Childrens Walk May 2016

by Sarah Mills | May 12, 2016 | Blog

‘Shall we take the high road or the low road?’ I asked. ‘The high road’, they screamed with excitement! And so we did.

14 kids, the Park Ranger, Competa Hikes and Axareducacion set off to the high road. Walking sticks, water bottles and quizzes in hand, the wonderful excitement that only children can provide, buzzing around us, for our monthly walk with the children of Axarquia.

A 2 hour walk ahead of us, full of the history of the Old Silk Route between Malaga and Granada, spring bloom, aromas of medicinal herbs and new life beginning again with birds nesting, butterflies skipping and bees conducting their important daily work…. And out of the clouds, that had cast their grey shadow over us for days, came the sun, happy to see us all out and about on such a rewarding mission.

Every month Competa Hikes {www.competahikes.com} and Axareducacion {www.axareducacion.com}, sponsor a free day out for the children in the region, and their parents. The aim of this initiative, is to get children and their families walking together, out in the splendid natural environment that we are spoiled to live in. To show them how stimulating and exhilarating such a simple activity can be, to teach them about all the interesting plant and animal life right on their doorstep, and to commit them to preservation and conservation of the area. To give them such a love of life here at an early age so that they grow up with the respect such an environment deserves and needs of the next generation.

This walking route is a challenging hike, climbing high above the Patamelara river valley, where few walkers tread the path, but where the nightly antics of Ibex, Wild Boar and others create a route of wonderful challenges, exciting for the children that tire easily of ‘boring’ flat wide tracks through the mountains. This is the perfect and appropriate route to challenge the physical ability of the children and at the same time engage their interest in all that is around them, as we ‘cut our way through the jungle’!

And so we hiked along a single, narrow, wild goat track, climbing over fallen trees, weaving through thick bush and shrub, and watching the wildlife busy with its Spring duties, not least Falcons and White Booted Eagles nesting in the high cliffs above us. Throughout the hike we were flanked by stunning views of the highest peaks here in the Almijara and Tejeda mountain ranges, the Mediterranean sea and the North Coast of Africa. And every 30 minutes or so we would stop for a drink and a briefing from the Park Ranger, resting on ancient stone walls that once upon a time, edged the Old Silk Trading route between Malaga and Granada. Here we reflected on the challenges these traders faced, with only donkeys to carry their precious loads of spices and silks that originated in Africa, docked in Malaga and now would bear fruit for these traders, at the markets in Granada.

The children learned about the animals that love in these mountains, about the highest and smallest peaks of this sierra range, about what is dangerous and what is good, about medicinal herbs and their uses, about the importance of various plants and trees, and about what we can do to ensure we do not ruin this natural environment.

Back at Finca Los Pinos, the walking lodge of Competa Hikes, the children enjoyed a well deserved swim in the heated outdoor pool and a large freshly made Paella and salads. And then it was time for the quiz.

 

Their enthusiasm warmed my senses [perhaps it was just the promise of prizes] but I truly believe they were very excited to show us what they had learned. And for us, I was keen to understand if this initiative was effective. Are the children really learning? With the final question of the quiz asking for free writing of thoughts and views by the children themselves, we would also be able to understand their sentiment.

Well sentiment was truly inspiring as the children wrote about how much they loved being outside and hiking high I the mountains, and they had absorbed so much of the knowledge that was imparted on them by the Park Ranger. This indeed had been a successful day against our objectives and mission. It was a tough call for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes, but ultimately all the children received a little prize , prizes linked to the outdoors, walking and nature.

For me this day and all the other days we have had walking with children over the Autumn, Winter and Spring 2015/2106, have taught me so much about this young generation, their yearning for knowledge, and their ability to comprehend way more beyond what is simply physically in front of them. And that we need not lose heart over the seemingly abrasive and harsh thrust of technology they face and love so much in this day and age.

The great outdoors, nature and the environment still hold much entertainment and interest for this new generation. Our challenge therefore only lies in ensuring they are exposed to the great outdoors, and that we continue to drive their opportunity to be part of it.

Happy New Year!

by Sarah Mills | Jan 10, 2015 | Blog

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We had an amazing Christmas at Finca Los Pinos/Competa Hikes. This year we had guests over the Christmas period. When we went to decorate their table for their big meal, they decided they wanted to eat outside – in the sunny winter sun, in shorts and t-shirts! Surrounded by the mountain views, birds singing and lovely sunshine…it couldn’t have been better! Before they had their meal, they went for a lovely walk in the natural park to build up their Christmas appetite. Evenings here are cooler, so the large wood burner was lit, with logs burning, creating a lovely cosy atmosphere. A home away from home during the Christmas period.

Also during the Christmas period here in Competa, we celebrated some festivals, as we do every year, but in Spanish style. During December, there are Christmas lights not only in the main cities of Spain, but the small villages too. Competa’s Christmas lights were fantastic this year, and added that festive feeling, despite the sun shining. There was live music, local wine and lots for the children to do in the run up to Christmas day. Being a short drive away, we made sure we went into Malaga to do that last minute shopping and view the incredible lights there, giving large cities such as London a run for their money! With activities for adults and children alike, Christmas in Spain is a must.

