Vista Verde Trails

Another summer begins

2010-06-16T01:56:00.000-07:00

It has been a pretty busy month since my last post. Paul’s recovery from his Vuelta Espuna day is finally complete and any pain issues he had have vanished enough for him to talk of entering next years event! We finished the season with some cracking summits of both Pedro Lopez and Alhama de Moron as well as a lovely walk below el Bosque.
With the walking season over for VistaVerdeTrails in Spain, we have decamped to the UK so Paul can avoid the 40+ temps we had throughout out July and August last year. We hope to get in some walking as we visit the South Downs, Derbyshire and Devon/Cornwall so we will keep you posted on our exploits.
When we return we have a few new routes to try and are working on setting up a walking club for those of you that live in Spain or who visit regularly……….so watch this space, visit our website www.visivetdetrails.com or check out our face book page as more details will appear there as we develop the club.
For those of you who are not lucky enough to live in our beautiful part of the world, you can still come and experience a little of the walking Spain and in particularly the Sierra Espuna and surrounding areas has to offer by booking your VistaVerdeTrails walking holiday. We offer various options to suit all budgets from Self Catering to 4*, full board, accommodation for more details go to www.vistaverdetrails.com/?Accommodation .
Whilst we are away, sadly we will miss lots of the summer fiestas, but for those of you in Spain or those visiting, remember to check out www.simplynetworking.es for your what’s on guide to the region of Murcia. It provides great information about what’s going on, how to get there and what time it all starts (but remember, this is Spain and just because they say it starts at 9pm doesn’t always mean it will ;0)
I’ll leave it there for now and look forward to the Birling gap, Seven Sisters and the South Downs our first stops in the South East of England!

Vuelta de Sierra Espuna 2010

2010-05-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

I just don’t know where the days/ weeks/ months go. It’s been ages since my last post, yet it seems like just the other day.
Since the last time I wrote Paul has indeed completed the 2nd years event “Vuelta de Espuña“. This event is organised by the Totana walking club. The inaugural event was last year, but after it’s two successful outings, looks set to become a fixture in their walking calendar.
This years route was some 60 km (approx. 36 miles) and had a cumulative drop of some 4400 vertical meters.122 participants started the walk. Not only was this a demanding distance over some hilly terrain, the participants were also required to maintain a minimum rate required by the organizers of 4.5 km / hr.
It all started when the alarm went off at 4am (I thought the Spanish only did that hour when partying into the early hours) Paul & I (in sympathy) got up and Paul made his way to the pick up point for 5am. From here a coach took the participants to the start point at Casas Nuevas .
At about 7am, they were off. It was billed as a walk not a race, the only rule being you couldn’t overtake the lead guide. However there were 5 of them undertaking a stage each and most of the participants were in light weight gear with only bum bags (so I think they were seeing who could go fastest!)
Before long it became clear that this was going to be tough…..Paul had met up with the only other English participants somewhere near the start and they stayed together until the finish line laughing, joking and generally jollying each other along. The weather, which had looked like being hot, although some cloud was forecast, turned out to be a real mixed bag with mist, sun, with highs in the mid 20’s and a hail & thunderstorm in the afternoon. So something for everyone!
The first participant crossed the finishing line at the Sanataurio Santa Eulalia in 8 hrs and 50 minutes! At very healthy 7km an hour. The first woman was in 5th and Paul and his walking partners finished some time later but still a very creditable 13hrs.
The whole event was brilliantly organized & executed by the club, their partners and the 42 volunteers on the day. There were regular food and drink stations and a lunch stop with a choice of beer or wine with your food (how very Spanish). So congratulations to all of them!
After arriving home I of course waited on Paul hand and foot whilst he nursed his aching muscles, swearing never again. The next day he rested only undertaking light tasks, but by the Monday it was back to normal, blisters or no blisters and he seems to have come through the whole thing with no visible scares. This is despite really not doing enough training specifically for the event (not something we would recommend!) Paul is of course pretty fit, and does walk regularly up to 25km a day due to the nature of our business, but for next year a full training programme will need to be devised…………but I thought he said never again, well they all say that don’t they 8-)
So maybe you too should start your training plan for next years event…….normally it’s on the first weekend in May. For more information contact us at vistaverdetrails.com
On this very athletic theme, my Cousin Jo also completed the London Marathon - so Well done to her anad all the other participants in this iconic event.
Hasta luego

Vuelta a Sierra Espuna is only one week away

2010-04-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

I told you some time ago about the I Vuelta a Sierra Espuna, a 60ish Km walk around the regional park here in Murcia. This One day event starts at 05.00 with a coach trip to Casas Nuevas and then the participants are under there own steam until the arrive at the Monesterio Santa Eulalia later that same evening. Well Paul has volunteered to have a go! And with only one week to the big day he’s hard in training ;0) So good luck to all the entrants, I’ll keep you posted on how they get on and hopefully Paul will take some piccys.
Whilst I’m on the subject of good lucks, My cousin JO, is running the London marathon this weekend, so good luck to her.
Back in the Espuna, sadly the weather has been a little temperamental, but my Spanish neighbour has told me that damp cool winter = HOT HOT HOT summer so any time now the temperatures will be on the up. Of course that’s not all good news as it means we are fast approaching the end of our walking season………but not for a month or so, so there’s still time (now the ash cloud has lifted somewhat) to get out here and see some of the highlights, and there are many) that the Sierra Espuna has to offer. Take a look at our website to find out more www.vistaverdetrails.com
We are now into fiesta season here in Spain, this weekend sees the start of Los Mayos in Alhama de Murcia, a week long celebration, quickly followed by the fiesta in Caravaca de la Cruz, who are celebrating their ano santa this year being one of the Holy cities. The fiesta which takes place every year includes the running of the wine horses and the moors and Christians parade and lasts for a week.
So as you can see lots to look forward too when we’re not walking. Until next time adios ;0)

