Walking Spain: A Christmas Adventure

El Rompido – Ramblers ‘Five Star’: 21-28 December 2012

Fri 21-12-12

Arrived at Faro and was greeted by the Ramble Worldwide leader and then boarded the mini coach for the journey to Spain, and once we were under way, we stopped at a supermarket to buy bottled water and other goodies. It was late evening by the time we arrived at the hotel, so everyone headed to the restaurant for dinner.

Sat 22-12-12

After a leisurely breakfast, we left the hotel and took the public path through the golf course which led to the Marismas del Peidras area. As we walked we passed attractive pine trees and a lake.

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We discovered that a species of caterpillar built nests in the pine trees and agreed it was best to leave them well alone. There were several ornithologists in the group who did a wonderful job in identifying the numerous bird-life in the area.

We soon reached the river Piedras and then made our way to the coastal village of El Rompido.

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For the afternoon, we went out on a boat which almost run out of diesel so the captain had to quickly return to the jetty to refuel. We then set off for a second time to La Flecha a sandy area that separates El Rompido village from the sea. After disembarking, there was time to picnic, beach-comb and collect colourful capiz shells.

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When the boat came back to collect us, it got stuck on a sandbank.

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Eventually the crew managed to float the boat again and we made it back to El Rompido village where there was an opportunity for refreshments in a bar before walking back to the hotel.

Sun 23-12-12

Today we left the hotel at 06:30 hours and travelled by mini coach to Donana National Park where we boarded a 4WD vehicle.

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The 4WD then set off for the park and as we left we spotted two storks sitting on their nest.
Upon entering the park, we drove along the beach watching sea birds (very exhilarating).

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Eventually we turned inland, and stopped at a mock-up of an ancient settlement.

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We then set off to see the wetlands

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followed by a visit to the sand dunes.

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It was then off to the cowboy town of El Rocio.

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Mon 24-12-12

Today we set off on a circular walk through a forest in the Canada de Valasco area.

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In the woods, there was an abundance of fungi.

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As we had plenty of time, the walk was extended to El Rompido village for refreshments.

Tue 25-12-12 Christmas Day

After a leisurely breakfast, we slowly ambled to El Rompido village taking in the sights.

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After a walk along the beach, lunch was taken at a tapas bar before heading back to the hotel for a quiz, presents and dinner.

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Wed 26-12-12

Today we travelled by mini coach to the natural park of Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche stopping at a cafe bar for elevenses .

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Once refreshed, we continued on our journey and were then dropped off for a walk downhill to the village of Alájar.

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There was then time to explore the village before setting off on a circular walk through traditional farm land

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At mid point on the walk we reach a hamlet that had several new inhabitants after being abandoned for many years.

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The walk then took us past a farm where pigs were enjoying their siesta

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We then set off down lanes back to the village.

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In the village it was possible to buy local produce from villagers who had shops in their front rooms.

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It was then off to the adjacent hill to view a church and the magnificent views.

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On the way back to El Rompido, we had a photo opportunity as we passed the Rio Tinto mine,

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Thu 27-12-12

Today we walked to El Rompido village and took the public bus to the city of Huelva to do some sightseeing

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Fri 28-12-12
Stroll to El Rompido village for lunch before leaving for Faro airport.