Walk 4th November 2007

Dear all

Our outing this week was not the usual walk, it was more of a ramble in the forest around Pico Lopera, because this week we went hunting for mushrooms. It was obviously a group of mixed hunting abilities because some managed to bag a bag full, whilst others went home empty handed, We certainly chose the right place to be weather wise because the Lecrin Valley was blanketed in cloud most of the day, whilst we were under blues skies and warm sunshine. Sandie was awarded first prize for best selection of setas. We managed to loose Bianca and Antonio in the forest somewhere, as this was a free forage exercise we had no back marker to sweep up the stragglers and when they failed to turn up at the rendevouz point we decided to adjourn to the nearest bar, after a few drinks we forgot all about them and went back to Chite for tapa. If anyone is over that way this week and manages to spot them can you tell them we went home and we will see them next Sunday.

Our walk this next Sunday the 4th November is to the Sierra Mecrina in the Alpujarras, the walk starts in Fondales and involves 400 meters off ascent and descent, the ascent is not difficult as it is done over about 2 km. The descent is spectacular as it appears to go down a vertical drop. How anyone thought to put a footpath here is beyond me, but it works and it is not too difficult, the guide book says the walk is 9km and takes 3 hours, 4 hours sounds more like it, plus stops. The tapa is at Margarets house in Murchas, as it is around Bonfire night and Halloween can tapa be based on this kind of food. For our Spanish friends Bonfire night is the one night of the year when the Brits are allowed to set fire works off. We do this to celebrate the fact that a terrorist tried to blow the government up in 1605, unfortunately he failed and we have been stuck with idiots ever since.

Walk 28th October 2007

Dear all

Our walk on Sunday was a return to the old favorite "Monachil" and what a beautiful walk it was, lovely warm sunshine and deep blue skies, you can´t beat it! Monachil is always a popular walk due to its stunning gorge and the swinging rope bridges and Sunday was no exception with 18 turning out for the walk. It must have been national walk the gorge week because I have never seen so many people out for a walk, it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. Or maybe it was a chance to star in the latest film from Nick nic productions that was being filmed, there were hundreds of Tom Cruz and Angelina Jolie lookalikes all looking for leading rolls. Annie took it upon herself to interview a number of the male actors and at one point the hussy was caught inspecting his nuts, and Elsa had a star part falling off a ledge into the river. Afterwards we returned to Chite and Rob and Sandies house for tapa, where this week the Veggies had a field day with a total meat free tapa, well done everyone.

Our excursion this coming Sunday is a Mushroom hunt, so bring a knife and something to carry them in, the walk is not difficult as most of the time will be spent foraging in the undergrowth, no guarantees are given as to what we may find and even though Quina can advise you on what is suitable to eat, no claims for death, poisoning or injury will be accepted.

If you want to go on the walk meet in the car park in Nigúelas at 9am (Don´t forget to put your clocks back Saturday night) for the mystery drive to the secret Setas venue, everyone including drivers must wear blindfolds. Afterwards tapa is at our house in Chite.

For Sale

Used once 1 pair of hiking boots size five and half (pink) apply Haley Bellwood

Walk 21st October 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear Limper

What a hectic day Sunday turned out to be, first we had our walk in the morning from Marchena which attracted 20 keen and eager walkers, the walk had two objectives the first was to check out the state of the forest road after the storms, no serious problems found on the section we walked, the second was to check if the Seta (Mushroom) season had started yet. We found some Setas but as they were already in someone’s basket, and as we had a member of the Granada National police with us, we thought it best not to take them. The walk was a linear one as we did not have time to make it into a circular one, and so after stopping at the Ermita Vieja for a quick snack we returned the way we had come. The reason why we were so short of time was that we had to attend the film Premier of the “The Rock” This is a major new film that is going out on General release this week. The stars of the show can be seen by following the link

http://picasaweb.google.com/holidaysingranada/TheRock The film was a fly on the wall documentary made entirely on location in Andalusia. So successful was the screening on Sunday the production company has been asked to make another 6 copies of the DVD and to produce another film, and filming for this will take place this coming Sunday in Monochil. Thank you to John and Sandra for hosting the tapa and screening the film. A big thank you to Nick nic and Elsa for making the film, it was very funny.