Easter in Totana

2010-04-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Easter is a big deal here in Spain. The Spanish definitely take the celebrations seriously. With parades starting on Palm Sunday and continuing daily (sometimes twice or more) until Easter Sunday it’s another good excuse to take the week off work…..and why not?
We went to a few of the local parades, they were all very well attended by the towns inhabitants. Fortunately the weather which has been poor for Easter for the last two years was marvellous this year….and that coming after the wettest February/March for 30 years.
The parade I was most surprised at I have to say is the silent parade. Held here on Wednesday night between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, it has a very solemn feeling to it, but not sad, if you get my meaning. The parade on Palm Sunday (which I’d not been to before) felt very jolly and there was dancing and merriment from the participants.
Easter Sunday was very different to last years I thought, not as big ? But very well attended by the town afterwards there were fireworks (or should I say bangers) let off in the brand new square before the parade went round the block one last time. Lovely to see all ages participating from 0 to well a lot more than 0 shall we say. Definitely worth coming to see next year if you were looking for something different from chocky eggs and hot cross buns! To take a look at part of this years parade, have a look at my you tube link…. Easter Sunday in Totana, Spain
So a week on we are nearly back to normal (whatever that is in Spain) It’s been great to see a few more BBQ’s taking place in the Sierra Espuna to now that the weather has really stabalised. The Haze is clearing gradually making the views off the top of the highest peaks stretch further in to the distance. Soon be able to see the sea ;0)
If your interested in excellent value walking holidays take a look at our website www.vistaverdetrails.com

Climbing in the Sierra Espuna

2010-03-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

We've got some great walking in the the last two weeks. This week whilst out walking we saw some climbers on the wall's of Leiva the park is said to be one of Spains best kept rock climbing secrets. Not sure Climbing is for me....to much weight to lift with my puny arms :0) but I have to say standing below and looking at the tiny figure half way up this HUGE rock wall I have to admire their commitment to there sport! It would have been nice to sit a while and watch them reach the top...I say that, but 4 hours later when coming down the other side of the valley we could still hear them (not see) on the rock. I found a you tube video of the same are and you can see from this just how awsome the rock is....we were on the track you can see on the valley floor when we first saw them. Rock climbing on the walls of Leiva
Fiesta time is back again, it was "fathers day" here in Spain last week. This is a huge fiesta and begins the next round of "bank" holidays which will be pretty constant now until summer. One person in the town we live is having a particularly great holiday season having just scooped €15,000,000 on the once lottery....lucky peeps ;0) Not checked my Euro millions yet, so i still live in hope!
This week we're hoping the better weather holds out as we've got plenty of walking planned and quite a bit of high level so clear would be good to get the views!
Until next time Hasta Luego!

Spring has sprung???

2010-03-10T03:53:00.000-08:00

Well, the last month has had pretty much everything in terms of the weather….rain, snow, heat, wind, sun, cloud. I must say when we moved to Spain 3 years ago we didn’t expect to see more snow than we’d seen in England for the last 20 years! And I was a little shocked when a blanket of snow was covering the ground when I got up one morning this week!! Still at least here you know it won’t last for more than a week or so and in the case of this weeks snow, it was gone before I’d had my second cup of tea….the sun was shining and in the sun it was very pleasant.
Despite the intermittent weather, we have managed to get in some great walking. We have been searching out some new routes, always fun with Spanish maps….oh for OS maps! As well as the new, we took in some old faithfuls including the summit of Morron de Alhama, a high route in the Espuna, great for far reaching views. The camino Albuznel a forest track wending its way into the Espuna with rock formations and dramatic buttresses that appear as you make your way around the hillside. To mention just a couple.
We have seen some great wildlife (and some not so great…caterpillars!) out there including the first snake of the year!
Paul is gearing up for his May 1st trail around the Espuna…….is he training enough???? Well only time will tell. I don’t think he’s doing as much as my cousin who is currently training for the London Marathon - Good luck Jo!
Well with the weather hopefully improving now and Semana Santa (Easter) just round the corner things are certainly getting busier and the Spanish are venturing out more…..it’ll be summer and we’ll be complaining it’s too hot before you know it.
To find out more about walking in Murcia, Spain have a look at our website www.vistaverdetrails.com

Haunted or not???

2010-02-26T09:15:00.000-08:00

Whilst looking around You tube I came across this video taken of the Sanatorio de tuberculocis, which is located in the Sierra Espuna Regional Park in Murcia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLzsizsowGw&feature=related
Is it haunted.......why not come and see for yourself?
for more information on walking holidays in and around the Sierra Espuna visit www.vistaverdetrails.com
Enjoy!

Best of both worlds!

2010-02-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

We’ve had the best of both worlds lately. Some lovely warm sunny days with endless blue sky, but on the very top of the Sierra Espuna, snow! And plenty of it. The down side of this is some additional “road walking” to get to the start of some routes, but think of the calories burnt hey!? The weekends can get quite busy when there is snow as many Spaniards come up with family to get a chance to show the kids the snow.
This weekend the hills were also busy (in the Spanish - Sierra Espuna terms anyway) we actually saw other walkers! We also came across a chap who accompanied by his two dogs had been down hill skiing - not sure I would have taken my ski’s out there! Far to many rocks. He said he had had a fabulous day, so I guess if you know where to go and don’t mind the walk back up.
Back below the snowline, we almost managed to touch some Muflon (Atlas mountain sheep) before they realised we were behind them and saw my first red squirrel!
Paul is training - just about - for the round Espuna trail in May. Sure he’ll be ready. Me? Well we’ll have to wait and see about that.
A new restaurant has recently opened (in the place of a previous one). Arroceria Gines, it’s situated on the road to Aledo, a fabulous position, overlooking Totana, high up with fabulous views reaching as far as the Mazzaron coast on a clear day. There is a huge outdoor terrace for those balmy nights and the speciality as the name suggests is Rice (paella) all cooked over wood. We look forward to that!

