Hi, it’s Norma the secretary of WARM.
What an amazing day we all had on Saturday 18th September. Finally, after an 18-month hiatus, a walk went ahead and it was fitting that the first walk was in fact the one that was cancelled as we moved into lockdown. The leaders had waited a long time to show us their route.
A WARM (13.5 k) was led by Allen and Sue and a SWARM (5.5k) was led by Jane and 32 people set off to walk at Coto de las Maravillas in Cehegin. We had checked with the local police and as a formal association we were given a limit of 40, ensuring we kept to the COVID rules about masks and social distancing. The meeting point was a sea of faces, new and old, as people were checked off the relevant walk list and paid their annual subscription. It really reminded us all about the thing most people have missed during the pandemic which is seeing different folk. Several people commented during the walk how good it was to be meeting with new people. Some of us of course were meeting up with old friends for the first time since March 2019.
During the walk it was easy to keep to the 1.5 metre rule as the paths were wide. As the photos show the scenery was stunning, but at 30ºC a little warm. We had to test out our emergency procedures when yours truly decided the heat was too much; a reminder that despite keeping walk fit that the Murcian sun can be savage, even in September. Chris my husband and David Hayden stayed with me until Allen Field came to the rescue with his car, although I did recover enough to walk further. My Strava map captures what happened!! I owe that man a cerveza!
Here are some of the comments from people involved:
“Congratulations on a fantastically organised first walk after our lockdown. A very warm day.” I think that was meant in both senses the temperature and the atmosphere amongst the walkers.
Another said “Really well organised and thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you all very much x”
“Great walk. I am really looking forward to your next one if you have one lined up. Such impressive organisation even to bringing the extra cool water, which was very welcome after using a bottle of mine for someone whose needs were greater than mine at the time!”
“Lovely first walk of the season. It was great to see lots of old and new friends. It has been too long!!!! Thank you, Alan and Sue, for a stunning walk.”
Our programme continues:
October walks
Saturday 2nd – Bolvonegro
Saturday 9th – Bullas
Saturday 16th – AGMand Ricote WARM and SWARM
Saturday 23rd – Almorchon Valley
Wednesday 27th – Isla Plana/La Azohia SWARM
November walks
Saturday 6th – Bullas
If you would like to join one of our walks, please email WARM2005@gmail.com and let us know where in Murcia you live.