ANNUAL REVIEW-2008-2009
MISSION STATEMENT.
Yes we can- provide our walkers with a selection of the finest walks on the island, there being four distinct areas-the Anaga and Teno mountain range, the Teide National Park and the Orotava valley, with a commentary regarding the island's flora and fauna, its weather lore, history and economy. This coming season we have a number of new walks to make sixteen in all over a four-week period. We now offer five walks per week in line with all the other major walks holidays.. The Sunday Stroll is finished but our commitment to charity remains.We use a local coach company with professional driver to transport us to the start of our walks, thereby ensuring a your comfort and safety. This also gives us the opportunity to change the walk on the day if the weather is poor at the original destination.
We are able to offer discount accommodation (now up to 20% LESS than the 08/09 discount price)at Masaru Apartamentos, with its heated outdoor pool, garden, tennis courts, restaurant and cafe. This Apartment complex is of the highest rating -3 keys. Seven nights B&B (two sharing) including five walks, from November to December 23rd. and the whole of March is just 319€ per person!. Four persons sharing an apartment for seven nights B&B including five walks, over Xmas/New Year is only 304€* each!(See Masaru Hotel page for full details).
We also have an additional hotel-Bellavista, to offer at a discount in the La Paz area, with all rooms having splendid views of the coast and at prices to make your eyes water, (well, there's a heated swimming pool). Options are Room Only/B&B/HB. Seven nights RO (two sharing) including five walks, 1st. November to 22nd. December is 284€ per person. Single occupancy of twin-bedded studio – seven nights RO, including five walks over Xmas and New Year is only 445€! (see Bellavista Hotel page for full details).. In this hotel you have to pay on arrival, either CC or cash in euros. There are plenty of restaurants in the area with a variety of cuisine at very reasonable rates
No, we can't be beaten on lowest price, highest quality or greatest enjoyment experienced on our guided walking holidays!
SEASON 08-09
The Derbyshire Charity weekend was very well supported. Great to see so many old faces (surely-friendly faces-Ed.). Weather was ideal and £710 collected in aid of a good cause. Many thanks for your generousity.(see Derbyshire Charity walks weekend for details of our visit to the San Lazaro school for children with cerebral palsy in Tenerife where Eve presented Loli with a cheque for 1,500€).
Hot and sunny week in November, whilst entertaining the Fitzamblers from Dublin. Then they entertained us to a lovely meal at the Magnolia restaurant and finished off with Irish ballads and party pieces. When they left it was truly sad and grey (skies for many days); cold too, just right for walking but not for poolside loafers. This cold weather continued throughout the season though we only had to don cagoules for ten minutes in November. However, a thunderstorm in the Anagas in February was a memorable soaking. Remember, that by using our private coach, you can take all your gear with and make a decision at the start of the walk as to clothing and equipment that you need. The strong UV factor at altitude means full coverage (trousers/longsleeved tops) needed to protect from Sun and/or cold. Why is it one only sees Brits. in shorts in the National Park? Hardy or foolhardy? The coolest winter weather for the Canaries in twenty years, about 20C. at midday on average, actually made for more comfortable walking.
La Caldera- sightings of blue chaffinch. They used to hang about at El Portillo during the Winter months but a number have now relocated 700m. lower at the BBQ spot in La Caldera. Clever birds. Also among the crowd were tits, robins and blackbirds. Kestrel, Great Grey Shrike and Buzzard also. An unusual sighting in february, was believed to be an Osprey!
Our unique walk at sunset in the National Park drew gasps of wonderment at the blaze of stars and planets clearly seen. There were some harder climbs in the programme this season which was appreciated. A little worrying was that a few of our walkers seemed keen to advise other walkers in the group on how to DIY without being aware of their abilities or problems associated with walking at altitude in the Nacional Parque and the extreme changes of weather conditions that can occur.
The booking arrangements for concerts at the Auditorio have changed. No season tickets but half-price discounts for OAPs.(c.13€ gets you a superb seat) at each Tenerife Orchestral performance. The International Orchestral concerts brought in a wealth of soloists and foreign orchestras; truly outstanding performances, but these were expensive. On my last visit to the Auditorio, went outside in the interval and, voila, as Serge would say, there was Orion's Belt peeking down (but he didn't have a ticket).
A former PM once tried to persuade the British public that the pound in his/her pocket was still worth the same after devaluation. It ain't so today. After the fall in the pound before the 0708 winter from 1.45€/£ to 1.25€/, we then experienced a similar, continued, drop in the pound, reaching parity with the euro by the end of the year 2008. Let's hope it's not lead-weighted. We did, like Oliver, have to ask for more pounds to make up for their drop in value. We pay for the coach, in euros, at the end of each month and the hotel before you leave, so it was necessary to put in the clause regarding surcharging/refunds if the exchange rate varied. However, although we are the lowest-price Hotel and Walks package on the island, we have now decided to spare you the necessity of onerous re-calculculations, depending on whether the rate goes down or up or down. We will quote in euros for both hotel and walks and request a deposit with UK cheque. When you arrive and pay the bill, either in cash euros or with a Visa card, we will refund your deposit with a Uk cheque. Check with us regard to best exchange rates. No surcharges, whatever.
A couple of new, high -quality restaurants have been added to our list of recommendations, now separated into a Premier and First Division league. Remember, we rely on feedback (ouch) to ensure that quality is maintained and will try to test these out. There are so-called “Recommended Restaurant” lists in the Tourist Office, but we are sceptical because we know that some restaurants pay to be included. Unfortunately, we do not receive “free tasters”.
Because of the drop in the exchange rate, if you wish to purchase any electronic goods in Tenerife, make sure you are fully aquainted with the product, its accessories and cost in the UK. Additionally, make sure you receive a receipt, European-wide guarantee and manufacturer's manual in English. In practice, you will find few products cheaper in Tenerife than the UK except for booze and fags and a few of the local retailers are attempting to sell refurbished cameras as new, so be warned if the price is lower than the official dealer is quoting.
FITNESS.
A pleasing improvement in fitness this year. Still, one or two elder males need to practice with sticks. We're all getting a little wobblier (some on our legs).
CLOTHING. Because there is such a variation in altitudes at which our walks take place (sea-level to over 8,000 ft.) we do advise both sub-tropical and Winter North european climate clothing. Wicking vest, short/log-sleeved shirts/blouses, thin jersey or fleece, shorts(but never high up in the National Park) trousers, wicking socks (avoid wool) boots rather than walk shoes. Open-toe sandals do not support the foot on descents. Sticks are strongly recommended for descents, which be slippery in certain conditions. Sun and rain protection. A first aid kit. Water bottle. Sun glasses and lip salve for hot days in the National park (where the temperature variation during a day's walk could be +- 20C.). If extra clothing is obviously not needed, it can be left on the coach.
THIRD-AGER TOPICS.
Altzheimers, fiscal deficit, teenage violence, death of friends or family- the usual, worrying topics for 3As. But also some inspiring stories of involvement in community projects, break-throughs in medical science and personal development. Hit www.Third Ager Network.blogspot.com and have your say.
Stan. Knafler.
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