May 1st 2010 - I Vuelta A Sierra Espuna

2010-01-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

Walking in Spain…….how about this for an event…..62.5km, 1992m drop/gain.
A circular route around the Sierra Espuna Regional park. It’s the second time the event has taken place. It’s not a competitive event (other than getting round) in fact the only rule seems to be you must not overtake the leader. Starts at 05:30 and finishes between 16:00 & 21:00 - not quite the 3 peaks or Snowdon seven, maybe harder than the London Marathon(?) a challenge anyway!
Paul is up for it!! I’m thinking about it, what about you!? It’s on the 1st May 2010 so there’s still time to train……I think I may need to draw up a training plan!

The captain's House - Sierra de Carrascoy

2010-01-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

We’ve had some pretty unsettled weather the last week or so………….nowhere near as unsettled as the UK and sadly, for me, no snow! Well nothing worth writing about and as we have no skiing holiday planned for this year I guess the skis won’t be coming out this season……….although, there’s always Peru/ New Zealand for summer skiing…looks fabulous!
Today here in my corner of Spain the sky is blue and the temperature a tad higher than it has been at a pleasant 15c. There are some strong winds from time to time, but all in all not bad.
Yesterday we made the most of the weather and headed for the Sierra de Carrascoy, another Regional park in Murcia, just a stones throw from us. We have not ventured over there too much……so much to do in the Sierra Espuna, but we thought we’d give it a go and wow what a start.
We took a circular route of approximately 12km with a minimum height loss/gain (well Christmas isn’t that far behind us!).
The highlights were the Spanish Air Force plane practicing “loop the loops” in the flat lands as we parked the car (Paul was glad not to be near him in his Microlight!), the well at the Captain’s house - not sure why it’s called that, need to find out more - The date inside the well is 1892 it’s still functioning and I’d say in reasonable condition, although I didn’t taste the water!!! We stopped for lunch at Casa Ros. In it’s day this looks like it would have been a huge house, clearly owned by a family of substance. The sun came out and we were able to enjoy a pleasant picnic. On the stroll down back towards the flat lands surrounding Fuente Alamo, we noticed what looked like mine workings. On closer inspection it turned out to be a collection of caves. The entrance to the main cavern was huge, probably 10m high and there were many smaller cave entrances coming off the main one, some had light the other side, some not. We had our dogs with us so did not venture in too far, but who knows, maybe next time!
We then continued down the valley, stopping briefly to chat with a local farmer crop spraying and finally made it back to the car some 4hrs later……very pleasant it was too.

A Happy & Prosperous 2010 to all

2010-01-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to all our guests, friends and family, well I thought |I’d wait before posting as we have been having the Spanish Christmas…dia de los Reyes (3 kings) here this week and then in Totana we have another Fiesta day on the 7th Jan. This is when they take the patron Saint of the town 7km back up the hill to her home in the Monesterio de Santa Eulalia. Please see earlier posts for the descent!
So where to start…..well December, here in Spain it is nowhere near as commercial as it is in the UK although that is changing slowly…sadly! In-fact a measure of how unimportant some see the Christmas spending habits is that for almost a week at the beginning of the month of December many of the shops and businesses close to celebrate National Day, 6th December and La Dia de la Immaculada, 8th December (it‘s not worth going back to work they figure as the week has been broken by the holiday!).
On the 8th is when the patron Saint of Totana was brought down from the Monastery to be placed in the main church until her return in January.
Christmas - the 25th December - this was pretty quiet here, the Spanish have a meal traditionally on the 24th some will have present from Papa Noel on the 25th, but most will wait until the 6th January.
Ourselves, we had Turkey….didn’t go for a swim in the pool this year (it was freezing last year). We ventured into the town in the morning and had a look at the Belen (nativity scene) which help feel a little more Christmassy. Then we took the dogs for a nice long walk around by the Bastida, before that more traditional English past-time “watching the telly”!
On the 28th Totana had a cake fest, the battle for the largest Roscon de Reyes, a most unusual tradition, but fun - they bake this huge long cake and hidden inside are toys donated by the local businesses which symbalise the baby Jesus figure historically hidden in the cake which brought luck to the finder throughout the year. Until a couple of years ago Totana held the world record for length appearing in the Guiness book of records. Again, the whole town it seems, comes out to have a piece of cake and hot chocolate there are now also raffle tickets in parts of the cake and prizes if you get a ticket. All through the evening Carols were played and it was a lovely way to spend an evening.
New year we decided to go to my sisters house on the coast as we could walk into the town and partake of a few beers and the NY atmosphere.
We decided to venture out at about 10pm, well every bar we past was closed…..What? Closed what’s going on….the place was deserted. We ended up in and Irish bar (not very Spanish, but enjoyable) had a couple of beers and headed for the town square. Although it was quiet when we arrived, it soon started to fill up. Free drinks were being handed out along with party packs. By midnight it was packed, people had their grapes (12 to be eaten on the strokes of midnight are meant to bring good luck for the next year) No one seemed drunk and it was very much a family occasion, we watched a few of the fireworks go off and then we made our way back to the house.
Monday the fourth when the UK is all getting back to normal, well as normal as you can with a foot of snow, we here in Spain are gearing up for the 3 kings, there are parades and the whole place has a carnival atmosphere. On the night of the 5th most towns have a parade and thousands of sweets are thrown out to children in the crowd. In Totana it looked like presents were being thrown as well! Again the whole town seemed to be in attendance and a real party atmosphere was to be seen.

