18 and 19 April 2015 – A Trip To High House Tarn

My beautifully crafted contemporaneous entry disappeared into the ether on Saturday night, so here’s a more retrospective effort. This was my first backpacking trip since last year's TGO Challenge, and Sue's first for six years. We were supposed to be checking our gear prior to this year's TGO Challenge, but the weather put paid to that. It was very different to what we expect to be thrown at us in Scotland in May.

However, we proved that Sue can still shoulder a reasonably light rucksack, so the main objective of the trip was achieved. Alan and Sheila joined us.They bring good luck with Lake District weather. Coffee and tea cakes at the Farm shop on the Kendal by-pass got us in the mood for a slow swoop up the Langdale valley, where an athletics event, the Langdale 10km race, was in full flow. But thanks to the farmer at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel there was plenty of parking space for everyone and we were soon on our t-shirted way up the path to Loft Crag.

Here we are, setting off from behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel shortly before noon.



Raven Crag glinted in the sun, Dungeon Ghyll was crossed, and below us the large group of runners set off on their 10km race. We headed up towards Pike Howe, before turning left up Mark Gate, from where there's a good view back down the Langdale valley. The trees in the valley are just gaining their spring foliage, so at last the season is visibly changing from the cold winds of winter to the warm breezes of summer.



Windermere came into view, as did Blea Tarn, pictured below during one of our many pauses during the steep 600 metre ascent.



It was a day spent under a bright blue sky with lots of happy people smiling at each other and offering pleasantries to strangers.

Lunch was taken below Loft Crag, with good views across to the Langdale Pikes. Sue and I enjoyed our first outdoor brew for some time in a spot sheltered from the cool breeze. Then we summited Loft Crag and strolled on to the distinctive cone of Pike of Stickle.

Here's Sheila with Pike of Stickle, from Loft Crag.



There were lots of fell runners about. Some were training, others we thought may have been on an orienteering exercise. We found one of their tally points on the top of Buck Pike, as we wandered over Black Crags on our way to Rossett Pike, but we later discovered that the event wasn’t being held until the following day.

From Pike of Stickle we enjoyed good views across to Esk Pike, Great End, Allen Crags, Great Gable and Glaramara, to name but a few.

Then we descended to Stake Pass, admiring the bulk of distant Skiddaw whilst Alan replenished his water supply and Sue foraged for brown trout.

Making our way towards Rossett Pike, with a backdrop of Bowfell, Sue was intrigued and puzzled by a man in lycra who ran past. “Did you notice his white underpants?” she remarked. Turning around to watch him disappear towards the pass, there was a glint of white through the lycra. Perhaps he wasn’t wearing any underpants at all?

From Black Crags we admired the view down Mickleden.



Buck Pike summit, and its orienteering point in preparation for the following day’s event, came and went. We took another break on Rossett Pike, before Angle Tarn came into view and we descended past folk lounging in the sunshine beside the Tarn. Then on the climb up by Tongue Head, we met a cheerful group of thirty as they descended, apparently on a training walk for a charity event.

From our high point on Allen Crags, Keswick and Skiddaw shimmered in the distance, whilst to our left Sprinkling Tarn and the Gables glinted in the afternoon sunshine.

We were aiming to camp in the dip below us, nearly half way along the broad ridge to Glaramara. And so, over the final summit of High House we scrambled, before reaching a fine camping spot beside the eponymous tarn.

Soon the tents were up and brews were on, with the dome of Great Gable looming in the distance from the inside of our tent.



Tea brewed, we then enjoyed soup in the sunshine, any wind having disappeared, leaving us to admire the reflections on the glassy tarn. Nearby, a man and his small dog kept their own counsel, coming near us to watch the sunset but not deigning to pass the time of day.

High House Tarn - a brilliant spot to camp, with sun beaming into the tents whilst reflections danced across the tarn.



Sue knocked up a fish supper. I’m afraid to say though that the brown trout tasted very much of tuna.
Dusk arrived, and considering the clear sky, it was a lovely sunset.



With the others in bed soon after 8.30, I thought that was a bit early so my torch was dug out of my dry bag and I set off towards Glaramara, a couple of kilometres further along the broad ridge. The red sky behind Great Gable was stunning, and I wandered slowly over the intermediary summits of Lincomb Head and Looking Stead before visiting both tops of Glaramara in fading light.