One of the “Three Kings” beginning their trip around Competa to throw sweets to the children

New years day was filled with walks through the natural park, in sunshine and t shirts; coffee and freshly made churros in hand from the local shops in Competa. We had three kings festival on the 5^th, where three horse/donkey drawn carriages, each carrying a “king” are taken through the town, throwing sweets out to all of the children in Competa. We didn’t quite believe it when people told us, but after bringing several carrier bags filled with sweets home, we were amazed. The evening is filled with giving out gifts to the children of Competa, on a large stage. The following day the plaza was filled with bouncy castles and a bucking bronco, all free for the children to enjoy whilst families and friends enjoyed meals surrounding them. Not to be missed!

Rio Chillar walk, perfect on a spring day here in Spain

This year we are going to be offering fully guided walking tours, through the beautiful mountains surrounding us in Competa. For more information on the walks we are offering, please go to the Competa Hikes “Dates for your diary” page.

Christmas was busy, but there is a whole year of celebrations that you can enjoy with us all at Competa Hikes:

January

18th – Feria del Barrio – a fair for the day in Competa, with locally produced food and lots of fun rides for adults and children alike! The feria starts at 10am and finishes at about 6am the following morning! With cannons going off intermittently throughout the day and ending with fireworks in the evening, it is great fun!

February

Valentines day – for this valentines weekend we are offering discounted weekend rates, fully catered with guided or unguided walks on the Sunday for you and the one you love to enjoy! Contact us for prices and more information.

Skiing in Sierra Nevada

Semana Blanco – the “half term” week in Spain – mostly filled with skiing and small events in the village square (Plaza). There is lots going on in this week, amazing hikes to be had in the winter sun, and we take guests to enjoy the slopes in Sierra Nevada.

March

Competa Hikes Triathlon – a fantastic triathlon held over several days, with a hike to maroma, diving and skiing. For more information, go to our triathlon page.

One of the beautiful floats during easter week in Competa and throughout Spain

Semana Santa – Easter week. Flower laden floats adorning the holy statues are carried through the streets with a band playing music. This goes on over three nights and is not to be missed. The floats are enormous and at least 30 people each to carry. Children, teenagers and adults of all ages get involved. The floats themselves are works of art and the marching band playing is incredible.

April

Before the Competa Art walk there are various workshops for the children to enjoy for free

Competa Art Walk – This is normally held over Easter weekend and it is a walk that offers the opportunity to meet the multinational artists of Competa who create art in many different forms: photography, painting, graphics, drawings, ceramics, sculpture and textiles. The young inhabitants of the village get involved too, and are invited to take part in a free workshop, and get to show their artwork in all the different galleries throughout the village during the walk. For those interested in art and exploring Competa, this is a great weekend.

May

3^rd – Dia de la Cruz – Procession from Plaza Carmen with a cross made of flowers to the shrine of the Cruz del Monte.

Communion Month – this is the month where the children of Competa have their first holy communion. The whole village celebrates, with flowers and herbs adorning the plaza and side streets of Competa, and children and their parents spare no expense in their clothing. Whole families sit for meals afterwards and a huge village celebration is enjoyed. Last year, one family rented out a whole restaurant and had a bouncy castle and various events for their children who were having their first communion. It is an incredible site to behold.

June

This is when the live music starts in the square and everyone is preparing for summer!

July

Everyone shows up in the Plaza in their swimsuits to enjoy the foam party!

Fiesta Month! This is the month that the feria comes to Competa, and starts its rotation around the other mountain villages surrounding it. On the last days of the Feria, Competa celebrates that weekend starting with an enormous foam party in the square, where children and adults show up with their swimsuits on and the whole square is filled with foam. The following day, there is live flamenco music, dancing and a giant paella made for everyone in the square, free of charge, to enjoy. Feria weekend is our favourite in Competa!

The village sized foam party in the main Plaza of Competa during the Feria

August

1-15^th – Ruta del Vino – various events are enjoyed in the lead up to the noche del vino – where there is a lot of locally produced wine, grapes and other produce to be enjoyed.

15^th – Noche del Vino – a night of wine. This starts during the day with a market throughout the streets of Competa, selling wares, demonstrating birds of pray and more. This is followed by the procession of the grapes, and they are squashed in the traditional way and brought in beautiful baskets to the Plaza Vendimia. In the evening there is much celebration, with drinks, live music, flamenco dancing and a general giant party in Competa. A fantastic night not to be missed.

Medieval market during the day leading up to the Noche del Vino

September

Noche de la Lumbres – night of fire – celebrated in Plaza Carmen for the first night that fires are once again allowed in the campo. There is normally a giant dish of paella, local wines, music and ofcourse a giant bonfire.

October 1-4^th

Annual Competa Walking Festival – This is where there are several different daily routes throughout the Competa countryside. Competa Hikes offers hikes during this festival and accommodation just outside the natural park.

December

There is normally a Christmas market in Competa and the surrounding villages for last minute presents

24^th – fiesta in the square followed by midnight mass

25^th – Christmas day

26^th – Competa Hikes big boxing day walk

31^st – Competa Hikes and Finca Los Pinos New Years Eve – fully catered, with the grapes at midnight – twelve grapes – one for each “ding” of the midnight toll…

For more information on any of the fiestas in Competa or to book your walking holiday with Competa Hikes and Finca Los Pinos, please go to the Contact Us page.