On the 6th we ventured to Aledo a small medieval town perched on a rocky outcrop below the Sierra Espuna. Here there was to be a reenactment of the arrival of the 3 kings. It was bitterly cold, but that didn’t stop the villagers gathering for hot chocolate (and maybe something a little stronger) and some traditional cake prior to the kings arrival….at about 10:30 they arrived camels an all!!! The enactment which is said to date back to the 17th Centaury then played out on the streets of Aledo, followed by 300 or so. It reached it’s climax in front of the town hall, where Herod and his roman soldiers conversed with the kings. Quite a spectical!
Today, 7th we were supposed to be following the St Eulalia back to the Monesterio (Santa Eulalia), but have awoken to persistent and heavy rain, knowing the Spanish, who don’t even like to go to work in the rain! They will not be walking today, so we will have to find out when that will be rescheduled for. The forecast is better for tomorrow so maybe (as they will all have a Puente day - bridging day, well it’s not worth going back to work for just one day is it?) she will go up tomorrow!
And that as they say is it for another year….Monday will be back to normal….well until the next fiesta, which if memory serves is in another town near by..Alhama de Murcia in mid January.
We hope the snow currently covering the UK is not causing you all too much disruption. I’m a bit jealous really, we had snow here this time last year….you see it’s not all sun and sangria..and it was lovely, it’s getting colder this week, so you never know. The difference here is it generally lasts a week, maybe two and then it’s back to blue sky and sunshine and definitely nicer temperatures than the UK. All good news for the walks we have planned for 2010. We have some new routes ready as well as some of the classics we enjoyed during 2009.
It’s been a very busy year and there’s no reason 2010 shouldn’t be even better, as I hope you can see from my blog there’s plenty of great walking as well as some very enjoyable Spanish traditions to partake of whilst your enjoying your stay, so why not take a look at our website and see for yourselves what you could be doing of a vista verde trails guided walking holiday. Visit us at www.vistaverdetrails.com

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2010!

Roscon de Reyes 28th December 2009 - Totana Murcia

2010-01-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

Totana's battle of the Roscon De Reyes

Fiesta of Santa Eulalia 8th December 09 - Totana, Murcia

2009-12-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

So it’s just over a week to the big day. Not managed to do any Christmas preparation yet, not sure if that’s because we’ve been too busy or because it’s only just dawned on us there’s only a week to go.
I was speaking with my Spanish neighbour at the weekend and when I asked her if she was ready for Christmas, she looked at me as if I was speaking Chinese (I know my Spanish isn’t perfect….) She really didn’t get the question. Christmas i.e. the 25th December really is not a big thing here. The important dates are the 6th December Dia de la Constitution (when Spains constitution was signed following the demise of Franco), 8th December Dia de la Immaculate, when, here in Totana, the statue of the patron saint - Santa Eulalie - is brought down from the Monesterio Santa Eulalia to the town, 6th January The Three Kings and the 7th January (locally in Totana) When the patron saint is carried back to the Monesterio Santa Eulalia.

So last week having two fiesta’s in it was a major event here in Spain. Locally many shops were closed for the week. YES, the whole week, in December! The carrying down of the patron saint was a real spectacle. Most of the town had turned out to watch and indeed follow the statue on it’s 8km route down hill from the Monesterio. The whole event started early with churro’s (a doughnut like batter, in sticks) and chocolate melted and served in a cup……lovely if a little dangerous on the hips! Still 7km to go. The procession eventually started and all the participants and various small groups of musicians set off down hill. Several hrs later…….three…….the procession halted about two km outside the town the lady Eulalia was rested on a plinth and as more people gathered Firecrackers were lit in an area adjoining the road much to the joy of the several thousand people watching, we then all set off again for the final push to the church of San Roque, groups of musicians still cheerfully playing amid plenty of chatter from the many followers. Finally once the statue had entered the church the participants dispersed to eat drink and be merry for the rest of the afternoon with family and friends and prepare themselves for the return trip on the 8th January………..which is ALL UP HILL!

To find out more about walking in the Sierra Espuna, Murcia and visiting this beautiful area of Spain visit www.vistaverdetrails.com

Calblanque natural Park

2009-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

An African Bee Eater, what colour!

Sorry, it’s been a while since my last post………..we have been keeping very busy!
The weather here is still pretty warm, in fact apart from the torrential rain we had in September for a day or two you’d almost believe it was still summer (well maybe not quite that hot!), very pleasant.
So what have we been up too, well, a little coastal walking as well as the mountains.
There is an area near the La Manga coast called calblanque, a beautiful natural park with stunning views of the hillside and the La Manga strip which divides the Mar Menor (little sea) from the Mediterranean sea.
At this time of the year it is truly quiet, most of the beach visitors having gone back to there city lives until the heat of the sun returns, and beautiful.
There are lots of opportunities to discover the wildlife, the area has been a designated nature reserve since 1992, making it safe from the building boom that has affected many parts of this coast. The park has a variety of wildlife including woodpeckers, eagles, rare eagle-owls - known as Bonelli's eagle. Unfortunately we didn't see any of those on this trip, but above is an African bee eater we caught sight of.
It is also possible to see the remaining evidence of the areas past history in mining - copper, tin and silver although it is not advisable to stray too close to the shafts as the remain unprotected and open. For a few weeks in the summer, in the town of La Union, they open the mine works to the public. Very interesting.
After getting your fill of fresh air and exercise you can adjourn to Los Balones, a busy little village, for a pint and a bite to eat or maybe pop up to La Manga club and do some celebrity spotting or you could just pop along to one of the many golden sandy coves with a good book and enjoy some quiet time.
Next time I’ll tell you about a walk from Alhama de Murcia, a town on the edge of the Sierra Espuna full of history overlooked by the remains of an Arab castle built during the 12th century.
You can find out more about our walking holidays by visiting our website www.vistaverdetrails.com

