virtually flat valley then we all meet up some where near the car park for a big happy families picnic by the side of the river. There are tables and chairs there but if you want to bring along more comfortable chairs you should not have to carry them too far from the cars. The walk is classed suitable for Olwyn.

Meet at the acropolis bar Mondujar 10.30

28th May 2006 Dilar

Dear Limper

We had the first of the hot weather walks on Sunday when we returned to Dilar. The walk was advertised as suitable for all abilities with the intention that we would follow the river up the valley and return via the Boca de la Pesca, with the strollers amongst us turning back when they wanted. But with the temperatures expected to reach 32 degrees and everyone looking fighting fit, it was decided to get the hard part over at the start by climbing the 1000 ft ascent up Boca de la Pesca. This track takes no prisoners and everyone was relieved when they arrived at the top, There was no takers to the suggestion that we should go to the summit a further 300 foot of ascent. From this point the path runs level all the way around to the car park at Cerro de Sevilla before it descends back down to the Rio Dilar. Lunch was taken under a full services pine tree that provided comfortable seating and wonderful shade. Given the option I think the group would have stayed there till evening because it wasn't until you left the shade that you realised how hot it had got. The return path in the valley was very refreshing due to the 10 crossings of the Rio by way of stepping stones or in places wading in the water. At one point the Dutch tried to start hostilities again by kicking water about, not wanting the situation to get out of hand I had to jump into the river and remonstrate with him. The hostilities were settled and 2 people continued the journey with wet trousers.

At the bar by the car park Githa demonstrated her technique of attracting the waiters attention. I must say that no matter how I try I don't think that it will ever work for me. But there again I suppose it might depend on what type of bar I go to.

Finally we made it to Paco's bar in Cozvijar and even though we arrived in the dead zone he was more than willing to put a good spread on for us.

There is no planned walk this coming Sunday, the 4th of June, instead to celebrate Graham's, Arthur's, Alan's, Olwyn's and Chris's birthday we have decided to hold a big birthday bash round at Arthur's house on the Sunday. As this coincides with the Chite Fiesta we can look forward to Paella, Fireworks, music and all night dancing. The usual rules apply (no tapa and drink, no entry). Graham is on the door to make sure you bring enough. Meet at Arthur's house around 2pm.

28th May 2006 Monachil

Dear All

Our outing this last weekend took us back to everyone's favourite destination of Monachil, but this time we were not out to enjoy ourselves. The four selfless souls were on a mission, to boldly go where no limper had gone before, to discover new tracks and distant hillsides, So on a bright sunny morning 4 men and a dog set off heading for the halfway point where we normally turn back and cross the river for the return journey. But this time we were doing the walk in the reverse direction and instead of turning around we headed up the hillside following the signs for Hoya Romero which after quite a steep climb eventually brought us out in a large daisy filled pasture. Congratulating ourselves that the worst of the climbing was over we all heartily tucked into our snap, The walk had not resumed for more than a few minutes when a decision had to be made, did we head downhill and back to the bar and the car, or uphill and away from the bar and the car. A vote was taken and on a showing of hands and paws the majority verdict was to head uphill. For anyone thinking of doing this new route don't be tempted to eat your sandwiches in the pleasant daisy filled pasture, save them for another half hour when you have finished the steep climb. A further uphill section can be taken to Fuente Frio, but due to the increasingly hostile remarks emanating from the lower ranks it was decided to head downhill and back to the car. The path returns you back to Monachil by way of quite a long and steep descent. We were all looking forward to a nice cool beer in the little bar by the car park, so you can all imagine our disappointment when we saw the little sign saying closed for 1st communion, but one thing about Spain there is always another bar around the corner. This one by the bridge in Monachil was serving iced cold beer. Whilst the walk was enjoyable I consider that the original walk can't be beaten. On our return to the valley we all went to Bob and Githa's for tapa and a delicious birthday cake for Graham.

The walk this coming Sunday the 28th is up the Rio Dillar (river conditions permitting). The planned walk is suitable for all abilities because it can be done in 2 parts with the easy group doing a moderately level linear walk turning around and going back whenever they want and the hard group continuing and coming back via the Bocca de la Pesca. The walk is highly recommended not only because of the stunning scenery but also because we hope Bob will re-enact his falling in the river trick that he performed last time we went up here. Afterwards the tapa club will convene at Jose's bar in Cozvijar. Please meet at the Acropolis bar in Mondujcar 9 am.

Notes for the walk the path crosses the river about 5 times using stepping stones so sometimes wet feet are unavoidable.

21st May 2006 Sierra De Huetor

Yo Limpers, Dis is da Al taking over for da week.

Lecrin Limpers Walk …. Sunday 14 May ’06

Leaving the valley in its misty mire, 7 intrepid Limpers had the most delightful of walks, in the Sierra de Huetor Parque Natural for approx 3 hours.

