Thursday 27 December 2007

Waterfall Walk




Part way along our valley walk is a beautiful diversion that doubles back along the course of the stream.




Running well at this time of year, it flows between crystal clear rock pools and waterfalls as it makes its way towards the font, where visitors can fill their water bottles with fresh, chilled mountain water.



The footpath is signposted with the familiar green and white painted flashes that confirm that you are still on the Ruta d’Agua trail.



The path is tricky, having to cross and re-cross the water using whatever stepping stones that can be found, and care needs to be taken to avoid a soaking! Except for those who want a dip in the very cold and refreshing pools…..



You can always rely on Antony! :-)

What - No Sunshine?



Mark, Steph, James and Sam joined by Antony paid us a return visit for the Christmas period. Now, we do say that this area is blessed with over 300 days a year of sunshine, sadly this period, with the exception of Christmas Day, formed part of the other 60 days!




However the weather was not to spoil things and proved no obstacle to the superb walks that we have been telling everyone about. We all walked up the mountains behind our village (all except Antony who used the opportunity to train, prior to his joining the Royal Marines, by RUNNING all the way up the mountain!).




Even though the top of the mountains were in the clouds the views were still worth the effort and spirits were not dampened as we continued to the next village of Terrateig and back via the cami roads (lanes) to Montichelvo.


A special treat at this time of year is to eat freshly picked oranges along the way – NOTHING tastes quite as refreshing I can assure you.



Click on any photo for a larger version.

Christmas Day at Casa Blanca Rural

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Mark had a desire to take a swim in the sea on Christmas Day and luckily for him the weather broke and we were all treated to a glorious sunny day.



Gandia Grau was to be the venue for the swim and Mark was joined by James and Antony to brave the waves.



Those with more common sense looked on and took photos….



The water was, by all accounts, remarkably warm and after quite some time we adjourned to a local bar and sat in the warm sunshine to enjoy a cool beer or nice hot coffee as required!