Costa Cálida Chronicle - Costa Calida Chronicle

Ruta 5, Ascensión al Pico de Los Frailes
desde La Casa de Cristo
The weather once again was ideal for the tour
on Sunday 25 March. The time change forced
us to wake up a little earlier, but thanks to
that, we enjoyed a beautiful sunrise from the
“Casa Cristo”, a place of departure from the
1,404m of the “fraile”.
We crossed a stretch of Cehegín, visiting an
ancient “resting point” or “corraliza” as they
call it here, walking in the mud resulting from
the heavy snow fall at the beginning of the
week, but it didn´t take us long to find the
snow much to the delight of adults and some
children with us. We were able to see signs of
badgers, foxes, rabbits, partridge and crows.
We arrived at the “Casa Quema” which offers
breathtaking views over the Valle de Benamor,
before starting to climb from the south and
with the ground completely covered with
snow, we zigzagged to make it easier to climb.
There were many birds singing around us
announcing the start of spring. Hearing their
songs made progression a little easier. The
sun was warm and that made it an even more
attractive improvement over the snow, whilst
passing under a huge “espolón”, “sargento”
or “fraile”, typical of dolomite formations. A
snack was then enjoyed by all before following
the path marked by mountain goats, to the
summit which opened up to the view into the
valley of the River Alhárabe and toward the
centre of Murcia.
We began the descent in search of the “well
of snow” expecting to find snow, but not
quite so much; we sank to above the knee
making balance very difficult, but every slip
and fall, made us all laugh, especially those
who ended up falling in it. We finally reached
the old well in the snow, Sg. XVI, where hard
work in harsh conditions had taken place
years ago. People had to accumulate snow
to make ice for culinary and medical use in
Moratalla. Now, it is no longer used, a tall
maple grows inside. We continued walking in
search of the “Fountain of Umbria”, the first
source that channeled water to the town, and
even today, a modern pipeline continues to
carry these waters in the village.
We finally reached the service road and found
ourselves surrounded by oaks and pines,
but the temperature was good which helped
to warm our frozen feet. The heat was just
enough by the time we returned to our cars.
Here some said goodbye until the next trip,
while others headed to the restaurant “La
Plaza” where once again, we ate heartily
while discussing the impact of one “white
spring” day.
Bodegas Silvano García
awarded 2 Gold Medals at
the XVIII Quality Contest of
DO Jumilla
We are pleased to announce
that our red wines vintage 2011
have been the winners again at
the XVIII Quality Contest of the
Jumilla Denomination of Origin
being awarded:
A Gold Medal for Viñahonda
Red Monastrell 2011 in the
category of young wines.
A Gold Medal for Silvano García
Sweet Monastrell 2011 in the
category of sweet wines.
This contest consisted of a jury of
16 professional tasters and wine
critics who tasted wines belonging
to the denomination of origin.
This award joins other awards
obtained this year at the XII
National Contest of the Wine
Guild of the Kingdom of the Monastrell,
which confirms the quality of the wines we
make with the Monastrell grape once again
and the public recognition of that reflects
the effort put into making wine within the
DO Jumilla.
Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Cálida Chronicle
To place an advertisement with us please see page 5 or contact Teresa 619 199 407
www.costacalidachronicle.com
email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
Page 47
In association with Costa Cálida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com