Vuelta a Sierra Espuna is only one week away

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

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