Tales of the river bank

When we think about the many places we have lived its seems that being near water is a theme. Having been brought up, met and married in a city that is about as far from the sea as you can get in UK we still found water to enjoy. It may only have been inland waterways, canals that is, but walking the tow paths provided us with relaxation and a way of getting away from the hustle and bustle, still does in fact when we go back to visit. Living in Cornwall we were never far from the sight and sound of the sea. Then in the Highlands we lived for many years by the deceptive River Enrick, such a mild little stream in summer but quite capable of becomes a raging torrent that flooded the area in winter. Likewise the River Ness which we also lived near. On moving to Spain we were close to the Rio de Segura in both Formentera and Guardamar, in the latter we also over looked the Mediterranean with all its changing moods. Now here we are in Blanca, close to the source of that same river, but oh what different river it is in this time. Not mostly sluggish, always muddy sometimes smelly. Instead its a babbling and beautiful fast running body of water. We have not seen it in full spate as yet but the clarity of the river is such a delight, when nearer the sea it becomes rather like an Australian river to look at muddy in the extreme, though I think at its tail end its not a clean as Australian rivers we have seen and been afloat on. We have swam in the mighty Murray but i would not do so anywhere in thelast few kilometres of the Segura. As I said its a different story here. we have all been in the river where it is easy to access down in Blanca, especially before we had our own pool. The river also provides us with a winter activity we look forward too. Just as we enjoyed walking the towpaths back in UK we plan many walks along the side of the river here. We started this week with a walk from the recreation area at our side of Abaran. Lots of things to hold our interest, including a huge red squirrel we watched for sometime as it tried to decide a good hiding place for its winter stash. This part of the river that circumnavigates the town of Abaran takes you past many little allotment size plots where local people grow there own food. We do wonder if the up and coming generation will put there hands to the plough as the older ones hang up their hoes. It may be just a well this area had a reputation for longevity, our neighbours are in there 80s and still working hard in there market garden. Only time will tell if they will be able to hand on the land to others who will care as much and work as hard.

Calasparra

Calasparra Village Street behind the church
Yesterday we had a drive over to Calasparra, Calasparra has the remains of an Arab castle of which there is not much to see but a nice walk along walkways to it original site, there are great views over the countryside from its highest point. The town sits on the confluence of four rivers, the Segura, Quipar, Argos and Benamor which enables them to grow rice here, which incidently we saw in a shop for 7 euros a kilo. there is a pleasant square with bars and cafes, and a popular attraction is the Santuario de la Virgen de la Esperanza-The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope, which is worth a visit,The archealogical museum near the church is closed on Mondays but open 10.30 -13.30 other days entry is 1 Euro.

Heavy Rainfall in Rojales

The last week or so of poor weather, in particular heavy rain, has had a rather dramatic effect on the Rio Segura.

My daughter and I went out for a walk this afternoon and we were surprised to see just how high the water had risen. The water had brought down lots of rubbish with it, and the council had sent a tractor down to start clearing it away. I can see it being a big job for them!

The Segura is usually in a state of semi drought although it has been known to flood in the past due to torrential rain. However since the canal system was put in place in the 1990s, flooding has not been a problem in this area, as they help to move the water more efficiently.

We are hoping that this cold spell will finish soon and we will have some lovely sunshine again!

Formentera Del Segura

Formentera del Segura is in the Veja Baja which means the low fertile valley, it is situated between Rojales and Benijofar, named after Don Nicholás Pérez de Sarrió ,the the lord of Formentera who in 1731 settled eight families there. Originally it was a moorish village, untill it was re-conquered by the King of Aragon in 1242. The village was completely destroyed in 1829 by an earthquake and took 11 years to rebuild. The main products of the town are oranges, lemons, vegetables, cereals and honey. Situated on the banks of the River Segura it benefits greatly from the regular supply of water in an area of very low annual rainfall. The town now has large housing developments being constructed especially on the outskirts, and there is a thriving industrial estate.
There is a small selection of bars and restaurants, a few shops and a good size municipal swimming pool. The town hall looks over the square where there is a kiosk bar this is the centre of festivals and events.