If you want to go on the walk on Sunday meet in the car park in Nigúleas at 9am for the drive to Monochil where we should arrive about 9.45. The walk normally takes about 2.5 hours but due to filming may take a little longer, so please if you have a walk on part in the film please get it right first time, and ladies please don’t bring your hairdresser along as we all know they are drama queens and will want to take a leading roll. Tapa will be held at Sandie and Rob´s house in Chite after the walk.

The photo shows Veronica, Polly, Sandie, Carol, Stella, Elsa, Ken, Mel, Nick nic, Quina, John, Annie, Pepper, Nick, Jose, Peter, Angel, Rob.

Walk 23rd September 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear All

Our walk last Sunday the 16th has always been amongst my favourites, and every time we return here some else adds the comment “the best walk I have ever done” so if you could not make it this time, make sure you look out for “Huétor parque natual” the next time it comes around. The conditions were perfect, blue sky, T shirt warm but not too hot, what more could we ask for. There were a few grumbles on the couple of places where the path got a bit steeper, but nothing I could not ignore, knowing full well once they got to the top, and saw the views the pain would soon be forgotten. Part of the group claimed to have seen a 2ft Lizard, mind you it was a bit like the old fishing story it got bigger with the telling and we have no photographic evidence to prove this. On our return to the valley we all went around to Gillian and Charlie’s house for tapa. A good day was enjoyed by all.

The walk this coming Sunday, the 23^rd September, is the walk from Lanjaron to Mondújar. It is about 11km long and takes about 4 hours, and involves climbing about 300 meters most of it within the first hour. Afterwards tapa will be held at Annie´s house in Mondújar.

If you want to go meet at the Acropolis bar Mondújar at 9am for the drive to Lanjaron, when we get back to Mondújar the drivers will have to return to Lanjaron (by car) to collect their vehicles. Numbers could well be down for this walk as half of the valley is returning to the UK this coming week.

A note for the diary, we are planning (subject to reasonable weather conditions) a 2 night away day on the 16^th October returning on the 19^th. The plan is that we walk from Capileria to the Refugio del Poqueire for a 2 night stay, there is a restaurant and bunk beds, bedding is provided. The second day is walking in the mountains and returning to the Refugio for the second night. The 3^rd day we return to Capileria and home. The walking will be hard and it could be quite cold, so cold and wet weather gear is required. Let me know if you want to go.

This week’s photos shows Carol, Sandie, Sandra, Charlie, Margaret, Annie, John, Rob, Gillian, Nick, Peter.

Walk 16th September 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear All

With the temperatures plummeting this week to the high 20s, it made a welcome change to be able to climb a hill without sweating too much. Our walk took us from Mondújar up to the GR7 Niguleas, Lanjaron path, about 1.5 hours of steady climbing through Pine and Olive woods. There must have been some misunderstanding in my last email about the state of the path. I had said the path up was good, I never mention the path down. and this caused a few grumbles as we made our way back via Mondújar castle. The path was a bit steep and stony in parts, obviously having suffered severe storm damage in the past 12 months, as in my minds eye it was of wonderfully path meandering by the side of waterfalls with nymphs dancing in the dappled sun light, how ones memory suffers with age. The trip to the castle was offered as an optional extra, and typically it was only the men and Sandy (who misunderstood that it was an option) who made the climb to what is reported to be the final resting place of either Boadils mother or wife. Either way it is worth the climb for the views of the Lecrin Valley. Somehow on this walk Alison was inadvertently christened the bitch. This is of cause deeply regretted, but the confusion arose when Ross reported that Damien, Alison and the Dog were behind him, obviously Alison had not heard the word "and" thought he had said Alison the dog was behind him. You know how we all strive not to offend anyone so please not another word about it, as she is a kind, sensitive and caring person.

On our return to Chite a wonderful tapa table was served, thank you once again to every one for producing the best food in the valley.

Our walk this Sunday the 16^th September is to Huétor parque natural on the Guadix side of Granada, it is not difficult and the paths are good, it climbs about 200 meters over something like 8 km. with one very short steep ascent (it is not a problem). The total length of the walk is 12 km and should take about 4.5 hours. If you are going, meet at the Acropolis in Mondujar at 9 am, we then have about an hours car journey to the start of the walk. We last did this walk on the 11^th of March.

Due to a change of plans we have no tapa arranged this week unless someone is willing to host it, if so let me know.

The photo shows the men and Sandy at Mondújar castle, with Alan carrying the cross.

