As I write this to catch the deadline at the Costa Calida Chronicle, in mid April, (and what a wet April we’ve had so far!) the Grand National race at Aintree in UK has just this minute finished! I’m happy to say that after being asked to comment astrologically on the horses for the Daily Mail in UK earlier this week, the winning horse had been tipped by me as: “Competitive chart and Jupiter bodes well”.. It’s an interesting life as an astrologer, and being asked by the Daily Mail to calculate and look at 40 racehorses’ charts to meet a 3 hour deadline was entertaining to say the least! That is what is known as ‘FUN astrology’ and I think the race as far as I was concerned, was doing the 40 astrological birth charts in 3 hours, then condensing the information into about 10 words per horse and then seeing those edited and cut down further! No this is not serious astrology – which is what I'm normally known for – a change is as good as a rest though! Now, from the fun and excitement of Aintree to walks and outings in Murcia.. which are also very enjoyable and a little more relaxing!

Now that we’re into May, Spain will finally dazzle with sunny hot weather! How nice it is to enjoy hot sunshine for days on end! Bliss!

On Thursday 10th May we’re going to Elche, famous for its palm trees and gardens, by train from Alhama de Murcia. This outing is always very enjoyable, and involves a picnic in one of Elche’s beautiful parks full of palm trees and tropical greenery, followed by several different entertaining things involving some walking. Elche should be a riot of colour at this time of year, which is why it’s been planned for early May. There are several places to visit in Elche on this outing, and it leaves everyone with good memories and often new friendships! We’ll be meeting at Alhama de Murcia train station at 09.45 am to get there in plenty of time to queue and buy tickets for the train that leaves at 10.10. If you’d like to come along, please ring or email and book your place.

Then on Monday 21st May we’ll be going for a three hour walk taking in Aledo with spectacular views, and the Monastery of Santa Eulalia, often referred to as La Santa - where we’ll end the morning with a wonderful three course menu del dia in luxurious surroundings in the renovated and very classy monastery restaurant, which is an experience in itself! If the chapel is open, it might be possible to see the very ornate wooden painted panelled walls there, which are phenomenal. We’ll be meeting at the Monastery (which isn’t far from Totana) at 10.30 am but please book your place first by phone or email.

Also well in advance for June; on Thursday 7th June there will be another very easy short walk that leads to spectacular views over Alhama, and gives one the impression of being up in an aeroplane! This will be followed by a three course menu del dia for approx 9 euros at a mountain restaurant famous for the real living wild boars that can sometimes be seen there.. There will also be an outing to the Snow Houses on Friday 22nd June. These are amazing structures that were built as the earliest form of refrigeration – ice was subsequently taken to places as far away as Cartagena and used in medicine as well as to make ice creams for the rich on the coast.. by donkey. If you’d like to come on this easy walk then please, as usual, book in advance. It will be a morning walk meeting in El Berro at 10.30 and then we’ll retreat into the shaded pineclad mountains for a menu del dia for only approx 9 euros at a beautiful mountain restaurant.

Looking forward to seeing you all!
Ring, email or text to book your place.
Tel 968607927 and mobile tel/texts 679002147. If the first phone number is engaged (ie when the internet is in use) call or text the mobile no.
Email: natureespunatrails@gmail.com
Website - where you'll see any last minute updates or changes, as well as directions to the meeting places: Nest Walks