The lights of Keswick glimmered far below as I paused to try to send a picture to my blog. It didn’t appear to transmit, but I later discovered that it had done, at the first attempt. It looks dark even then! (Here)

Unfortunately the introduction of a second draft email on the new S5 phone seemed to have resulted in the deletion of a long entry that I’d been writing during the evening, as I didn’t want to have to spend ages writing my ‘diary’ (this blog) when I got home.*

Never mind, it was a lovely evening, albeit once the last glimmers of red had disappeared it was pitch black. The only light in the sky for a while was a bright planet, Jupiter I thought – but it may have been Venus (either way it didn’t shed any light on the Glaramara paths), lounging above Great Gable. As I made my way carefully back to camp, navigating with the aid of this planet, the sky slowly filled with a myriad of pinpricks of light from a seemingly infinite array of stars.

I was surprised to see lights outside our tents when I got back soon after ten o’clock. Sue had panicked. When I had asked her to root out my spare torch I should have told her that I did intend to use either that one or the one that was already in my pocket, and that “I may be some time”. I do apologise (again) to Alan and Sheila for being woken by Sue, who thought I must have fallen down a hole (or something!). Anyway, luckily I was back before anyone else set off in search of me and did actually fall down a hole. It was great to be out on such a lovely night – that brought back many happy memories. Should do it more often!

Here's the day's route, 16 km, 1500 metres ascent, moving time 5.25 hours. (Those who didn't visit Glaramara walked about 12 km, with a bit less time and ascent.)



Sunday 19 April - we woke to a cold, cloudy day. Alan and Sheila's tent had shipped some ice overnight; it had been cold.



By 8.15 am we’d breakfasted and packed up. I think we’d kept Alan and Sheila waiting, but it’s not too shabby a time to have started, after having put our first brew on at 7 am.

We returned to the top of Allen Crags then ascended Esk Pike, with views towards brighter weather to the west (Eskdale), where the Scafells were bathed in sunshine.



It was pretty cool on Esk Pike, from where we admired views towards the Langdale Pikes and Windermere. After visiting the summit of Pike de Bield we ambled down to Ore Gap and the bouldery ascent of Bowfell, at the top of which we found an orienteering point and a number of competitors. These people, many in shorts, buzzed to and fro past us all day in search of ‘points’. We admired their fitness with a degree of envy.

Meanwhile, Sue and I had donned overtrousers to deter the rainclouds that were encroaching from the east, and to combat the cold, as we headed down Bowfell to Three Tarns and onwards towards Crinkle Crags. The overtrousers worked, and the threat of rain slowly subsided. It was bright and clear out to the west, with the Isle of Man seemingly very close across a narrow stretch of the Irish Sea.

After  following the frequently cairned path over the summits of Shelter Crags and Crinkles numbered Two to Five, we averted our eyes from the excellent view down towards Little Langdale and concentrated on descending the Bad Step, described by Wainwright as “the most difficult obstacle met on any of the regular walkers’ paths in Lakeland”.

I’m usually nervous in such places, but not here – it’s really very easy, especially if you pass/throw any walking poles and rucksacks down to the bottom. Even Sue managed to get down without incident, though I have been entertained in the past by folk who don’t spot the easy route.



From between the First and Second Crinkles, Crinkle Gill leads down to Oxendale. You can see the dodgy weather to our east, but thankfully the rain stayed in sight but out of reach.



After wandering over our final (First) Crinkle, Sue and I headed across to Stonesty Pike, then back to the easy bump of Great Knott, before descending to join Alan and Sue near Red Tarn.

Runners were coming and going in all directions as we tucked into our lunches – tuna picnics for me and Sue; home made salads for Alan and Sheila.

The original plan had involved a there and back visit from here to Pike of Blisco, but we saved that for another day and set off down the paved path into Oxendale.

Here’s the start of the path, near Red Tarn, with Bowfell above Sue's head.



The end was in sight, but it was still a tiring descent to the valley, albeit still with fine views, especially looking across to Hell Gill and Bowfell.

Alan was with us. That meant tractor spotting. This David Brown was my favourite.



Sue prefers 'Lamb Spotting' – you’ll have to visit the slideshow for that picture.

By the time we got back to the ODG at around 2.30 pm, Sheila was desperate for a glass of wine, which she enjoyed in warm sunshine outside the hotel in between bouts of photography with a miscellany of cameras and ‘phones.



In fact we all enjoyed a tipple of our choice, and lazed here, taking in the ambience, for quite some time before an easy journey home.

Today's route - 14.4 km, 700 metres ascent, moving time 5 hours.



So, a successful little outing in excellent company, with Saturday being memorable for its perfect weather and a great wild camping spot.