Walk 9th September 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear Limper

Our Sunday outing last week was around Albunúelas, A walk we have done a number of times in the past, but it is nice and easy and a rest from the previous week’s excursion up Mulhacén. When we got back to Albunúelas we stopped off at the local bar for drink and tapa, and I appear to have upset a number of people with my suggestion that instead of just dividing the bill, you actually paid for what you had had, A fairer system all round, but hey ho you can’t please all of the people all of the time. The tapa was arranged at Ken and Joan’s house and what a wonderful spread we had. After last weeks email regarding the etiquette around the BBQ, it was good to see Alan in charge and maintaining the 3 meters female no go area. Thank you to the ladies for making the salads.

Our walk this Sunday the 9^th September starts off in Mondújar and goes up past the old Buddhist centre of La Penna before joining the GR7 path for a short distance and dropping back down to Mondújar castle and returning to our starting point. The walk is not hard but does involve climbing some 413 meters over about 1.5 hours on a good track. Tapa to be held at our house in Chite afterwards.

If you want to go meet at the Acropolis bar Mondújar at 9am.

The photo shows Nick, Arthur, Ken, Quinna, Andy, Carol, Alan, Sandy, John, Rob, Alison, Nick, Margaret, Deborah.

Walk 2nd September 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear Limper

Our walk on Sunday up Mulhacén necessitated a very early start, this was required because we had 11 places booked and paid for, on the mountain bus leaving Capileira at 8.30. So we met in Mondújar at 7 am and in the true Spanish tradition, we even had time for coffee before we met the bus and Paco, our Sierra Nevada interpretación guide. It was worth the 7.7€ bus fare just for the entertainment value of listening to Paco as he described in detail the flora and fauna of the Sierra Nevada. The bus service is a great way to get at Mulhacén as it saves some 1200 meters of ascent and 4 hours of walking, 8 hours if you also count the return journey. The bus drops you off at the Mirador de Trevélez and the first thing we all did was dig the fleece jackets out of the rucksacs. Little did we know we would be wishing we had brought another two by the time we got to the top. The path to the summit takes around 3 hours, it is not steep and normally would not cause anyone any difficulty, but at this altitude I think everyone felt 20 years older. A tail wind had followed us up the mountain and it was quite pleasant for the most part. The problem started on the last 50 meters of the walk when the forecasted 24 km, 15 degree wind, suddenly turned into a 124 km, 5 degree wind, forcing everyone to walk at an unaccustomed angle and try and seek shelter behind a wall, unfortunately no matter which side of the wall you sat the wind seemed to get at you. It was not long before the motion was proposed and passed that we should hightail it back down the mountain to warmer climates. With such a short time at the top and a very fast descent we found we had over an hour to wait for the bus, so now, with some warm sunshine and somewhere comfortable to lay, it was time for the entertainment to begin. It was now that the problems began for one little chappie, when we discovered that he had used his return bus ticket as a hanky. Can you imagine what fun this caused the group especially when he said he told Sandra he would do nothing to get his name in print. Fortunately, with everyone keeping quiet about the missing ticket (!!!!) we managed to smuggle him on board and get him safely off the mountain. Upon our return to Capileira we called into a bar for drinks and tapa before our return journey to the valley. A big thank you to Al for the sterling work he did at the back of the group encouraging and cajoling the tail enders. A special celebration certificate is available to anyone at the introductory price of 10 cents.

Our walk this coming Sunday, the 2^nd of September, is a circular walk around Albunúelas, and takes about 3 hours. There is a short steep hill to climb at the start but the walk is classed suitable for Olwyn. Tapa is arranged at Joan and Kens house in Albunúelas, bring your tapa with you, because we will drop it off before the start of the walk. Meet outside the Acropolis bar, Mondújar at 9am.

