The volunteers

John with Julie I enjoy the weekly walk which is organised by John and Julie. This is a fairly laid back affair, where people can bring their dogs, and usually there are several stops to admire the view, and catch your breath.There are also 2 moderate to hard walks. These are all advertised in the newsletter of the companians, people just turn up and if not driving they pay 3 euros to the driver.

Behind the scenes the volunteer walk leaders have to plan at least 2 walks in advance, and check them out for distance and time.They must not lose any drivers en route to the walk, or any walkers during the walk.Their reward is the gratitude of the group for discovering stunning mountain or coastal walks and pleasant company, plus the opportunity to picnic or have a meal out afterwards.

Last week there were 34 people turned up, so the first hurdle was fitting them all into the transport available. We walked from a restaurant up in the hills where we were booked in for a meal later. We set off on a steady uphill climb, debating the merits of nordic walking with 2 sticks, which certainly help to ease the uphill journey, not sure about them providing a total aerobic workout!

The second hiccup was an outburst from an unfit walker who said we were walking too fast, and that she would not be coming again if we kept up this pace.Another couple decided to accompany her back to the restaurant, and wait for the rest of us there.Whew! The walk kept up a reasonable pace as we were due to eat in 3+ hours.The views were spectacular, as we kept ascending, and circling the summits of a ring of hills, with glimpses of the sea far below.We were relieved when the path started to go downhill, only to end suddenly with a steep drop below. One walker became hysterical at this point, as she had a fear of heights, another group broke away from the main party  and disappeared, and the 2 remaining groups went in opposite directions.The leaders were pulling their hair out, as staying together is one of the main requirements, especially on a mountain………

Miraculously everyone arrived back, about an hour late, the mumbles and grumbles died down, as glasses of beer and wine were enthusiastically consumed, and fears disclosed about having to be airlifted off the mountain. The final job for the volunteer leaders was making sure the bill for the meal was covered by the contributions!.Next week they are sharing the walk with the moderate to hard walk leader,and having a well earned rest from the responsibility.