I’ve uploaded a few more pictures (67 in total), and the slideshow can be viewed in a few clicks from here.

Alan has also written an excellent report and slideshow – here.

Enjoy!

* For Samsung S5 users: I can only explain this problem, that has now happened to me twice, as arising from an accidental swipe to the left before opening the draft email. This gives a ‘Delete’ or ‘Undo’ option, and in the dark or in a hurry it would be easy to brush ‘Delete’ on the screen. Great care is therefore needed. On the other hand I’ve found some old drafts have been saved although the relevant emails have been sent and finished with. I like the phone, but getting the best out of it and avoiding certain pitfalls is something of a challenge. Next up – how to load my Anquet maps to the phone…

Sunset from Glaramara

It's just brilliant here tonight...

Saturday 11 April 2015 – The Calderdale Hike

After some delays in returning from Mallorca, due to a French air traffic controller strike (we chose Jet2 whose flights were merely delayed, whilst Ryanair and EasyJet flights were being cancelled), Friday was spent sorting out at home before Ken arrived from Ottawa to join me on the Calderdale Hike.

Entered as runners, we enjoyed the luxury of a 9am start, the walkers having left at 7am for the 37 mile route and 8am for the 26 mile route. All the runners leave together, and we spent the first half of our walk with those doing the 37 mile version. That had more entrants as it is on the ‘Ultra-running’ calendar that is currently quite popular. Here are the runners, amassing at the 9am start, just as the rain stopped.

Ken and I were dressed more appropriately for hiking, though we did do a bit of jogging.

It was a new route this year – full details are on the Calderdale Hike website (note that the route changes, so in time this link will show a different route).

I was fooled at the start, as everyone headed across some playing fields by way of a short cut to Bowood Lane. No doubt it was shorter, but due to the long queue to squeeze through a narrow gap, it was probably slower for those of us at the back. Never mind, it helped everyone to spread out and find their own pace.

There were very few people behind us as Ken and I headed up Rishworth Moor.

As we got higher, a buffeting NW wind ensured that very little running took place, with Ken rather keener than me on that form of perambulation.

We moved relentlessly towards a checkpoint on the Oldham side of the M62 motorway, reached via the Pennine Way footbridge that rather puzzlingly had rather a lot of mud on its convex surface.

After this, Ken forged ahead along the easy slabs of the Pennine Way, towards the summit of Blackstone Edge. By now we were passing many of the walkers who had set off in heavy boots at 7 or 8 o’clock. Ken and I used trail shoes today. My four year old Keen Targhee ll shoes with nearly 2000 km under their soles performed brilliantly and with the aid of some sealskinz socks kept my feet dry and warm.

I tried to find the actual summit of Blackstone Edge, then went to the trig point (pictured at the head of this post, not the true summit), reached via an awkward step.

Ahead of me, Ken fell over near here and hurt his ring finger – eventually requiring a hospital visit when he got back to Ottawa. I caught up with him at White House checkpoint, the sixth of nine checkpoints for the short route, excluding the start and finish point.

We watched those on the long route (the majority) jog off down the hill towards Sladen Fold, and I left Ken munching sandwiches and headed off towards several reservoirs beside which the Pennine Way passes. Here’s the good path beside Head Drain, leading towards several small reservoirs.

Ken soon passed me – “see you at the end”. This is a flat path. It should have been ideal for a little gentle jogging, but unseen in these two images is the strong, buffeting, cold NW wind that led to instant dismissal of any thought of making progress in any other way than walking.

Eventually the Pennine Way turned right and the recommended route turned left. Given that the next checkpoint, Lumbutts Church, was more or less straight ahead, that’s the way I chose despite the paucity of a path.

Across Langfield Common, the ‘path’ was a little tricky to follow, but I soon encountered some runners who told me they’d had a navigational nightmare. I suspect that was true as they were much quicker than me and soon sped off into the distance.

Lumbutts Church is always an excellent support point. I enjoyed a butty and a drink and the obligatory banana and jelly babies here, before setting off along the Pennine Bridleway below Stoodley Pike, which unusually was not on today’s itinerary.

I hadn’t been doing much running, so it was surprising to be passed by quite a few short route runners. It seems they had chosen a more elongated itinerary than mine. This event has no set route – you are simply required to visit all the checkpoints in the correct order.

Here’s a short route runner passing me, and in the distance is Ian Symington, the eventual winner, about to overtake me after he had gone 30 miles as opposed to my 19 miles. Well done Ian, who just carried on running and finished nearly an hour ahead of me. He completed the 37 mile route in about five and a half hours. (The results haven’t yet been published as I compose this report.)