The photo shows Margaret, Alan, Alison, Little John, Andy, Rob, Sandy, Annie, Arthur, Simon

Have a good week

Stuart

Walk 26th August 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear all

To get over last weeks hard walk and to rest the group up in preparation for the attempt of the summit of Mulhacen, all we had arranged was a very easy stroll and a picnic, so a full turn out was expected. So it was slightly worrying when at the appointed meeting place and hour, there were at least 7 missing. From past experience we knew something terrible must have gone wrong, as they would never pass up on a picnic. Little John´s group had got delayed by a misplaced telephone request for a pickup. While they were correcting this, they came across Rob and Sandy, who some of you may know as Hanna, or Barbara, I thought it was only on the Costa del Sol, that people went under different names ! Rob and Sandy, who have had a difficult week with in-laws visiting them, decided to meet us some place where the rest of us weren’t. So setting off some 20 minutes late we headed off in the direction of the Alpujarras. This is an area that we all know well, there are big motorway signs to it, so it was a shock to discover that after only 3km we had lost Rob and (insert whatever name you know her by here) after some frantic phones calls they were discovered heading for the coast. They eventually rejoined the group as we approached the picnic spot at Puerta Palo above Cañar. The area is heavily forested giving plenty of shade and there is a good level path following an Acequia, what more can you ask for? After the walk we returned to the picnic spot for lunch. There was so much food that in the end we shared it with another group at another table who were eyeing it up enviously, they reciprocated our generosity by providing us with a mountain of fresh figs. The trouble is you can only eat so many figs when you are 50 miles away from a loo. A good day out even though all the cars had to go to the car wash after driving 30km on dusty forest tracks.

Our walk this Sunday the 26^th August is up Mulhacen, and I am sorry but if you have not booked your place on the bus, you can´t come. The arrangements are meet at the Acropolis bar in Mondújar at 7am for the drive to Capileira, if you are going direct meet at 8.15 am outside the tourist information office. Remember this is a high altitude walk, bring enough food and water for a 10 hour day, you also need boots, fleece, and waterproofs. Hopefully the rain forecast for this week is just wishful thinking on account of the weather man. If conditions are not suitable for the summit we will find an alternative high level route. Tickets for the bus have been bought and paid for. Can someone ring R and S as they don’t have an alarm clock. There is no tapas arranged, but there are plenty of bars in Capileira where we can call and get a drink. We plan to be back in the village around 7pm.

The photo shows Alan, Ken, Sandy, ,Margaret, ??? Ralph, ??? Pat, John, Gillian, Charley, Arthur, Rob, Quina, Nick, Sandra, Carol, Olwyn.

Have a good week

Walk 19th August 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear All

With an early start scheduled for this Sundays walk it was a pleasant surprise to find that 16 Limpers turned up for what promised to be a great days walking. Our walk up Veleta had been postponed a few weeks back due to strong winds which caused the cancellation of the chair lift, so it was with some relief when we arrived at the car park at Hoya de la Mora to find everything working normally. There are a number of ways that you can get to the summit of Veleta but our preferred option is to walk from the car park for about 1 hour to the upper ski resort allowing some time to acclimatise to the altitude, we then take the chair lift up another 300 meters which leaves us with another 300 meters to climb over a distance of about 3.5 km. The distance walked to get to the summit is only about 7 km but when you are unaccustomed to operating at this altitude it is far enough. So about two and half hours after leaving the car park 14 tired but very happy walkers reach the summit of Veleta (3396 meters). We lost 2 walkers along the way when they decided to turn back at the top of the chair lift. It was quite a pleasant change that in the middle of August we were all dressed in fleece and windproof jackets, hats, scarves and gloves. There were a number in the group who had wondered whether they were up to the challenge of Spain’s second’s highest mountain, I am pleased to report that they all preformed superbly and will be inscribed for ever in the limpers hall of fame. The way back is somewhat quicker because you can use short cuts that your legs and lungs refuse to use on the way up. On our return to the car park cool beers were obtained from the cafes before our return journey to the valley and tapa at Annie’s, where she had prepared a vegetarian curry. I still can not understand why the carnivores, who claim that they only ever eat meat, always dive into the veggie dishes first. Is it a fact that they are all closet vegetarians who secretly prefer the delicious dishes that are served up each week? Thanks to everyone for a great day out and a superb tapa party.

Our walk this coming Sunday the 19^th August is really just an excuse to have another picnic. The walk is only about 1 hour long following a Acequias that runs high up above Orgiva (high up = cool) there is plenty of shade but bring some fly repellent because of the nearby water. Meet outside the Acropolis bar in Mondújar at 10 am. We then drive to the picnic area near to Puerto Palo, which is about 10km along a forest trail, above Cañar in the Alpujarras (approx 1 hour drive). Bring the usual picnic things plus coffee if you want a drink before the start of the walk. Picnic time around 1 pm.