Feria Feria everywhere

2009-10-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Feria, Feria everywhere!
We have dried out now after the torrential rain at the end of September. The blue skies have returned and those cooler temperatures seem to have risen again to the closer to the late 20’s centigrade. No complaints here!
Walking is much more pleasant than throughout the summer months and it’s been a joy to get back to some physical activity that isn’t swimming! My cousin is coming over to Spain at the end of November to run in the Benidorm half marathon, Paul was hoping to join her. Unfortunately a bad cold that passed to his chest has put paid to valuable training days….still I’m sure he’ll be ready in time. I’ll keep you posted.
For all those coming to see wildlife in the Sierra Espuna, there was a rare treat just recently, and you didn’t even have to get your walking shoes on! A vulture was spotted circling in Totana. He didn’t stay too long as the crowd grew to watch him he flew off in the direction of Africa presumably returning from his summer holiday. What a sight! Certainly, back in the Sierra Espuna , there has been more evidence of the wild boar following the rain, obviously the looser earth more preferable for rooting.
Elsewhere it’s been a busy couple of weeks, Fiestas called Ferias have taken place in both Lorca and Alhama de Murcia, both towns are just a short drive/train ride from Totana. The Feria’s are more traditional than many of the fiestas, they have a craft feel to them and celebrate the end of summer. They take the format of many similar events around the country. A central religious day, which is where it all stems from, then a folk festival, music, and a feria de dia which has food and entertainment every evening.
They are generally very well attended by locals and visitors alike and a very good way to see a slice of Spanish life.
There have also been lots of artisan markets taking place locally. These include local produce and locally made goods such as textile, pottery and embroidery. The area surrounding the Sierra Espuna is well known for it’s crafts and many old techniques are still used in today’s production. Renowned products are rugs, throws, bedspreads, earthenware pots, bowls, embroidery in wool, silk and gold - magnificently displayed in many of the regions Easter parades.
As well as the Feria’s and markets there are still plenty of music, theatre and cultural events taking place across the region. Many of these events are free so an ideal way to send the evening after a days walking in the mountains.
You can find out more about Totana and the surrounding areas on our website www.vistaverdetrails.com we look forward to seeing you here.

September, sunshine & showers

2009-09-27T09:51:00.001-07:00

So Summer is over! in the last two weeks it’s been noticeably cooler………..thank you, much more pleasant for walking! But along with the cooler weather came rain, and boy did it RAIN! In the Murcia region figures of between 35 and 80 litres of water per sm fell in an hour. At the Leahy’s hacienda, we had our fair share. In all the time we have lived here and Paul says in all the places he’s visited (and he’s been to a few) we have never seen rain like it. It caused some havoc with the newly laid camino (the council re-laid it mid August). The Rambla below our house which is dry was for an hour or two at least a raging torrent. Mud and water were the order of the week.
Walking was suspended for only the shortest of time allowing a break to enjoy some of the other treats Murcia can offer. A days shopping at La Noria artisan shopping centre, a good mix of old and new, a days pampering at the Spa, or maybe a visit to the roman baths in Alhama de Murcia followed by a leisurely menu del dia. .
Then, as is in Spain, no sooner was the rain over and the blue sky returned and the sun shone with temperatures returning to a very comfortable 25°+. The effect of the rain was to make the whole place seem more lush, the trees seem to have sucked in the water and are standing taller, greener and lest wilt like, if you get my drift. All this makes the walks in the Espuna seem different………….flowers look more vibrant and wildlife appears energised.
A lovely walk we took recently, started from the ‘Casa Forestal Morti’ along the Camino del Algarrobas’ (trail of the carob trees) we climbed steadily and easily through the trees on a lovely walking surface. The
walk wends it’s way up a wide forest camino right on the edge of the Espuna Regional Park, with stunning views. Eventually we cleared the trees and the vista’s opened up to the head of the wide valley and the abandoned hamlet of Algarrobo. After taking time out at Algarrobo to enjoy the views back down the valley the path crosses the ’Collado de las Chaparras opening up the views down into the historically important Guadelentin Valley, much fought over by the Christians and Muslims. Beyond the Guadalentin the vista stretches to Mazzarron and the Mediterranean Sea .
The excellent path winds it’s way around the hills until reaching the Collado de la Zarza (pass of the brambles) fortunately nowadays cleared and easily navigable. From here starts the descent and gives new and equally impressive views out over the lands behind the medieval village of Aledo towards the Sierra de Pedro Ponce (pronounced ‘Pontheh’ fortunately for Pedro) We finished our descent along a leafy valley with views of the old monastery before arriving back at the casa forestal. An excellent day.
For more information on other things to do if you get caught in the rain in Spain visit our website at www.visterverdetrails.com/otherstuff