Some time later, three or four miles from the end, Ken caught up with me. Strange, as I thought he was ahead of me. Anyway, he soon dashed off and finished the 26 mile course in 6 hours 19 minutes. I managed a steady jog for the last downhill mile, to come in 3 minutes after him, though if I’d taken it a bit easier I may not have felt stiff for so long afterwards!

All in all, an excellent day out, and thanks for your company, Ken.

Thanks also to all the numerous helpers and marshals who made the event run so smoothly, and to those responsible for the lavish amounts of food at both the checkpoints and the cricket club at the end. Brilliant!

Here’s the 42 km route, with 1300 metres ascent, taking me 6 hours 22 minutes.

(Click for a larger image)

Previous reports on this walk:
2014
2012
2011
2009

Wednesday 8 April 2015 - Puig Tomir (1103 metres)

Whilst Robert and Lyn drove off somewhere to base themselves for a bike ride to and from sumptuous café and lunch breaks, Sue and I drove up to the small car park, Es Pixarells, at kilometre 17 on the Pollença to Lluc road.

A 10.20 start found us walking under a blue sky along the main road to km 17.4, before heading up a quiet tarmac lane past Menut to Binifaldó.

From here we enjoyed a classic five and a half hour circuit over Puig Tomir in perfect weather. A brilliant way to conclude our short trip to Mallorca. Sue is pictured (top) on the summit.

Our route is well described in Paddy Dillon's Cicerone guide - route number 21.

Highlights of the day include:

• numerous frolicking goats 
• an entertaining ascent of a rock band aided by wires and stemples 
• masses of bright blue rosemary on the ascent 
• eagles and other birds of prey soaring near the summit 
• good access - not always the case in Mallorca - though some of the ladder stiles (see middle picture) were not for sufferers of vertigo
• a huge green grasshopper 
• fabulous summit views, especially to the Formentor peninsula and across the sea to Menorca 
• I spotted a couple of small orchids, one of which was a very small and very pretty new one for us - more on this in due course
• several lime kilns near Binifaldó 
• a huge snow pit below the summit - it must have been a good eight metres deep, with accompanying corrals for mules
• brilliant wilderness paths that were once mule tracks
• afternoon tea in an olive grove on a thin path with two mules (pictured - bottom)

We saw a few folk, including a dozen or so German women on the summit, but a lot of the time it felt like just us in the wilderness.

The total walk was 17 km in six and a half hours, including ascent of around 700 metres. An excellent excursion. Highly recommended.

Later - a most enjoyable final evening with Robert and Lyn in the apartment.

That's it from Mallorca for now. I'll try to produce a slideshow when time permits.

Happy Birthday Dot – 90 Today

Many Happy Returns, Mother! (Pictured here with Sue at Shugborough, on 24 August 2011.)

Tuesday 7 April 2015 - Sa Gubia (609 metres) and Pas de sa Fesa

Yesterday Sue went up Mola, a small hill near Cala de Sant Vicente. Her report on that and a small extension to the walk described in Paddy's guide book will follow.

Today we planned to walk up Es Teix and wander along Archduke Lluís Salvador's 19th century pathways. But the high peaks were in cloud, on a drafty day. So we chose Paddy Dillon's route number 37 instead. 

As it turned out, the original plan would have been fine, but the alternative was also a good choice, with excellent views from the summit, where I took today's pictures.

Coffee at our parking spot at Ca'n Penasso would have been a nice way to start, but the restaurant has had its day and needs pulling down.

Two types of spurge accompanied us up the gently graded switchback track past two sheep shelters, one with a deep well. There were more shelters near the summit.

Birds of prey circled above, one, a brightly coloured kite, coming low above our heads.

Three people followed us up the path, but it was a different German couple who appeared on the summit as we were finishing our lunch. A chaffinch lurked expectantly. Seagulls floated on the breeze - we could see the sea in several directions.

We descended back to the track at a col where there's a plaque erected in 1958 in memory of Leandro Ximenis, a well-known Mallorquín mountaineer.

The route down took us through a deep cleft, eventually reaching two sets of locked gates that we skillfully negotiated before completing our 13 km circuit past hedgerows laden with wild garlic.

In fact, we avoided a kilometre along a main road by diverting to the main square in Bunyola. Coffee and coke at Café Ca S'espardenyer was a good way to complete the outing, especially as nearby Café Tramuntana didn't seem to notice us.