Important A note for the walk planned for Sunday 26^th August

We are planning to go up Mulhacen at 3479 meters, Spain’s highest mountain This is a full day out and a stunning walk. We leave the valley at 7am for the drive to Caplleira where we catch a mini bus up to the Mirador de Trevélez. From here the path climbs about 750 meters to the summit. The walking and the path are not difficult but remember that you are at high altitude and it takes about 3 hours to get to the top and 2 hours back to catch the bus at 4.15. before returning to the valley about 7.

Because we have to book tickets on the bus, if you want to go, please let us know before Friday 17^th the cost for the bus ticket is 7.70€. Booked tickets may have to be paid for whether you go or not. If the weather is not suitable for the summit an alternative high level walk will be offered.

Walk 12th August 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

A Limper family and friends day out is proposed for this coming Wednesday at the pool in Puntal, it`s suggested that we have a picnic so bring the usual tapa and beakers, knifes and forks. We have not been this year but last year there was a large shaded area with tables and chairs to have a picnic in. If you don´t know the way follow the Durcal bypass towards Padul, continue passed the 2 Padul turn offs, and just after Delgardos there is a blue iron walkway crossing the road turn right here. Cross the service road and go up in Puntal. Turn right and follow the road round, turn left at the sign to the restaurant and go down to the little roundabout opposite the restaurant and park around there. Walk up the road 30 metres and the entrance to the pool is on your right. There is loads of shade a really big pool and sun loungers.

Meet in the pool at 1.30.

Our walk this Sunday the 12 th August is our second attempt this year at the summit of Veleta, our previous attempt last month was called off due to high winds. The walk takes about 6 hours and while not over difficult terrain it can be classed as a hard walk because of the altitude. At 3396 meters Veleta is Spain´s second highest mountain. Conditions can be totally different from what you are used to at this time of the year, So make sure that you pack suitable equipment including a warm drink, food, plenty of water, boots, fleece, windproof, long trousers and some money. Hopefully the only things you will need are the food, drink and money. We drive to the car park above the Ski resort of Pradollano, this is as far as you can drive in a car but a mini bus can take you higher, but this is not our transport for today, we have something far more exciting. From the car park we follow the road up and around to the second ski station, where we catch a chair lift up the side of Veleta about 7€. It does not take us to the top but leaves us with about 1.5 hours of walking. Whilst the gradients are not steep the reduced oxygen levels at this altitude make the going a lot harder than in the valley. The advantage of this route is that if anybody finds the going too difficult you can turn around and make your way back fairly easily. Lunch will be at the top where extensive views from the mirador are first class, with only Mulhacen at 3479 metres blocking your view. Mulhacen will feature in the coming weeks but the walk is longer and harder, so check your performance out on Veleta first. Our return route is a bit quicker as we avoid the top section of the road and come down a steep little path back to the ski lift and the return walk back to the car park. Do not plan to pick water up on route, Veleta is a dry mountain. If we have to cancel the walk because of weather conditions an alternative venue will be offered.

On our return, Annie has offered her house in Mondújar for the tapa.

If you are going on the walk please meet in the car park in Nigúelas at 8am. Can someone ring Gillian about 7 to remind her.

The walk is not suitable for dogs.

Congratulations to Simon on completing the Granada/ Veleta run last Sunday 50km and 2646 metres of accent, if that was not bad enough he then had to walk back to the car park 11 km away carrying a slate commemorative plaque.

Josette has sent a copy of the pornographic Lorca poster, if any of you girls, are interested click on the attachment. If you did not manage to get to see the concert tickets are still available and it is worth every cent of the 20€ entrance fee. Ticket available at http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/lorcaygranada/

Walk 5th August 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear Limper

The weather over here has started to get warm with the mercury now hitting 38C or in old money 100F on a regular basis, and it was only the true ´´die hards´´ who chose to get out of bed for an early start this week. Our destination this week was Pica Lopera, A relatively easy walk with spectacular 360 degrees views from the 1800 meter summit. We had only been walking about 5 minutes when we discovered Annie had started collecting fir cones, after a bit of persuasion she did agree to leave them and collect them on the way back. Because of our early start we were at the top and having breakfast in a very pleasant breeze by 10 am. At this time of the year the fire watch tower on the top is manned, and the warden had even taken his dog and budgie up with him to keep him company, not expecting that anybody would be daft enough to walk up there in July. The advantage of an early start is that you can get into the bar sooner and so we high tailed back down hill and stopped at the conveniently situated bar in the car park. We could have parked in a number of places but only one place has a bar. After a couple of rounds and some decidedly non vegetarian tapa we set off back to Padul and Quina´s house for tapa. This week was a treat for the postre lovers with a total of 7 puddings on offer, what a pity Arthur was not there. Thank you to Quina for hosting and to everyone for providing the feast.

