The weather was so lovely yesterday, that it was a shame not to make the most of it! Ian was collecting a friend from Ronda and taking him to Júzcar, so we organised to meet up at the
Hotel/Restaurant El Bandolero. I set off to Júzcar (one of the 7 white villages of the Alto Genal) under a deep blue sky. I also had in mind to discover a newly opened path.
The walk to Júzcar from Cartajima is very easy with a steep descent of 250 meters and a gentle climb of 100 meters. The path was bordered with light purple Periwinkles, Daisies and clumps of lilac crocus-like Romulea Bulbicodium here and there. On the Júzcar side, there were a few pockets of strong scented Narcissus Tazetta.
A flock of Griffon Vultures were thermalling effortlessly and “cackling” above me and a myriad of small birds were chirping away in the trees as well as Green Woodpeckers emitting their distinctive laughing songs while flying inconspicuously in the woods in the distance. I could also hear the sharp hammering noise of a woodpecker resonating in the valley. I also disturbed a couple of Jays which flew off from one tree to another squawking loudly.
It was lovely and warm (T-shirt weather) and it felt good to alternate between sunny and shady parts of the path. The Sweet Chestnut trees are still bare but the path also meanders through oak trees and cork oaks which provide a lovely canopy and cooling shade. Temperatures must have been about 20 degrees, which was very pleasant for walking.
The newly opened path was lovely, mainly amongst oaks and cork oaks with a few Tree Heathers (Erica Arborea) covered in white blossom on the edge of the path and deep red earth underfoot and gorgeous views over Pujerra, one of the 7 villages of the Alto Genal. But it was a bit disappointing as it was only short (about 30 minutes) and marker posts had been removed which I found later on dumped in a heap behind a tree! The path had also been obstructed in one place with heavy branches! So I had to scramble round! Obviously, a farmer not very keen on this newly opened footpath!!! To my knowledge, there are only 2 other signposted walks where unfortunately signs disappear or get switched round (no entry with the path mark)! But, I have never met yet an unwelcoming farmer or shepherd on the walks in the area! They are all so nice and talkative and always wanting to make sure you know your way and won’t get lost.
Once in Júzcar, which is a real sun trap, nestled in the mountain side facing South West, I met David and Ivan from El Bandolero and their 2 Finish guests, “Duti” and Jan, who had just come back from a lovely mountain bike ride in the Sierra de las Nieves. I sat with them on the restaurant terrace, enjoying great conversation while sipping Ivan’s gorgeous, refreshing strawberry milkshake. Ian and Chris joined us later on and we ended up finishing off the day with a few delicious tapas in great company!
We are still experiencing amazingly warm weather, sunshine and deep blue skies! And making the most of it! Ian and I discovered another new walk a few days ago, which is lovely and very different again from the ones we know. We left our truck at the lovely railway station of Benaoján (Estación de Benaoján) and crossed the railway line and a little bridge to follow a lovely single path meandering up and down along the river Guadiaro for 7.5 kms with about 200 meters ascent and 250 meters descent, leading to Estación de Jimera de Libar. It is a very spectacular walk with gorgeous vistas over the river Guadiaro and surrounding mountains. We saw Orchids which looked like Bee Orchids. Once in Jimera de Libar, we ate on the sunny terrace of the Allioli friendly bar and then caught a train back from Jimera’s station.
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