For the walking enthusiasts among us.

[smilinjack 0]

Some of you from the Bandit forum may remember another favourite rideout of mine is to the Embalse de Ulldecona, about 25 miles from the flat. As it was a bit late in the day and a bit cool, we went in the car this time, and decided to put my expensive map with all the paths on to good use. The reservoir itself was low to the point of being empty. We could actually see the old buildings and olive groves at the bottom.




I guess maybe there's some maintenace planned or something-no hint of a water shortage or anything.
We didn't quite get to the top of the pass as daylight was running out, and the temp had dropped to 8 degrees by the time we arrived back at the car. I reckon we did about 5 miles. A few views for you.











Happily the restaurant on the opposite side of the bridge had the fire going. They cook steaks on this thing which look very appealing to an avowed carnivore like me.

Saw a pine marten, gryphon eagle, peregrine falcon and an ibex but didn't get any pics, but we caught some kids near the roadside on the way out. Not easy to spot thanks to my crappy phone camera and their ability to blend in. Fab day out, so much so that we went back later in the week and did another path around the reservoir.

[Stue11 0]

Looks nice mate whereabouts is this

[lee1 1]

great pics

[smilinjack 0]

@Stue11 wrote:

Looks nice mate whereabouts is this

Never thought to mention that! It's an area called the Tinenca de Benifassa, located about midway between Barcelona & Valencia. Nearest place you might know is probably Salou, although that's on the coast of course.

Edit: What I didn't mention is the Government order which brought the park into being in 2006. I don't remember the exact Catalan, but something like Plan d'Organitzacio de Resources Naturales. The acronym on the map consequently is PORN. Not one you'll forget in a hurry.

[Grumpyowl 0]

Looks brilliant,

the shot of the resevoir being almost empty reminds me of when I was a kid going to Ladybower to see the church steeple (I think it was ) sticking out of the water.

Do you work over there or have you taken early retirement ?

[smilinjack 0]

Neither Grumpy-we bought an apartment on the coast in 2005 and try to get across as much as possible. I absolutely love it and if I could afford to I'd go out to stay. Still got debts & a son at Uni so not for the moment I'm afraid.

[smilinjack 0]

If anyone is more interested, you can download an English language brochure here

http://www.cma.gva.es/contenidoHtmlArea/contenido/4326/ing/Tinenca2008_eng.pdf

[Baby B 0]

looks great Alan....would love to check it out sometime mate