I am unable to go on next weeks walk due to prior commitments, so your guides will be Alan and John They have decided to do the Monachil walk, actually I think the walk is just an excuse for the carnivores to pig out at the Argentinean steak bar afterwards. The walk is not the full circular walk we normally do, but a foreshortened version that remains in the valley bottom avoiding the worst of the sun. If you want to go on the walk meet in the carpark in Nigüelas at 9am. Classification, walk easy, not suitable for Vegetarians.

Walks coming up

Veleta

Cañar picnic

Mulhacen

Have a good week

Stuart

The photo shows Annie with the fur cones she finally collected.

Walk 29th July 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear all

Today’s walk was bound to be popular, 10 am start, easy river walk and a picnic. What more could you ask for on a sunny Sunday morning. So the 19 Limpers set off for the short drive to the rio Dilar. For anybody who has never been before and for the ones making a return visit, this is a delightful steep sided valley with a river running beside the footpath. I know that for UK residents at the moment any river is to be avoided, but for the Limpers a river offers the opportunity to cool the feet down. The path keeps crossing the river by a series of stepping stones useful in the winter, but in the summer it is more fun just to wade across. Last week we sat by the side of a lake 2850 meters up Veleta, this week we walked in the river from the lake 2000 meters lower and it was wonderful .Because you have to retrace your steps, you can return at anytime you want. In an effort to keep some sort of order in the proceedings it was decided that the picnic would start at 2pm. This guaranteed that everyone was back in time even the ones who managed to find a bar. The large picnic table we had commandeered groaned under the weight of the delicious food placed upon it. After some 2 hours of eating and drinking, it was obviously too much for some of the group as a number were found to be taking siestas under the trees.

About a month ago whilst on another river walk a number of the group brushed past an innocuous looking plant, this resulted in some very nasty blistering and scarring. The picture shows the plant, be warned keep well away from it, we have only noticed it growing in very damp areas i.e. river banks. The effects are very similar to poison Ivy, more information about symptoms and treatment http://www.uspharmacist.com/index.asp?show=article&page=8_1281.htm

The walk this coming Sunday the 29^th July is the Pica Lopera walk. The last time we did this I made the comment that it should be possible to see Africa from the top, true to form you were unable to see your hand in front of your face. The walk takes about 3 hours and while it does climb some 200 meters it is not steep. If you want to go on the walk meet in Padul, where we usually meet just before the second set of traffic lights, at 7.45 am. Because Quina has offered to host the tapa party bring your tapa with you, and we can leave it in Quina´s house. The early start should mean that the walk will be finished by 12 am and as we start the walk opposite a bar we may well end up in said bar at the end of the walk, before going on to Quina´s for 2 pm.

I am sorry to hear that Chris has decided to leave the valley by the end of the year, and head off to SW France, the good news is that all his books are half price. The book shop will close on August 4th. Until then it will be open only Saturdays and Wednesdays (1030 to 1330) and everything is on sale at half price, including Twinings teas! We wish him good luck in his new country.

The picture shows this weeks walkers Josette, Deborah, Alan, Arantxa, Carol, Nick, Annie, John, Quina, Bob, Arthur, Olwyn, Ken, Joe, Margaret, Jilly, Gillian, and Sandra.

