The challenge was to walk from the village center, down the gorge,
up the other side of the gorge, by the gorge towards El Ventorro
restaurant, down to the gorge again and then back to the village.
This probably takes only 2 hours for serious walkers, but with
A2 who dilly dallies with her picture taking and “look at
that view” moments, it took us three hours.
Walk From Alhama Center Down To The Gorge
Our walk started at the church near the ayuntamiento. There’s
a water fountain by this church where tired donkeys stop by to
have a drink. So far, I’ve only seen an A2donkey drinking
from this fountain.
The track down the gorge is currently being cemented. I’m
not sure if this is a good sign or not, but it definitely makes
walking down the gorge a lot easier.
One of the things about this route is the big vegetable garden
just by the side of the newly cemented road---I know! It’s
nothing to be excited about. It’s a garden! Of vegetables!!!
But living in Andalucia has done this to ‘em humans. J2
hopes to have his very own herb garden when we get a house, so
he tends to be excited about things likes this.
My Favorite Andalucia Walking Route
As
I’ve mentioned
in another article, my favorite walking route in Andalucia’s
Alhama De Granada is this rough dusty part of the gorge.
And I loved being there.
Everything was very familiar: the big rock by the side of the
small river, the smell of goats and the feel of powdered dust
on my newly bathed paws.
I was naturally excited to see where the goats were. I looked,
sniffed and used Jedi mind tricks to track their location…And
do you know where the wussies where? Out on the other side of
the gorge, protected by their goat pen.
It was a big disappointment! I could have had a blast chasing
them.
I can only guess that they knew that Andalucia’s coolest
dog (moi!) was passing by that day. That they were too scared
to step out of their pens!
Ha!!!
It’s good they know where they belong in the pecking order…One
point for thomas, Andalucia’s coolest.
Walking
To The Top Of The Gorge
We had not done this particular route before, but we’ve
been to this road by car and knew how beautiful the views are
up there.
We weren’t even sure if the track from the gorge leads
up to that road, but we gave it a try anyway. So we went higher
and higher up the dusty road and came up to a hill.
The way down wasn’t too easy for the humans but it was
a breeze to me …and lots of fun!
So there I was looking forward to this long walk when 2 dogs
from one of the farmhouses on the hill came charging towards the
road where we were walking. One of the two was very big and if
I had a choice, I wouldn’t wrestle with him. But A2, J1
& A1 were lagging behind us and I was really worried.
Why they don’t walk next to me is something I can’t
understand. J2 told me to keep walking. But I had to look back
to make sure the three slow pokes were alright.
Just
when I was ready to pounce on the dogs, they suddenly stopped
barking and went back to their farmhouse. I can only guess that
they recognized me and realized I was not someone they would want
to have a fight with.
Looks like my tough-dog reputation is spreading far and wide
in the Andalucian countryside! Another point for Thomas, Andalucia’s
coolest!!!
The Othe Side Of The Gorge
Our walk up the gorge towards El Ventorro was the longest part
of the journey. And to be honest about it, I was a bit worried
for A2 & J2. I wasn’t sure they were fit enough for
this.
But they proved me wrong. They looked as fits as horses the whole
journey.
They make me so proud. Good boy J2! Good girl A2! Very well done.
This walk on the other side of the gorge was a good one. I love
the long walk while the humans are excited by both the views and
the walk.
You can see the wide expanse of Alhama De Granada from there:
the whole village from north to south, the rolling hills, the
olive groves, even the National Park in the distance.
Very very beautiful..
Click Here For Part
2: Lots of Photos
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To Read More About Thomas' adventures in Alhama De Granada
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