Our annual newsletter - 2006-2007

Welcome to KWA
Tenerife information
Puerto de la Cruz information
Hotel Information
Walkers Information
Annual Newsletter
Walks Programme
Picture Gallery
A selection of customer comments
Reunion/Welcome to newcomers "Walks in Derbyshire"
Special offers/dates for your diary
Contact us, or make a booking
A selection of links to other sites of interest

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2007-2008 SEASON REPORT

What a gloriously- warm and dry '07-'08 season it was, with just a dull spell here and there. The fire of 2008 which swept the island was not as disastrous as it could have been. The paths are still intact and scenery, at times, quite dramatic and regal. We understand there was no loss of life and the Cabildo has promised to re-build the damaged property, including that of Susan, who makes and sells jewellery in Masca, and ,no doubt, many of you have met. The key problem is the reduction in moisture transfer from the pine needles down into the ground and into the lava tubes (galerías) which provides nearly all the water needs of the island for tourists and agriculture. However, re-growth has already begun. With hotter, drier weather forecast for future Winters, we do seem to have the best of it, especially in the Orotava valley where the lack of the cloud has afforded us wonderful views.
The new walks we introduced last year were enthusiastically-received and we had a great time on our first night-time walk on the "lunar-landscape (National Park). Moonshine is promised for next year and maybe a peep through a telescope. The "new" walks were, of course, only walked once every three weeks so many of you will not have walked them. We are retaining them this year along with new routes to Masca and Teno Alta and from Punta and Taganana which we haven't used for many years.
Although we still supported the children's home ourselves we dropped the Sunday afternoon walk thinking to give all you loyal supporters a rest. However, we were very surprised at the number of protests about the Sunday afternoon walks you had done so willingly and so often before. We hadn't realised how many of you didn't mind repeating these walks because, like us, you wanted to give something back to the island. We hurriedly re-introduced the walks again and raised euros 2,000. We have now found a new path to the east of Puerto which means that we can alternate the Sunday Charity stroll, starting from San Pedro, to the west of Puerto,or Saint Ursula, on the east, so you will get your Sunday afternoon stroll again next year. Many thanks for your support.

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Wicking vests and netted-back rucsacs are, deservedly, becoming more popular and there are bargains to be had this Summer as the economy downturns. I bought a pair of very comfortable Hi-Tech Pineta boots from Yeomans, reduced to £30 from £62 and a pair of event, breathable overtrousers from Cotswolds for half-price. Remember that Walk organisations, like the RA often have discount offers from specialist Walk outfitters.
We still find the P20 sun protection superior to cream-based sun protectors and it doesn't "run" into the eyes. Purchase it in Tenerife for 30% discount.

FITNESS/FOOD.
Despite the poor UK winter weather, many walkers kept fit swimming, playing indoor tennis or table-tennis, dancing and attending Fitness classes.
More people are eating vegetarian now that Veggie cookery books are now the vogue. GB Shaw was a veggie and he lived to 93. Most restaurants in Puerto now have a vegetarian option. Our list of recommended restaurants has some tasteful additions.

ACCOMMODATION.
Masaru is still providing the best value-for money accommodation, according to our walkers. The furnishings are of the highest quality, "three star going on five" as one lady put it. The pool temperature, this Winter was at 26-27C, and it is still the warmest in town.
What do Third-Agers need - from each other, family and friends and society and what should we be giving? The discussion moves on.

Stan

Hasta Luego!

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