A major navigational error on the way home didn't detract from the day. Robert and Lyn returned from a good ride to join us for afternoon tea by the pool, then we adjourned to 'Stay' in Port de Pollença for a meal to celebrate Lyn and Sue's recent birthdays.

Another fine Balearic day...

Monday 6 April 2015 - Out With The Peleton

Today I discovered what it's like to ride with the Peleton. 

The bike rides with Robert and Lyn are very gentle. Some would regard them as meanders. Many large groups of club cyclists whizz past us from time to time.

Today, battling after 60 km against a light headwind, I was passed by a group in yellow uniforms. They gave me very little space, cutting in front of me. So I tried to follow them. Suddenly, instead of battling the breeze, I found myself freewheeling in order to avoid a bump with the person ahead. I was quite oblivious of the team cars with flashing blue lights that were behind me, with Robert pedalling like fury behind them. They are the only team cars we have seen.

So the old man in the M&S tracksuit joined the Peleton for a while. From this day on he will view with admiration the efforts of those who either break away from the Peleton or find themselves having to catch up with it.

This morning we left the apartment in cool sunshine, soon passing lovely blossom and fine views to the nearby mountains. Lyn and I sauntered whilst Robert returned to base for her windproof jacket. Mallorca is very 'green' just now, the summer heat and dryness not yet having arrived. It's excellent cycling and walking weather.

There were lots of cycling groups out today. We got mixed into one of them before pausing at the Saint Miquel chapel, where cakes were being brought out in anticipation of a profitable day.

A side road past a busy rat got us to coffee in the sunshine at Moscari, before leisurely continuing our gently undulating route to Biniamar, and a jovial bar after 35 km for a huge lunch (pictured). We finished it all and were rewarded with a discount. The sun beat down. It was glorious weather today.

The afternoon was spent completing an 80 km circuit back to Port de Pollença. It took us seven and a half hours, of which four and a half were in the saddle, which I'm happy to report has not resulted in anything worse for me than a cricked neck.

After the Peleton incident at 60 km we entered the Nature Park where lots of birds can be admired, including rare crested coots and many other species. My banana - the only food I carry on such trips - was enjoyed at the top of an observation tower.

Back roads then delivered us back to 'poolside' (pictured), in my case after Ambrosio had been returned intact to Bruce at Pro-Cycles.

Our route today, for the record, was:

Port de Pollença >  Saint Miquel chapel > Campanet > Moscari (coffee - Bar es Poulton) > Binibona > Calmari > Mancor de la Vall > Biniamar (lunch) > Lloseta > Inca > Sapobla > Parc Naturel de S'Albufera > Port de Pollença 

More details will be posted when the records from my Garmin gadget and my Canon camera have been downloaded.

Sunday 5 April 2015 - A Bike Ride to Coll d'Honor (550 metres)

Whilst Sue had a mini adventure on Puig Caragoler (report to follow in due course), I joined Robert and Lyn for a bike ride from Biniali.

We set off at 10.30 on the following 57 km circuit:

Biniali > Santa Maria > Bunyola > Coll d'Honor > Orient > Alaro > Santa Maria > Biniali, taking minor roads wherever possible.

Jumpy the van found his usual spot by the roundabout outside Biniali, from where we cycled casually past vineyards and flower meadows towards Santa Maria. A busy spot with heavy traffic. 

After a 'Robert's Ramble' in search of the correct exit from town, Robert and Lyn headed off in a third random direction. Unfortunately the traffic intervened and I had no idea where they had gone. Luckily it was sunny in the central square where I'd last seen them. Just as well as they'd gone 5 km up the unsigned road to Bunyola before realising I was missing!.

After some text messages, 45 minutes, and a futile attempt on my part to purchase a map, my two companions rather sheepishly reappeared and I finally escaped from the bustle of Santa Maria. That was an extra 10 km for Robert and Lyn, and a free coffee for me. The story will no doubt amuse Marcus.

Unfortunately, having passed some Little Egrets and ensconced ourselves outside a café in Bunyola, we were put off by the smoke and our apparent invisibility (Robert is a 6ft 8in dwarf) and moved on to commence the 40 minute climb to today's objective, Coll d'Honor. Apparently we passed an excellent cake shop on the way out of town - Robert noticed it was open but overlooked broadcasting the fact.

Anyway, there were good views back down to the town, and across to the nearby mountains.

A Blackcap narrowly dodged my spokes during the 350 metre ascent to the Coll. Once there, Robert kindly took today's photo of me and Lyn, with Hewie and Ambrosio in attendance.

