Summer's day excursion

 to the peak of the Sierra Serrella.

Thursday 22nd August 2013 and we took off for the peak of the Sierra Serrella with a dual purpose, to visit our friend Miguel who is on fire watch duty and to collect some of the giant pine cones you find near the peak. The latter make superb firelighters for the log burner in the winter months.

We arrived at the fire watch hut at 2pm which really was a case of Mad Dogs and Englishmen out in the midday sun. It was 32ºC when we left Quatretondeta but after a  730 metre climb to the peak the temperature was registering 26ºC with a gentle 3 knot breeze.

 

Miguel explained the records he has to keep; of temperatures, wind speed and direction , humidity and rain fall. It was quite a shock to discover that it had been 40 days since the last rainfall. A veritable tinderbox yet still surprisingly green. A testament to the wonders of the limestone terrains' ability to hold and store water.

The view from the Serrella peak 1359 m to Pla de la Casa 1379m.

The views, as always, are breathtaking from here and it is no wonder it is such a favourite with our Mountain WALKS walking parties. The above is a view towards the distant peak of Sierra Bernia which seems to have a perpetual topping of cloud.





After leaving the peak we then took a rare visit down the valley to the tourist honeypot of Guadalest. Although it was busy thankfully there were no tour buses there from the Benidorm hotels. This tends to put you off from what is a very attractive spot. A very late and excellent value lunch in what appeared to be the only bar in town with a Spanish menu on show. Everywhere seemed to have only English or Russian on display.

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We're looking forward to being back on the Sierra Serrella in the Autumn. Pat and Brian, Quatretondeta.