Walk 22nd July

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear all

On Sunday we awoke to a bright sunny morning, alleviating the fears we had during the week that the threatened cloud would cause us to cancel our long awaited walk up Veleta. Because this is quite a long day out with a an hours drive and a 5 hour walk, we could not afford to waste time hanging about for stragglers, this left at least one with a shiny pair of boots and no mountain to climb. When we arrived at our starting point for the walk at Hoya de Moro conditions were a little different from what we had left in the valley, there was a howling wind and temperatures that sent you scuttling for the fleece jackets, what a difference 2000 metres make. To further dampen our spirits there was no sign of the chair lifts operating which we were hoping to use to help us reach the summit of Veleta. After a hastily convened committee meeting it was decided to abandon the attempt on the summit and instead go and have a look at Embalse de lay Yegnas. This was an excellent idea because it brought us to a new unexplored area with snow and a proper grass field, before arriving at Yegnas and its icy cold water. At this point a special note has got to be made in the minutes. While I admit that it was windy and sometimes you felt like you were walking backwards, never before has a Limper turned back on a walk. This walk will be now known as the “windy Bob walk” Please note, do not confuse windy Bob with Dutch Bob. This was added to avoid any litigation. When we eventually all met up again at the car park we all had beer before returning to Chite for tapa. Most of us had a good day out and the summit can wait for another day.

Our walk this coming Sunday the 22^nd July, is more like a fun day out, An easy stroll in a wooded valley bottom criss crossing the river. You can do as much or as little as you want, because the main reason for going is for the picnic. We drive to the Rio Dilar and park in the large car park. If all you want to do is sit and watch the river go by, fine, if you want a paddle, fine, do what you want. Just be about when the picnic starts. There are picnic tables available but if you have a chair bring one with you. Usual tapa rules apply except bring a plate, knife and fork and a glass.

If you are going on the walk meet in the car park in Nigúelas at 10 am (9.50 for Gillian)

The photo shows Manolo, Pepa, and José, unknown German guy, I don’t know where he came from, Arthur, Alan hiding, Annie, windy Bob, and Quina. With the unconquered summit of Veleta in the background.

Walk 15th July 2007

Lecrin Valley Limper

Dear all

As predicted last week the transport arrangements this week were chaotic, I thought I was doing a reasonable job of organising everything when the blond said we needed a proper logistics manager. She promptly got in her car and set off in the wrong direction. At this point I must own up by saying I then committed a serious error, when I was bringing the drivers back from Izbor ,before the start of the walk, I missed the Pinos turn off and had to do a circuit back to Lecrin. I will also like to say that the blond trainee logistics manager committed the same error some 5 hours later, perhaps she will be able to apply for the job again at a later stage.

The walk was from Pinos del Valle to Izbor and our guides this week were Nick and Carol, this routes uses a series of tracks, paths, and short cuts as it twists and turns on the wooded hillside between the two villages. I started a new game that was soon taken up by Veronica and Rob, it involved finding a suitable section of the path that had loose stones scattered about, standing on them and watching in amazement as your feet disappeared from underneath you.

While the walk was only 4 hours long I think it was with relief that the 16 walkers eventually stumbled into the Casa Blanca bar in Izbor, where suitable refreshment was served.

On our return to Chite we had tapa at Rob and Sandy´s new house and once again a wide and varied selection of delicious food was on offer. Sandy had a full time job showing people around, it was a bit like the Alhambra palace tours with timed tickets.

Our walk this Sunday the 15^th July is Veleta. The walk takes about 6 hours and while not over difficult terrain it can be classed as a hard walk because of the altitude. At 3396 meters Veleta is Spain´s second highest mountain. Conditions can be totally different from what you are used to at this time of the year, So make sure that you pack suitable equipment including a warm drink, food, plenty of water, boots, fleece, windproof, long trousers and some money. Hopefully the only things you will need are the food, drink and money. We drive to the car park above the Ski resort of Pradollano, this is as far as you can drive in a car but a mini bus can take you higher, but this is not our transport for today, we have something far more exciting. From the car park we follow the road up and around to the second ski station, where we catch a chair lift up the side of Veleta. It does not take us to the top but leaves us with about 1.5 hours of walking. Whilst the gradients are not steep the reduced oxygen levels at this altitude make the going a lot harder than in the valley. The advantage of this route is that if anybody finds the going too difficult you can turn around and make your way back fairly easily. Lunch will be at the top where extensive views from the mirador are first class, with only Mulhacen at 3479 meters blocking your view. Mulhacen will feature in the coming weeks but the walk is longer and harder, so check your performance out on Veleta first. Our return route is a bit quicker as we avoid the top section of the road and come down quite a steep little path back to the ski lift and the return walk back to the car park. Do not plan to pick water up on route, Veleta is a dry mountain.

On our return to Chite tapa will be held at our house.

If you are going on the walk please meet outside the Acropolis bar Mondújar at 8am

The walk is not suitable for dogs.

Have a good week and we hope to see you on Sunday

Stuart