La Vuelta

2009-09-10T04:04:00.000-07:00

This week La Vuelta (cycle tour of Spain) came to the sierra espuna. What a spectacle!
This section Murcia to Caravaca de la Cruz is the half way point of the race. The riders set off from Murcia city, en route to climb the Collado Bermejo which, with its 17 kilometers and 5.3% average gradient, is the most important mountain pass in the whole of the Murcia Region. The region has hosted La Vuelta on 25 previous occasions, but this is only the second time Caravaca de la Cruz has staged the finish.
We set of an hour before they were due to arrive to make for what we thought would be a good place to watch, a resturante…….bit of cake and a drink while we wait! Great idea……you’d think, only this is Spain and in very Spanish style, on a day when more people than normal, surely, would be in the national park to see the riders thunder by, the resturante was, yes you guessed it CLOSED! Still, it did not dampen our spirits and we hiked on up the mountain road a little further to get a better view.
I’ve never been to a cycle race before, so was amazed to see just how many cars and people it took to support the 200 or so riders. As we waited we must have seen at least 20 Guarda Civil (police) vehicles pass, all with at least 3 officers in (most had 4!) . Another dozen or so Civil motorbikes. One ambulance and 10 or so race sponsor/official cars……and all this before the riders had passed.
Then they came first were 2 breakaway groups, the second of these was just 2 cyclists who were chatting to each other like they were on a Sunday afternoon club ride! Then came the peleton some 2/3 minutes behind. They passed like a snake trying to escape after you’ve lifted a rock he was hiding under. They were being chased by another mass of cars and motorbikes. Police, ambulances, team cars. Before you knew it, it was all over for Murcia for another year at least.
As we made our way back down the mountain road to the car we kept our eyes open for souvenir water bottles which may have been discarded……….but no luck there. Later in the after noon we watched the stage finish on the TV, the 2 breakaways had been caught by the peleton and the stage was finally won by Tyler Farrar (team Garmin) in 5: 11:10.
For more info on La vuelta visit www.lavuelta.com or check out my view of the peleton at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKEFoDJec8o

Summer's almost over

2009-08-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Paul & Ritchie, all set for takeoff!

So it’s almost September. The mass of fiesta’s which dominate the social calendar in Spain during August are coming to an end. The highlights for us were the fantastic night of music in the main square in Totana, the very amusing (if a little in poor taste) Michael Jackson tribute at the Carivete fiesta, showing my cousin some local colour at the San Roque fiesta, being included in our neighbours family celebrations on Dia de Santa Domingo along with our friends who were staying that week (a fabulous gesture) and finally the booming fireworks at the close of the Aledo fiesta. It’s not quite all over yet though, we still have the Fiesta de la Huerta coming up in early September, always a good selection of music for people to make there own “shapes” to on the now extended terrace/dance floor in front of the attractive ermita (small community church).
Other events that we enjoyed, in what has been a marvelous summer, were being told by some friends visiting that we were the highlight of their holiday having visited for two nights from (in their words) “the ghetto” (an urbanization they had rented an apartment on in the north of the Costa Blanca) and this was despite the fact our dog chewed a pair of their crocs! Beating Jo with a giant cotton bud in the pool whilst balancing on a crocodile. A very civilized dinner at the Monesterio de Santa Eulalia - Thanks Bill & Sally. Ritchie’s face when he got back from a flight in Paul’s micro light - priceless.
Now it is almost cool enough to get those walking boots back out of the cupboard and dust them off. Paul has already been up in the Sierra Espuna and Sierra de Tercia looking out for new routes and getting in shape for the new walking season.
We plan to be in the Sierra Espuna on the 9th September for the passing of “La Vuelta” , the cycling tour of Spain. On this day, stage 11 starts in Murcia and makes its way to Caravaca de la Cruz traveling through the Sierra Espuna. Hopefully the magnificent spectacle of the peleton flashing by will be able to be enjoyed whilst taking a coffee or maybe a “menu del dia” at the bar “Los Donceles” in the regional park. (more information on la Vuelta can be found at www.lavuelta.com)
I’m hoping this blog is giving you a flavour of life here in Spain and inspiring you to book that walking holiday and come and join us for a week or two!! You can find out more information on our excellent value walking holidays at www.vistaverdetrails.com

The Guns of Navarrone

2009-08-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Guns of navarrone

This week we walked to the east of the town of Mazzaron, following the coast toward Cartegena and into the Sierra Muela. It’s a beautiful area, each time we have been there with the exception of this last trip, we have barely seen a sole either walking or at the fabulous guns. Let me start with the guns. you don’t have to be a walker to get there. You could take the car, the road is quite windy and single carriage in places, but due to the lack of other vehicles we have never found access a problem.
For over 500 years the defence of Cartegena has been a preoccupation for the Spanish Military. The city holds many links to the Spanish Naval fleet and as the Headquarters, warships have become part and parcel of the sights seen in it’s vast natural habour (these days also shared by cruise ships). The habour is flanked by five hills which through time have been used for the defence of the town and habour.
The Guns that you can see today were supplied by a British company “Vickers” in 1925. The new shore batteries were equipuipped with guns of 38.1cm and 15.24cm caliber giving ranges of 35Km and 21Km respectively. Also anti-aircraft guns (also from Vickers) of 10.5cm were deployed with an operational ceiling of 7.000 metres. They were allegedly used in the film “the guns of naverrone” . I’ve not seen it myself, so I’m only repeating what I’ve been told!
Enough technical stuff, basically they are a sight to be seen, despite the mindless graffiti that the Spanish still seem to be suffering from and the lack of any real attempt at conservation, they are just marvelous. Inside the watch towers, you can still see the silhouettes of British warships painted to aid identification of hostile forces ( now it should be lad & layettes in short skirts & baseball caps!).
The castle like structure that surrounds the Guns is almost fairytale like, it was built to imitate a medieval castle hence the name “Los Castollitos”.
Away from the guns the scenery is truly spectacular. Walking although strenuous at times due to the height loss/gain is not difficult as the paths are well defined. We were walking with a group organized by the
Mazzaron Tourist office, something they do each August. (Last year over 4000 people took part in one of their many guided walks during the month). This walk, as most are due to the heat in summer was an evening walk. It followed a lovely trail through two valleys, towards the Cala Cerrada, an isolated cove, which can only be reached by foot or by boat. Due to the time of year it was quite busy when our party arrived and definitely more busy when we all arrived, but not as busy as Bournemouth beach on a hot day in August.
On arrival at the cove, many donned their swimmies (some had even brought flippers and snorkels ) and took the opportunity to cool down, others just relaxed on the pebble beach and took some light refreshment. All very relaxing.
The climb back up to the Castillitos was a little more strenuous, but the group was on good form and joking and chatting were order of the day. We arrived back at the car at about 9:30pm, just as the light was fading. Definitely a great way to spend an evening, of course most of the Spanish participants then returned to their accommodations to change and go for dinner before the nights entertainment really started…………..the Brits amongst the group, well like us they probably returned home to bed!

