June 10th 2011 Section 1 to La Cortijuela

Our plan this week was to do the second part of section 1 from the Rio Monachil to La Cortijuela, which is up by the Botanical gardens behind Cumbres Verde. We needed two cars again this week because there were six of us. I thought we might be able to get both cars to the start of the walk but, when we came to the off road bit, it was obvious Mike’s car would not be happy on the rough track, so we left it by the side of the road and all six piled into the Suzuki. Arriving at what we thought was the start of the walk we could not find any way markers or signs, and the track crossed the river which we did not fancy doing because there wasn't a bridge. A quick consultation with the Tomtom showed that we were 2km short of our destination so following her directions we set off up a road marked “No Entry”, we thought if we were going to be stopped for having 6 in the car, we might as well go the whole hog. Another 5 minutes in the car and no sign of the Guardia we came to the correct starting point. We were soon kitted up and off on what promised to be a great days walking.
After 20 metres we came to a halt the, same river that had stopped us in our tracks a few minutes before needed crossing and without a bridge it meant it was going to be wet feet again. I am getting quite an affinity to the Rio Monachil as last time I came across it I fell in from a great height. With no alternative we took our boots off and rolled up the trousers and made the crossing. At this time of year with a lot of snow still to melt on the Sierras the water was cool! The track is well graded and follows the Rio Monachil as it climbs up through an oak forest towards Pradollano. Eventually the track turns into a path as it climbs steeply in the direction of La Cortijuela, what had been a pleasant green wooded valley suddenly became covered in wild flowers, it was like one gigantic garden. No wonder the Botanical gardens are sighted in this area, it is wonderful.
We had to drop about 200 metres down through another forest to reach the information centre at La Cortijuela where we met a very nice young lady who explained the various flora and fauna of the area.We also met two young women who were doing research on the indigenous animals in this area, what a nice cushy job they had. We put them to good use and asked them to take our photo. Now you would think when you are having your photo taken there is only one place in which to look, five of us managed this easily, the Dutch guy didn’t.
It was now well past lunch time but we had to retrace our steps back up the 200 metres we had happily come down a few minutes previously, and it is never a good idea to walk up hill after a meal, so up the hill we went, stopping off at the top in very pleasant surroundings for our well deserved meal.
After lunch we continued on the same route back to the car, the hillsides were not conducive to finding an alternative route. Arriving back at the river crossing it was now nice and refreshing to take the boots off and wade across the river again. I am happy to report that this time I, and indeed everyone, managed to get across without falling in.
We drove back to the main road on a different route but we had to drop Cees and Rene off at the pub when we reached the Carretera de la Sierra Nevada, whilst we went to recover Mikes car. We had an excellent walk and we will have to repeat it again in the spring time next year. The Sulayr path is turning into a great adventure with each new sector eagerly anticipated. This was the last walk for Graham for a while as he is returning to the UK for the summer. No doubt there will be an end to the drought in the UK and we will have another nice long hot summer.
The walkers Mike, Kees, Rene, Graham, Ray, and myself.
Distance walked on route today, 9 km. Total distance today 18.1 km. Height climbed today 793 metres. Total distance walked on the Sulayr path 88.2 km. Distance left to do 212.8 km. Total height climbed 7105 metres. Total distance walked 220.3 km.