A short descent saw us outside the restaurant at Orient, where I washed down their pasta bolognese with some cold San Miguel whilst the others washed down a sandwich and some salad with some cold coffee. Oh dear! especially as it had clouded over and cooled down, with Robert even alleging 'rain'.

It's a fast descent to Alaro, even with dangerously skinny tyres and a buffeting wind. Good fun though, especially with the added comfort of a windproof top and some warm legs.

Alaro was full of people, who we saw more than once as Robert once again wrestled with the geography of a Mallorcan town.

Eventually we found our way out and rode slowly back to Biniali, via Santa Maria, much less busy on the overcast afternoon, passing lots of swooping Hoopoes on the way.

I recorded 57 km in 3 hours 20 minutes cycling time, 6 and a half hours altogether. The others rode at least an extra 10 km, bless 'em!

Saturday 4 April 2015 - Cuculla de Fartàritx - 711 metres

On another 'partly sunny' day I decided to give myself a rest from a rather firm saddle and join Sue for a 'hill day'.

This was walk 19 in Paddy Dillon's Cicerone guide, but we aren't convinced that he's done the whole walk.

Almonds and orange trees accompanied us on the track out of Pollença, from where the paths gradually diminished in width and ease of surface, finishing on a stone path that had clearly once been a good old mule track to the high farmhouse of Fartàritx Gran.

The local variety of cyclamen, with small white flowers, grows in this vicinity, but the rich crop of orchids that Sue found yesterday wasn't in evidence here - just a few interesting lilies to be identified when we return home.

There was cloud on our summit for a while, but it soon left in favour of the much higher top of Puig Tomir (1104 metres).

The section from Fartàritx Gran to the summit was the bit that Paddy may not have walked. His route description sent us to the right of the waymarked path. There's a spring above the farm at the edge of a wood, where we thought we were supposed to contour a little further. But the path now seems to ascend up above the farmhouse, rather than to its right. Anyway we climbed up to an imposing rock face and contoured left on animal tracks over rough ground, eventually reaching the waymarked path that led in easy zigzags through a rock band to the summit plateau. From there it was an easy 400 metre stroll to the summit cairn.

There were fine views in all directions, as intimated by today's picture. These, together with the arrival of a Scottish pair, resulted in an hour's sojourn at this scenic spot. Goats frolicked nearby as we chatted.

Eventually it was time to descend back to the rock band, after the descent of which we turned right and continued down to L'Assarell farm, from where a surfaced lane led past assorted species of lily back to Pollença. A bit tedious, this last bit, but apart from that, an excellent 18 km walk taking six and a half hours, including an hour for lunch and socialising on the summit with the only people we met all day outside Pollença. Back in town, ice creams were welcomed before we said goodbye to the goldfinch on guard at the car park - he had done a good job - the Panda still appears to be free from damage!

Friday 3 April 2015 - A Bike Ride to San Llorenç

Sue went up sa Talaia Fred and Puig de sa Creu today in lovely weather. Her report will follow in due course. 

Meanwhile, I went to Bruce's bike shop, supposedly to pick up a hybrid bike for a few days. I came away with Ambrosio, who has the thinnest tyres I've ever ridden on. Lyn and Robert have their own bikes, so we loaded all three into Jumpy the van and set off to Ariany.

There followed a 68 km bimble on the following route:

Ariany > Petra > Ma3330 > Bosch Valley > Sant Llorenç des Cardassar > Ma4022 > Ma4021 > Manacor > beside Ma15 > Ma3310 > Petra > Ariany.

It took 3 and a half hours moving time but about 5 and a half hours in total, reflecting the leisurely nature of the day.

There are lots of cyclists here, so riding on tarmac is much less stressful than in the UK, as drivers are more considerate.

Hawks hovered over a plethora of smaller birds, and regiments of telegraph pole trees sprouting pink flowers puzzled us as to their identity.

The pie shop in Sant Llorenç proved an excellent lunch venue, though the small town (pictured) proved less than easy to leave - we spent 8 km searching for our planned exit. My walks may include unexpected meanders; Robert's bike rides certainly include unrehearsed 'rambles'!

The evening was spent in a nice restaurant in Pollença, before we adjourned to watch a long Easter procession that seemed to me to feature numerous chapters of Klu Klux Klan, followed by Christ (a dwarf) on a byre, and a brass band. All slowly marching down Pollença's 400 Calvari steps over a period of 45 minutes.

