4 January 2018 – Parcent to Jalon

Lovely sunny day for our first walk of 2018

Great to have Anneke and Toon back with the group after a long break

The temperatures were mid 20s and it felt more like summer than January

We had four new members walking today for the first time

Although quite long, this walk is relatively flat and on quite good tracks

So it was very suitable for both new members and the rest of us who had too much to eat and drink over the festive season

We were a little worried that four new members were a lot, particularly after a long break

However they seemed to fit in well and the constant chatter indicated there was no problem

This is the first time we have done this walk with the group and parts were new to everyone

It was great to see everyone after the break, and to catch up on their news

Although we kept the pace down it was still a challenge on such a warm day

So everyone was glad to reach the new picnic site above Jalon where we had our picnic lunch

There is also a children’s play area, which some of our more energetic members made use of

Some were less keen than others to start walking again after lunch

This is the first time we used the new picnic area, and we were all very impressed with the facilities

With the mild winter we have had we expected to see some early sign of almond blossom

 We did find this isolated example, but nothing like as much as we had hoped

There have been reports of blighted almond trees being cut down, and we just hope it does not have too much effect on the annual almond blossom

As we neared Parcent some of the thirstier members stepped out to be first at the bar

It was an excellent first walk for 2018 and proves that the group is growing yet keeping its friendly atmosphere

   Time                     5 hours 

   Distance               15.5 km 

   Total Ascent     150 metres