2009-07-19T08:12:00.001-07:00

Summer is definitely here, the average temp over the last couple of weeks has been 30 degrees and rising. This coming week we are forecast to hit 39 degrees. So not a whole lot of walking fun for those of you fresh out of the wind and rain in the UK. A dip in the pool and the occasional trip to the fridge is about the most strenuous thing most people who are not (and are!) used to in these temperatures can manage. This means that we tend to take July and August off where the walking is concerned. We have however been looking at some new routes and visiting some local restaurants all in the name of research you understand.
We were lucky enough to see the wild boar at one restaurant we visited in the Sierra Espuna, although a little stage managed, the owners put out food for the boars to encourage them down to the area next to the terrace, they certainly were a spectacle. A group of eight or more, babies included (ahhhhh), spent at least fifteen minutes feasting on grain put out for them.
We also visited the town of Aledo, this walled medieval town has been declared a site of historical- artistic interest. Located on a hill, it features a moorish tower known as La Calahorra, which dates back to the 11th century. The tower has recently been restored and turned into a visitor center. Visitors can view the exhibits and climb the stairs to the top of the tower, here you'll find stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the reason the site was chosen for a fortress.....fabulous! and all free to see. Other attractions include La Picota, a medieval construction where executions took place and the Baroque stlye church of Santa Maria dating from the 18th century.
Next week we should be walking, taking in cabo Tinoso, which is the home of some very impressive gun emplacements, used in the Spanish Civil war and the set of the guns of navarrone!!!
Son until next time, Hasta Luego!

2009-06-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

To walk with poles or not?

We have walked with all kinds of people over various terrain, with Poles, Scots, Americans……………..oh the old jokes - still the old jokes!

Seriously walking with poles, yes or no?

Well Poles seem to have become very popular in recent years and certainly here in the Sierra Espuna we see many people of all nationalities with them so what is the attraction?

Well on the upside they can ease the pressure on your knees - it’s been said by up to a third! - this is especially good news when descending hills at the end of a full days walking. They work by transferring some of your body weight from your legs to your arms this means that the effort of walking is now carried by your whole body, not just your legs (good news for that all over workout).

Poles are particularly useful if you are carrying a heavy load as they help to redistribute the extra weight as well as your body weight, this also aids balance, not just good for heavy loads, but also if you are on steep descents, parts of a path that you have the perception of being a little exposed or muddy sections (or as happened to us earlier this month when the path is a riverbed………what a nightmare that was!)

Poles however may not be all good news. The disadvantage of that weight distribution will be tired arms and shoulders at the end of the day making that well deserved pint of beer a little harder to get to the mouth. Wrists too, can suffer as a result of the pressure from poling down. In undergrowth or on not so well defined paths, the poles can become entangled, making more work to release them.

The poles themselves, are usually in sections, meaning they can be extended or decreased in size. This gives great flexibility for up/down hill and varying terrain. Longer is better for downhill sections extend so that you can reach forward a couple of feet below you to take some of the strain off your knees and legs. The section system also means they are easy to pack in your suitcase for your walking holiday or pop in your day sack if you decide your arms are getting tired! They are available from most good walking stores at various price points, so on balance I think I’d say……….

why not give it a try - I certainly wish I’d had them on the attached photo section of one of our trails!

2009-06-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

It was our nieces’ birthday this week, so Happy Birthday Ali. Also this week many towns and villages celebrate the fiesta of San Juan a celebration that dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice. An excuse (not that the Spanish need one) to build fires, set off fireworks and Party until dawn.
This week we took a trip down to Mazzaron, about 30km away on the coast. With the benefit of the sea breeze, walking the coastline was a very pleasant excursion. We had the company of a local guide who was able to tell us much of the history of the area we were walking. We started at the “Enchanted city of Bolnuevo” or “Gredas de Bolnuevo” the strange sandstone shapes have been formed over a period of time, which is believed to have begun some 4 million years ago. We made out way along the coast past Mazzarons nudist beaches, out to sea was the “Ilsa de Cueva Lobos” a small island named after the sea wolf (fish) which were once plentiful in the waters around this coast, unfortunately they are now a sight rarely seen here.
We continued our walk along, part “road” ( I wouldn’t bring my car down much of it!), part coast path until we reached a quite little cove noted for several reasons……..a small port was built here to collect and transfer rock to the nearby town of Cartegena, the remains of which can still be seen, along with several large rectangular rocks which were left behind and on the beach is a deposit of concrete, pretty ugly really, but it is there to preserve some prehistoric bones of a dinosaur, half of which have been excavated and are now displayed in the archeological museum in Murcia. The remainder await the funds to be able to retrieve them so both halves can be reunited. To date they have been waiting five years or so, so lets hope they can join the other half soon.
After a pleasant rest watching the fishermen cast there lines we continued along our route through an area which has now been designated a national park by the Spanish government………great news as it means no building can take place. Historically the area was farm land with several owners farming various crops from tomatoes to lemons, but unfortunately for them the water supplies they had dried up making farming the land an impossible task and the last working farm ceased to operate around 12 years ago. Now the area is left to nature and it’s former pump station and farm building slowly and sadly crumble away. The only residents now the wildlife and in some parts Northern European tourists of a certain age in there campers on that retirement dream trip they dreamed of all those years (how do they find out about these unofficial stop offs?)
Finally after several hours walking, we return via the last part of the coastal “road” pausing briefly to cool of our hot feet by paddling in the clear waters…..nice….before making out way the café overlooking the beach for a well deserved ice cold drink (some had coffee, how mad is that!)

