Rambling With Al 2: Jarapalo and the Roman Mines

Saturday, 16 April 2016

Jarapalo and the Roman Mines

The hike that I had planned for today was always going to be heavy going and I knew that it would be too much for some of the group. After a bit of thinking and discussion the decision was made to do the route in reverse and give more people the opportunity to see the mines without having to do the really heavy part of the hike.
The first section of the route is on reasonable tracks and through the wooded area and along a steady incline. We then reach more open countryside and unfortunately the path gets somewhat rockier. As this is more open the views across the Gaudlehorce valley are quite stunning. It is then another steady incline to reach the hidden mouth of the Mine.

The problem with having so many people, 25 in total, is that the mine is quite dangerous as there is a vertical shaft that is at least 10 mts deep and covered only by and old single bed spring. So a method of allowing only about 5 at a time in was adopted. John was in his element and was the first in and the last out, in fact we were getting a little worried as he was gone for so long, but he is an experienced caver.

It was then farewell to those who opted to not do the rest of the hike and 17 of us trekked up the very steep incline past the Forest Fire Fighters Helicopter landing pad and water reserve and upwards to the new Visitors Centre.

Within the environs of the visitors centre is a flight of several fuentes (fountains), but unfortunately due to the lack of rain this winter they were barely flowing. It was now time for a break as there is some rustic seating amongst the trees.
There is now another short incline to reach the main fuente and then it's the start of the wholly down hill hike for the start. The views are amazing stretching many kilometres into the distance.

As we had car shared from the meeting point it was back to the Mirador Hotel and some welcome refreshment.