28th April 2010

Mystery Day Trip

It was a perfect day for our mystery trip – warm and sunny but not too hot, we had few clues as to where we would be going. There was be some walking involved and the route for pickups was to be Albox to Arboleas, indicating direction. Also the early pickup of 08:15 suggested a longish drive.

As we wended our way along the motorway towards Almería, Lorenzo pointed out workings for an 8km tunnel which would be taking the high-speed train. How quickly times are changing in this sleepy Spanish market garden!

Heading towards the Alpujaras we stopped in the town of Gador where, despite the power cuts, we were all able to enjoy a cup of coffee. It was here that we had news of our first port of call.

Karen gave us all some leaflets introducing us to Los Millares Copper-Age Archaeological Site, she included a map and alternative routes we might like to take on future independent visits.

We arrived at the very impressive Visitors Centre where we viewed a video giving us an insight into life for the inhabitants of this fortified site. lts roots go back to 1800 BC and the settlement indicates it was the first metalworking culture in Spain, between the Stone and Bronze Ages. A stall with replica pieces of pottery and jewellery was available for us to browse and purchase.

There were three walks for us to choose from, although perhaps a little ambitious in the time available. We could explore actual excavations or, alternatively, look at the replica huts which were reproduced on the site, with full information in several languages. Situated in such breathtakingly beautiful countryside only the bees for company, it was a most fascinating place.

Our next stop was for lunch at the hotel restaurantVenta el Museo in Lucainena de las Torres where we enjoyed a delicious menu del día in elegant surroundings. The unexpected highlight was a draw by the hotel manager for a night’s stay in the hotel! The lucky winner was Chris Power and we were all very envious.

We had a brief stroll around the pretty town, admiring all the lovely floral decorations, and then headed back along the twisting mountain roads from Sorbas to the A-7 with the most amazing scenery below us, grateful for Lorenzo’s skills as always.

The trip obviously took Karen much research and organisation, for which we are most grateful and having whetted our appetites, we can return to explore further.

Jan Wíles