13 Feb 2012 – Gata to Soldates

Having missed last week’s walk due to Jan being ill, we were delighted to be able to join this week’s walk from Gata to Soldates.   It’s almost two years since we last did this walk, and we were really looking forward to doing it again

We met in the centre of Gata and walked along the very impressive promenade along the side of the river.

Despite the sun, it was again a very cold morning, particularly when shaded from the warm sun.   But no sign of rain or grey skies, and we were soon warming up as the walk got going.

The first part of the walk is on good paths and very level.  Lots of time to chat and catch up on everyone’s news.

And then we reach Soldates.   It’s a very steep climb to the top, though the track is quite good.   One of those walks where everyone goes at their own pace, and meet at the top.

The climb does not seem to have bothered Jackie or Rosemary too much

It’s often too hot to stop at the top for too long, but that was not a problem.   It was not as windy as expected, so quite pleasant to recover in the sun before we set off again.

Wendy with her famous red hot – of which enough said!

Then it was off downhill on the way to our lunch stop

Again we found a little sun trap for lunch.   We always stop here, and there is both shade on hot days and shelter from the wind on cooler ones.

Jan gets lunch organised.

Pauline lives on the outskirts of Gata.  She used to be a regular walker with the group, but has not done so for some time.  We were delighted to find her at home, and we stopped for a chat.   Lovely to see her looking so well and enjoying life.

20 February 2012

Next week we will attempt to walk Carrascal.  Our previous three attempts have all been cancelled due to rain, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be ok next week.

We will meet at the Piscina in Parcent at 0930.   The earlier start is to allow us to take cars up to the Col de Rates to save us walking back down to the Piscina at the end of the walk.

We need a clear, and preferably sunny, day for this walk.   If the weather lets us down again  we will do a shorter walk from Pedreguer instead.   I will ring on Monday morning before 0830 is the walk is cancelled