Calpe -Spain (episode 3)

Hola

Oh it's been a busy time, Chrismas was fast approaching and plans had to be made. There is a group of 8 (ourselves included) and it was suggested that we all got together for Christmas dinner with everybody doing their bit. The ladies had a planning meeting while the guys retired to the bar! A few glasses of wine later it was all sorted - lists were made and tasks delegated - but more of that later.

We did have time off for good behaviour and one day the gang of 8 took to the mountains to have lunch at a German restaurant at the top of one of the many hills around - the scenery was fantastic, the wind was chilly and on a clear day you can see the island of Majorca. The food was excellent - a very enjoyable day out.

Having had a day out in the mountains must have left us feeling a bit homesick because the following day Harry and I packed our rucksacks and set off for the Sendero de Olta, a big lump of mountain with it's summit Cim d'Olta at 587 metres or 1908 feet depending on how old you are - not quite a Corbet but nearly.  We left camp at 10.00am and returned home at 5.00pm - a full day with frequent relaxing stops and we are very pleased to report that we made the summit and, as you can see by the photos it was well worth it.

Even found an ice puddle to make it feel more like home. It's a long time since I have walked 20 kms in one day and although I was fine when we got back, the next couple of days were a different story altogether - aching muscles where I didn't know I had them. Needless to say that Harry had no after effects (or he made a very good job of concealing his pain!)

On the 19th December Harry and I attended a performance of Handel's Messiah, held in one of the nearby hotels. The orchestra, choir and soloists were all excellent and The Hallelujah Chorus was particularly stirring.

Christmas day finally arrived and after breakfast Harry fulfilled his promise of going for a swim in the Med - OK he didn't have to break the ice but it was a wee bit chilly and he did get a "Bravo" from a lady wrapped up in a sheepskin coat who was out walking her dog.

 

Back for a hot shower before the gang of 8 got together for the first part of the festivities - drinks and canopes at 12.00pm in the sunshine.

 

We all  re-convened at 3.00pm for the main course and what a triumph. Roast turkey with all the trimmings followed by a 'flaming' christmas pudding, trifle, cheesecake etc etc all washed down with a bottle or 2 of very good Rioja! 

The weather has been very kind to us over the last few days with the promise of more to come -  more walks planned to try and walk off the extra pounds caused by our over indulgence.

So until the next instalment of life in the sun.

Adios!

Kath and Harry xxxx