Some photos were taken - I'll try to provide a better commentary in due course with the slide show. It was actually an important event, attended by thousands and with Balearic TV broadcasting live. So we may have been on local TV tonight, especially 6 ft 8 inch Robert.

Thursday 2 April 2015 - Port de Pollença

It doesn't seem four years since we were last here. It isn't four years since Robert and Lyn were last here; they have been coming to Xypres Apartments for the last eight years.

Luckily there is a spare room, and Sue and I were quick to jump at the opportunity to join them again for a week. It was good to leave Timperley's wind and rain and escape to weather that is reminiscent of an English heatwave.

Jet2 were ahead of schedule and our bag took no longer to appear than it took me to reach the head of the car hire queue. Bad news on the car front - how are we possibly going to keep a brand new black Fiat Panda free from the sort of wear and tear that could eat into our deposit. (We are insured, but could do without the hassle.)

We are now sitting by the burbling pool outside the apartment in easy chairs with glasses of wine. The aroma of pork tenderloin is drifting through the kitchen window.

Happy Days!

Sent from my Samsung device

Martiflette (2 servings)

This is a dish based on the traditional 'Tartiflette' that we enjoyed with French friends earlier in 2015. When I told Chantal that I included mushrooms in my recipe, and that I didn't use Reblochon cheese, she said "That's not Tartiflette, you can't call it Tartiflette". So this is my take on this traditional Alpine dish, perhaps also suitable for a cold March day in Timperley.

INGREDIENTS

350 gm potatoes (waxy/red are good) - thinly sliced
250 gm bacon (smoked is good) - get two hand-cut slices from the butcher and cut into small squares (or buy lardons)
4 shallots or a small red onion - sliced
2 cloves garlic - crushed
150 gm chestnut mushrooms - sliced
200 ml double cream
250 gm Linset Chaorce cheese
White wine

Salad ingredients of your choice

PROCESS

1 Heat oven to 200 degrees C.

2 Boil the potatoes in salted water until they soften (6-7 minutes).

3 Drain and cool the potatoes.

4 Fry the bacon, garlic and onion/shallots with a dash of olive oil for 5-6 minutes until they soften, then add the sliced mushrooms and continue frying for 4-5 minutes.

5 De-glaze the pan with white wine.

6 Put the bacon mixture in a buttered gratin dish, then layer the sliced potatoes on top.

7 Pour the double cream evenly over the top of the potatoes.

8 Season with salt and pepper.

9 Overlay with slices of Chaorce cheese. This is more readily available in the UK than Reblochon, which can also be used, as can other soft, melty cheeses.

10 Bake in the oven at 200C until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Enjoy with some green, or more elaborate, salad.

Based on a Tartiflette recipe from Robert, the Solitary Walker. Thanks Robert.

Saturday 28 March 2015 – Wythenshawe parkrun

I did my 70th Wythenshawe parkrun (I’ve now learnt that it is all one word, with a lower case p) on Saturday and was nabbed afterwards by Andy to write the weekly report. He chose the right moment, as I’ll only be able to get to the event one more time before the end of May. You’ll gather from the report that is duplicated below that there weren’t many, if any, photos taken on Saturday, so I’ve pulled some from the 27 December 2014 archive, showing the Park, Oliver, and a different Run Director, Paul M, giving a rather longer briefing than we ‘enjoyed’ on Saturday.

I won’t go on any more, other than to emphasise the enjoyment and camaraderie generated by parkruns all over the UK. Go on, get your barcode, and then use it!

Here’s my report.

Event number 180 – 28th March 2015

Posted on March 29, 2015 by wythenshaweoffice

Well, what an honour! I've been asked to pen this week's report. Was that a hint of desperation I detected in Andy's voice when he asked me?

I had planned to bring 'cake' to celebrate my 70th Wythenshawe parkrun, but having looked at the forecast I decided against being remembered as the person who brought the soggiest cake! What a contrast to last week's conditions.

Cycling from Timperley was not actually unpleasant, but by 8.45 even Oliver had deployed his brolly and was enjoying a chuckle whilst 197 masochists assembled under the large trees next to the 16th century hall that his mate Captain Adams had laid siege to some 370 years earlier. "I'm glad I wasn't there" pondered Oliver,  recalling that Adams had got his head blown off in the fracas.

