17 SWOG members (should have been 18 but unfortunately a slight mishap with a passport meant one less) left Manchester Airport on a very cold snowy morning. After a short delay we finally got to our destination and was welcomed with warm and sunny weather.
On the Saturday morning we all walked into Soller as the market was taking place, whereby we all enjoyed the shopping and partaking in a refreshment or two.
Sunday morning saw us all walking into Soller again, as this route was part of the walk that Dave was leading. As it was Palm Sunday the square was very busy and an outdoor service was taking place. We are took part in this by waving our olive branches at the appropriate time.
Following this we all walked to the village of Fornalutx and had lunch overlooking the valley. A very nice leisurely walk back with ice cream in the square at Soller, Mmmmmmmm.
On the Monday we did split into different groups, and eight of us left at 9.30am to undertake a 19km mountain walk lead by Chris, up and along the Alfabia ridge. The walk left at the back of the church at Soller and we had a steep ascent up the mountain. The path was very good up to a certain point and then became very challenging. The route was marked by red spots on the rocks and did at times take a while to find them. One of the difficulties with clambering over the rocks were that amongst them were very prickly shrubs, not a good idea to have worn short trousers! We were very surprised when we almost reached the top to meet several cyclists, don’t know how they would have managed to get down over the rocks. Eventually we got to a refuge building which was our point that the descent should have took place. Unfortunately there was no path down so after some discussion etc we decided to go back the way we had come. After a very challenging and quick descent we reached Café Soller at 18.50hours. A very welcomed drink and rest was had.
Tuesday saw us all head for Palma. We all did different things but four of us decided to be very lazy and took the tour bus.
On the Wednesday the majority of us walked to Deia, we all headed for the beach café and had drinks etc overlooking the bay before making to the village to get the bus back.
Thursday was a leisurely day, some went into Soller, others took in the rays and the active ones took the ferry over to the gorge which they all really enjoyed.
I am more than sure that I speak for all of us by saying we all had a fab holiday, plenty of laughs, beautiful place, lovely weather with a great crowd. Many thanks have to go to Dave and Joanne for arranging the holiday and having us all with them on their 8th wedding anniversary - sure they loved that!!
Halina