We were of course so disappointed & dismayed to learn at the last minute that Stuart & Olwyn, would not be able to make it-despite the coolbox being ready & packed with a host of picnic goodies- seems urgent attention was required due to a pre-breakfast crisis in’t casa! But we survived- life limps on regardless!

It would seem everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience- a veritable botanical

bonanza(again!)- especially, if like me, you’ve never seen a wild peony before this week- the area was rife with them and ‘Broken-Wing’ was beside himself, stopping

us every 20m to view yet another ….. wild orchid!!

Refreshment & a well deserved sitdown was at the Cuevas del Aguas, complete with viewing area/panoramic poster of the view to the Sierra Nevada, but alas, only a snowy glimmer of their glory was possible due to the heat haze!

Somewhat later we descended to an idyllic daisy-carpeted ‘Sound of Music’area just below a rocky outcrop with a cross on top(Penon de Viznar). This was a cue for a Broken-Wing photo op, with the cross- so Graham & Al did their ‘boy-thing’ up to the cross, while the rest took their ease in the warmth of the sunshine. On our return- Liz, Josette, Pat & Val were having a natter(as you do)while 30m away lay

a body stretched out on its bed of daisies- the artful daisy-dodger taking the rays!

An hour later back at the Visitor’s Centre(well worth an extended viewing at a later date)cars were collected and we hightailed it back to Chite for some well-earned tapas at the Masonic Lodge, where peace & tranquility had been restored amongst the guests - there was now hot water!!

Remember the old slogan: “clunk-klic every trip”- well Mark might just tell you about it sometime, if you buy him a beer-unfortunately Mark & Haley did not show for tapas, we assume far too busy on that house- this is worrying: a cautionary word

Haley-all work, everyday & no walking play is gonna make Mark a very dull boy!

Then just as we thought all dramas were over for the day-the artful daisy-dodger, dashes off with the remains of his trifle, still fair dues, we had it coming to us when someone had mentioned ‘you don’t make trifle with jelly’! The end of a lovely day!

PS A day later, what do I find? In the latest Where2 the ‘Nature Notes’ from Jean & Terry was nearly all about …. wild peonies! Seems there are 2 poss species, but we were probably seeing Paeonia Coriacea, or Rosa Maldita in Spanish … bueno!

Regards Editor of the week Alan

The walk this Sunday the 21st May takes us back to Monachil, I know it is only a couple of weeks since we were last there but there are a number of footpaths in the area that we have never walked, and so it is about time that we found out where they go. Because we will be covering new ground we can't say what the walk will be like either in length or the gradients involved. If you want to join us on the expedition please meet at the Acropolis bar in Mondujar 9am Sunday morning. The tapa club will be held later at Casa Girasol (Bob and Githa's (look for the windmills)) in Mondujar.

Thank you Al for taking over as the Limp Leader, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the walk.

Regards Stuart

14th May 2006 Monachil gorge

Yo Limper

Well after a bit of a damp week the weather settled down for the weekend enabling us, finally, to get to Monachil, and once again experience what must be one of the finest walks in Spain. For a long time members have kept asking how far this or that walk is, and the answer has always been 'well its about this or that'. So it was with great excitement this weekend that we set off on the Monachil gorge walk with Haley and her new pedometer, with the sure knowledge that finally our 'this or that' estimates would be accurate. Sadly I have to report that the reading we ended up with was 2. We were unable to make this fit with any of our previous 'this or that' estimates, it later transpired that she had been carrying the pedometer in her rucksack, which may have contributed to the error. In an effort to boost member numbers we have now resorted to picking up strangers on route. We had not been walking long before a young French lady caught us up, and after exchanging the usual Anglo /Franco pleasantries she decided to join our group. I had no idea that we could all be so charming. She was on holiday with 13 friends who had set off to cycle to the ski resort.I think the walk was classified as the easy option. The group finally made it back to the Bar in Monachil for a well earned cool drink before returning to Josette's house in Chite for tapa, once again thanks everyone for putting on a good spread.

A note must be made of the unruly behaviour of Mr Arthur Howells who insisted of jumping up and down on the swing bridges, anymore of that kind of thing and he will be getting a letter.

The walk this coming Sunday, the 14th May, is to the Huetor National Park to the North East of Granada on the Guadix road. For anybody who has not been here, the park is very interesting with a large forested area and good views over the Sierra Nevada. The idea is that we meet in Niguelas at 9.45 and then drive to the Park meeting Bob and Githa along the way. I won't bother you with the logistical nightmare that will now take place with the cars, enough say that the logistics manager will have sleepless nights working this one out. The walk itself is about 7km through pine forest mainly level or down hill but nothing too steep. Classed suitable for Olwyn

The tapa club will then convene back at the Masonic Lodge in Chite.

Notes of the week

They are now trying to fill the new dam it is called "Rules Dam" but it now appears they have not put in any pipes, so even if they manage to fill it nobody can use it. They reckon it will take at least another 5 years before they can start to use it.

The Sunday Granada market is said to be shut now until the summer, when it will reopen on a new site.