2009-06-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

Well that’s another week flown by, I can’t even tell you how quickly the weeks go it must be an age thing hey? Summer seems to have arrived in the Spanish minds, gone are the coats and jumpers they have clung onto since October and out are the shorts and t-shirts, we expats have been in shorts since February, but the Spanish blood obviously takes a little longer to warm up!
Totana has been full of cars with loud speakers plugging the various parties for the European elections and signs adorn the roads wherever you go. Saturday was a day of reflection before the election so some peace (of the election kind) returned yesterday as no electioneering is permitted.
Forthcoming events locally include the San Javier Jazz festival. This is an internationally renowned event which takes place from June 27th until 25th July for more info the web address is www.jazz.sanjavier.es. I see Steve Winwood is on the bill. Ahh that brings back memories, of an American road trip with two friends when I was much younger, every radio station we tuned into in our oldsmobile - there was Steve Winwood, it seemed !

El Bosque to Augilon (the fang like end)

So anyway, what have we been up to this week………….we tried out a new route “La Umbria del Bosque” a circular route of 16.6km with some spectacular rock overhead for much of the route. It all started very pleasantly, after an initial climb through forest the walk was light and airy and meandered through high ground and the plateau between Morron de la Cabra (meaning ? Nose/snout of the Goat?) and the awesome rock walls of Umbria del Bosque. The track we walked was a wide open camino (bizarrely we passed a stretch that had a ‘men at work’ road sign, no evidence of men at work though! Well it was the weekend). Leaving the plateau we made our way back down to the valley to turn back towards the start point. The path then took a distinct turn for the worse. We were entering a riverbed for the final 4km………..not something that would generally concern in Spain in June, but we were warned it could be muddy! Well, it was interesting!!!!!!! Not a path I would advise people to follow, we did have to wade through pools on several occasions and fight with vegetation, including bamboo, several excursions from the riverbed to find an alternate route were abandoned but we made it, some two hours later we emerged from the riverbed and made our way home for much deserved coffee, cake and a relaxing swim in the pool. A route we will be doing again the scenery was both fantastic and impressive, but an alternative path back to the start will be an early amendment to future excursions on this route!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-31T00:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s almost June already, can’t believe it! The temperature has certainly risen this month, especially in the evening and at night……..no more duvet required! The pool temperature is also a very enjoyable at 25 -26 making the after walk dip very pleasant indeed.
Last week we walked a route called El cano del Soriana. The route passes through an area steeped in history, including La Bastida an ancient settlement. (more of that later)
The walk follows the cano (watercourse), scrambling up the “siphon” gives some great views of the area of Lebor Blanquizarea and Antiguarejo, where previously more evidence of ancient settlements have been found. We also passed lots of evidence of wild boar, but did not come across any - not sure if that’s a good thing or not, depends how far away they are I guess! The walk also includes the impressive aqueduct on the Rambla de Lebor, this carries water which comes via canal from the north of Spain all the way down to the south. The canal passes through the towns of Alhama de Murcia, Totana and Lorca so you may hear more of it in future walks and excursions.
It was a great walk, but long trousers are a must……still got some scratches today! It was made even more enjoyable as there was lots of shade from the trees and a pleasant breeze.

La Bastida
During the Bronze Age Argaric culture was developing in the southeast of the peninsula. Settlements were being established whose villages were situated on hills with good defences, water courses or water sources for their use. All these conditions were fulfilled to perfection in the Bastide town, located above a ravine on the Rambla de lebor. discovered in the 1900’s, this is said to be the first Argaric site. According to archaeologist Magdelana Garcia. The village had between 600 and 1000 inhabitants between the years 1675 and 1000 BC, occupying an area of about 30,000 meters. They worked the land and kept livestock to live, but also engaged in metallurgy and ceramics (ceramics is still the traditional industry in Totana, therefore could it be argued that this traditional industry is at least 3500 years old) Excavations carried out so far have uncovered burials and dwellings and it has been estimated that, so far, only one tenth of the area occupied by the town has been excavated. Works were indeed being undertaken this week as we passed by.

Welcome to Our Blog

2009-05-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hi, its Allison here, I'm new to all this blogging, so please bear with me while learn.
We are lucky enough to live and work in this beautiful part of Spain, running a guided and self guided walking business in and around the Sierra Espuna Regional park, a hidden gem, that is mostly underpopulated by humans at least!
Hopefully this blog will give you some idea about the walking we do, wildlife we see and what else there is to do in and around the area.
The climate here is good for walking most of the year, we have had snow on the peak of El Morron this year, that brought the crowds up from the towns!! but mostly to throw snowballs at each other. Most days though it's dry, warm and sunny.
Well, that's it for now, over the coming days, weeks and months I hope to keep you posted on all our adventures, so keep dropping by or maybe come and join us!