Anyway, the rain thickened and 9am came and went. Technical problems with the timing device were skilfully 'patched' and today's Run Director, Paul L, piped up and led his victims to the start line. It's a requirement to provide a briefing at this point, so the dogs were gagged whilst Paul quickly welcomed tourists, explained the route, briefed the first timers, explained that we don't have sole use of the park, asserted that children must stay with and look after their parents, reminded Andy that 'it's not a race', encouraged everyone to follow the signs ("but not the yellow ones, they are for a different event"), etc, etc.

To Paul's eternal credit he managed all this, and a countdown to the start, in about ten seconds.

It was crowded and wet. I'm sure Matteo was pleased to have his new Sealskinz waterproof socks. I was certainly glad of mine, but very soon my feet were the only dry bits of my body.

The 'mud splash' was just that - a bit like the water splash in a steeplechase, but 20 times as long and full of mud. Great fun!

Slithering around the football pitches was, well, a slither. But the fast descent to the far bridge was (relatively speaking) a pure delight, especially for 'it's not a race' Holloway who managed to sprint ahead of a youthful rival.

So PBs would not feature today, would they? Well, they did! Congratulations to 14 of you who managed just that - Jaya, Jacqueline, Amy, Lindsey, Heather, Jane, Paul, Samantha, Philippa, William, Gareth, Stuart, Adam and Andrew. There were also PBs (obviously) from today's 26 First Timers, only 7 of whom had done parkruns before elsewhere. So well done to those folk for starting their parkrun careers on such a grotty day. Do come again!

First home was Andy 'it's not a race' Holloway, and bringing up the rear today, just beating the tail runner to the tape, was Jill 'I'm going as fast as I can' Holloway. Three more 'Holloways' were amongst the list of finishers, and it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that there were a further 11 Holloways masquerading as 'Unknowns', not forgetting any more Holloways listed amongst today's volunteers.

We all know (especially those of us of a certain age) that Andy 'it's not a race' Holloway is quite right in his assertion. It's all about percentages, of the age-related variety, with a talented lady once again taking the bow. Not many may know this, but our queen of the percentages today is currently rather high in the UK lists for 10km races in her age group. We salute you Jackie Cordingley, for your 'Performance of the Week'.

Percentages are of course important to the OAPs amongst us, and congratulations go to Michael Dunne for being first home, in 29th position, amongst the nine 'over 65s' included in today's soggy participants.

Today's Tourists - they must be seriously addicted to turn out in such vile weather whilst on holiday in Manchester - appear to come from the height and breadth of Greater Manchester, apart from two significant chaps, Ben Barton and Rob Partington, who despite their Northern Names ventured out from the Isle of Wight and Greater London respectively. I hope you enjoyed your visit, and a cuppa at the café before your long journeys home! Well done to all of you, and on behalf of the 'management' I do apologise for the time that it took to scan your barcodes at the finish.

Today's event was plagued by technical problems, with large numbers of soggy barcodes contributing to the delay. I thought everyone was very patient whilst the hard-pressed volunteers refused to panic and eventually de-camped from the dubious shelter of the trees to finish their task in the warmth of the café, albeit the soggy runners still had to wait to get to the head of the queue before gaining shelter from the weather.

Talking of volunteers, as you know, the event couldn't take place without them, and today's team of Run Director Paul Lockett together with his finely honed squad of Beatrice Cordingley, Anthony Harrison, Andy 'it's not a race' Holloway, Richard Kenny, Katharine Lay, Alex Lay, Dorothy Muldoon, Anthony Southworth, Susan Steindorff, Martin Stratton, Margaret Tunney and Emma Willert are to be applauded, together with all the additional folk who stepped in to help move the scanning firstly from in front of the hall to under the trees, and then to the café.

(Well done - I can hear the clapping in Timperley.)

Volunteers are always needed, and I'd encourage you to take your turn - we should all volunteer at least three times a year - by sending an email or a facebook message, or by filling in the sheet on the table at your next parkrun.  There are always plenty of slots available which really do need filling, and it's fun and satisfying.

Almost finally (should that be penultimately?), a word to the 16 under 15s who took part today. I'm really impressed that you ventured out on such a grotty day, but I'm also envious of you all having years and years of PBs in front of you - enjoy that whilst you can.

Finally (post penultimately?), Andy has scripted a message that says  "I may have mentioned it before, but please, please, please Don’t Forget Your Barcode". (You may need to re-print and laminate one if those I saw at the finish are anything to go by.) Andy harbours a dream of one day having a run with no Unknown Athletes in the results table so go on, make him happy!

See you next time

Martin

Our Wine List

 

This is just testing my new phone prior to the next bout of mobile blogging.

(Mine's the Rich Cape Burgundy please, I hope it improves with age!)