A great start to the new year

(Click photos to enlarge)

The Club began the new year with their AGM where members were presented with a full colour yearbook showing the highlights of 2010.

The following week saw the first run of 2011 with some 23 cars taking to the open road. After a cold and wet week Saturday's weather was cool and breezy, but happily dry and sunny, a great relief for the organisers since the same run had had to be cancelled in November because of torrential rain.

Richard and Jean who had originally planned the day were unable to be there but Ray and Carol stepped in at the last minute so that members would not be disappointed. Well done, a great team, though not in their distinctive replica Mercedes this time!

 

Following a slightly different format (the recent questionnaire had found that members would like to visit places of interest rather than just drive to a venta) they met at the Cueva del Tesoro in Rincon de la Victoria where there was a guided visit round these little known caves before the actual run.

Here they were introduced to the various legends of hidden treasure and an ancient goddess, and also met the local cafe owner and baker who provided breakast.

 

Then it was off into the Montes de Malaga, climbing up past Totalan to Olias where the road had happily been newly repaired. From there it was up to Venta Galwey for coffee, passing through some amazing scenery with stunning views on all sides.

The final leg dropped down through Colmenar and then up the old road from Casabermeja down to Malaga where swathes of almond blossom cover the hills at this time of year. Equally dramatic were the views of the new Malaga motorway in construction!

And, of course, there was lots of local colour to enjoy on the way, such as a close encounter with the goatherd, not to mention the van "towing" a couple of horses without a horsebox!

 

 

Lunch had been arranged at Venta el Tunel near the La Concepcion botanical gardens. This is something of an institution for Malaguenos who turn out in their hundreds each weekend to eat the house speciality (el arroz a la cazuela). The venta has been in business for around 48 years and is always packed. It provides an unforgettable experience of Spanish families out for lunch; not to mention music in the form of Verdiales (the venta holds special fiestas for these musical and singing groups). From there it was an easy drive home down the autovia.