Pico Lopera

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Dear Limper
We had an excellent turnout today for a walk, that had been advertised as having spectacular views, and particularly views of Africa. So it was with a sinking feeling in my heart that I and 14 other brave and intrepid walkers set off for the summit of Pico Lopera. Our only hope that the views would materialise, was that the gale force wind would blow away the fog, that was swirling around us. One advantage of the fog was, because you could not see the objective of the walk we did not receive the usual cries of "Oh my God, we are not going all the way up there, are we?". Surprisingly for the altitude you climb and the height you attain, the walk is very easy. While the cloud base did slowly became higher, it was not fast enough to ensure the dramatic vistas we had hoped for, and we arrived at the summit watch tower still surrounded by fog. A quick picnic stop was taken, as we huddled around the watch tower like Penguins in an Antarctic winter. We had only just left the summit, for the way down, when the clouds suddenly cleared, and we were rewarded with spectacular views in all directions, with Ken claiming he could see table top mountain in South Africa ( I don't know where he learnt to make such exaggerated claims). The billed highlight of the day was lunch at the Bar Venta de Fraille. So excited was Arturo, about having a peppered steak, he had gone to the trouble of vesting the bar, the day before, and having another one, just to make sure it was up to standard. Even though the weather conditions were not ideal, the day was enjoyable and at least it blew the cob webs away.
The walk this coming Sunday the 25th of February is from Pinos del Valle and depending on the weather conditions will either take in the Hermitage, or take a lower level route through the Almond blossom. A decision will be made at the departure point on Sunday morning. Neither route is difficult, with both walks setting off in the same direction towards Guajar Faraguit, before the former turns and heads up hill, and the latter heads down hill. Both eventually return to the starting point, after wandering around various tracks on the hill side.
Afterwards tapa will be taken at the Masonic Lodge in Chite.
If you want to go on the walk meet at the top of Pinos Del Valle by the outdoor Laverdero on the Restabal road at 10 am.

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