16 February 2014 Albunñuelas Almond blossom walk

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With the Almond blossom now it full swing it was time to do our annual walk around Albunúelas.
Last year there was a bit of trouble, when Cees and Conchi got us barred from drinking in the bars of Albunúelas, so this year I thought it was better if we left them both at home, and also to start the walk from Saleres. I didn’t want the Limper´s tattered reputation damaging further, and some in the group have to live in the village.
It was raining at 7 am on Sunday morning, but the tea leaves were predicting that the conditions would improve from 9am, but I was still surprised to find we had a group of 22 blossom hunters ready and waiting.
We set off from Saleres on the GR7, this is a wonderful track that meanders through the campo amongst the Oranges, Olives and delicious looking vegetables. The only downside is, as you approach Albunúelas, someone has decided to replace the footpath with a concrete road. I appreciate we are living in the 21st century, and the farmers need vehicle access to their farms now they no longer have mules, but it was a fantastic path before. Now you expect to see juggernauts thundering around the corner.
I always have trouble in Albunúelas with all the little alleyways and ginnels that lead in all directions but fortunately we had Rene with us, a local girl with the knowledge. She led us up hill and down dale on little, unknown tracks until, finally, we arrived at the far end of the village, avoiding all the bars along the way.
Continuing along the GR7 we dropped down to and crossed the Rio Santo. The hardest part of the walk follows as you have to climb the 200 metres up to the plateau. We stopped here for our late breakfast/early lunch break.
So far the weather had been cloudy and fine but now the sun started to poke through the clouds, giving us good views over our valley and Caballo. The walk now starts the long descent back into  Saleres.
Back amongst the Orange trees Mike could not resist testing one. From the look on his face I think we could describe it as sour, 50 million Oranges to choose from and he gets the eye watering, mouth curdling one. It was a pity, because the one I had was delicious, a Delmonte moment. Arriving back at the cars it was decided to go on to Puerta del Valle in Melegis for light refreshments.
A very pleasant walk with plenty of Almond blossom          

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