EQUESTRIAN LIFE

Burghley Horse Trials here we come.........

Following Lin’s renewed interest in horse riding, she was invited to go riding by her good friend Kathy. She is riding Kathy’s horse named ‘Chimbi’ and as you can see she did rather well……

It was the most beautiful October evening in a wonderful location with a stunning sunset.......

Sunset over the mountains at Sierra de Grazalema

ESTACION DE GAUCIN

The last guests of the season were Roger and June, our old neighbours and friends from back in the UK.

It’s always good to see them, because it gives us the opportunity of reminiscing about old times and catching up with the events and people of our delightful old village of Datchworth.

Whilst they were here, we decided to take one of Europe’s great short rail journeys from Ronda down to Estacion de Gaucin, which runs through the spectacular El Chorro Gorge.

Although it is named Estacion de Gaucin, in actual fact it is much nearer to El Colmenar. It is a very pretty village, with tree lined avenues, a charming plaza, pretty station and parts of the old town are lovely.

The fountain at Estacion de Gaucin

A stunning bougainvillia

We had a superb lunch in the 'Meson las Flores' restaurante directly opposite to the railway station.

Whilst exploring, we discovered Ancha del Carmen, a little side street that had won first prize in a contest for the prettiest street and corner. As you can see from the photographs below it was worthy of the title.

A couple of photographs of the water tower at Estacion de Gaucin preserved from the age of steam trains............

Another highlight of the summer was the visit of Pauline and her close friend Kathy. I had worked at Paper Moon with Pauline for over fifteen years, so it was lovely to see them. They were on holiday in Fuengirola and decided to come up for the day. Barrie and Jeanne brought them up and they went back on the local bus!

WE'RE BACK

Hello everyone… After a break of 4 months we're back, although not exactly with a bang! We have had an extremely quiet summer, mainly due to the fantastic weather we have experienced here. Virtually every day throughout July, August and September we have enjoyed temperatures in the high 30’s and on more than one occasion it went to over 40!

The weather through October and now into November/ December has been almost as good with mostly clear skies and pleasant sunshine! However, this has been disastrous for this year’s olive harvest; the lack of rain and high winds has resulted in under ripened olives and huge premature losses.

We did have a few guests throughout the summer months. Becky came out for a week (5th - 11th August) followed almost immediately by Karen.

Whilst Becky was here we spent a day at the lakes at Ardales, officially known as the ‘Embalses’ of El Chorro, and also the ‘Pantanos del Conde del Guadalhorce’, although there are known more simply by the ‘ex-pats’ as the local Lake District! They are about an hours drive from us along peaceful country lanes with some marvelous open views from the Campillos area. The change of scenery from dry and arid to lush and green is startling. We had a super lunch at our favourite restaurant there ‘La Mirador’ which enjoys wonderful views across the turquoise lakes.

After lunch we decided to hire a pedalo for the afternoon to explore the inlets and hidden coves that surround the lakes. Whilst we were drifting around the lake, Becky spotted a group of teenagers that were diving into the lake from the cliffs! ‘I’d like to have a go at that’ she says and before I could say ‘Are you completely bonkers’ she had joined them and as you can see from the photographs, was also taking her life in her hands……………

Very brave or stupid.......

but she survived......

Sophie came over on the 14th September and stayed until the 21st and at the same time Lin traveled back to the UK to spend a week in Suffolk with Karen & Eddie. Sophie was starting Bournemouth University on the 5th October, so it was a great opportunity for her to chill out before the hard work commenced. As you can see Sophie has a great rapport with Luna and Nuri and they really missed her when she left.

Sophie with Luna.....

What's the matter with you?

Contentment!!