Walk 7th May 2006 Guajar Faraguit

Dear Limper

Our outing last Sunday to Guajar Faraguit went ahead as planned in glorious sunshine. The logistics of getting the right cars in the right places at the right time, was a nightmare and a considerable amount of beer was drunk whilst trying to solve the problem. In the end Liz was appointed Logistics manager when she came up with a brilliantly simple plan, Liz was not drinking that day. The walk follows an old trail from Faraguit to Alto on the hillside looking down into the gorge and whilst the views are always fabulous, it was the variety of wild flowers that made this walk so stunning. I had never realised before the wide diversity of knowledge that the Limpers posess and it was a delight to walk with Arthur Titchmarch Howells who had a name for all the horticultural specimens we passed. He should write his knowledge down in a book, because the botanical names that rolled of the tip of his silver tongue are nothing like any wild flower book I have read. We must have found an entire hillside of undocumented flowers.

The only problem with this walk is that when Guajar Alto comes into view and your mouth begins to anticipate the taste of the amber nectar passing your lips the path suddenly veers away up hill and you know it will be another hour before your thirst is satisfied, but never mind the thought of lunch at Comidas Carmen is enough to drive any flagging spirits. The meal was up to it's usual high standard which effectively meant eating and drinking as much as you want for 12 euros.

The walk this coming Sunday is the Monachil gorge walk postponed from a couple of weeks back, the walk takes about 2.5 hours and is classed suitable for Olwyn. Meet at the carpark in Niguelas 9.30. Tapa will be held at Josettes house in Chite afterwards.

Pat and Val have started a small catering business from their home in Chite offering vegetarian Curries on a Friday night, Pre bookings only by phoning 958788944. We sampled the menu and the surroundings on Friday evening and found both to be delightful.

Finally on Tuesday evening there was the most spectacular storm I have ever witnessed, with the hills on either side of the valley constantly bathed in lightening strikes for nearly a hour this was accompanied with torrential rain which appears to have caused havoc from Granada to Malaga.

We look forward to welcoming you all on Sunday.

Super Mario

Dear Limper

With two limper outings and an A team expedition it has been a busy week.

First off the A team went looking for new walks above Cumbres Verde and came back with a wonderful, if a little strenuous, stroll of about 5 hours. The walk sets off from the car park at Cerro de Sevilla and at Puerte de los siete Ojos (the bridge of the seven eyes) sets off up the very steep path towards Pico de la Carne. Not a very auspicious start to a walk for a vegetarian. After about 15 minutes of climbing with the heart, lungs, and legs all complaining we took a well earned breather. So it was a surprise to see a hombre Espanola of similar vintage coming strolling up the path in shorts and a T shirt, at this point we were still wearing fleece's. In an effort to maintain the macho image of the A team we set off on his tail but we were soon left eating dust as he disappeared over the next ridge. So it was a surprise some one hour later as we sat eating our snap to see Super Mario come strolling along the path, and it was another surprise some one hour later, and a few kilometres down the track, that Mario once again made an appearance from behind us. I don't know what route he was following but it was certainly different to ours. At the next meeting it was us who sneaked up behind him as he replenished his water at the Fuente Frio spring. As a finale to the walk we checked out the restaurant Mervidero just below the car park at Cerro de Sevilla, you can guess who we met. The walk is very good and affords excellent views of the Sierra Nevada and Granada.

Our second outing of the week was to the Semana Santa parade in Padul on Good Friday. This got off to the usual start as we sampled the cerveza and tapa on offer in a local bar before proceeding to watch the parade, unfortunately the rain that had been promised did arrive, and the sedate procession that normally passes at a snail's pace was put on steroids with the floats high tailing it back to base and the spectators heading for the nearest bar. We returned to the bar where we had started from and proceeded to eat them out of tapa. A good night was had by all, we finally made it to bed around 2 am.

The walk on Sunday was up the Pica Lopera and twelve members turned up to experience the delights of this walk, which starts from the Suspiro del moro to Otura road, for anyone who has not gone down this route for a while, can I suggest you give it a miss until they surface the first twelve kilometres of the new route. The rain that had marred the Good Friday celebrations was held at bay and we had a good walk, The only downside was that Max, whilst trying to supplement his diet that Githa has put him on, ate a dead bird which made him violently ill, and necessitated him having to visit the vets in Granada. The last news we had is that he is OK. The tapa club reconvened at Pacos bar in Cozvijar.

The walk this coming Sunday the 23rd of April is up the Monachil gorge, the walks takes about two and half hours and follows the Rio Monachil which it crosses 3 times on rope bridges. The route is well graded and is classed suitable for Olwyn. The tapa club will take place at Colin and Lesley's house in Monachil. There are two reasons for this, the first is that they live there so it is very convenient, the second is, they have a large number of heavy tiles they want to get rid off, and Pat and Val have very kindly offered to take them off their hands, so they need as many cars as possible to make the trip to Monachil to help fetch them. Meet at the car park in Niguleas at 9.30 bring your tapa.