The Cami De Cavalls - DAY 7, 15th June - Mao to Es Grau (Stage 1 to Es Grau) Total Distance 10km

After a lovely nights sleep at our temporary 3 night base at Hostal Isla in the centre of Mao, we were up early for our breakfast and keen to get going. Except... Hostal Isla doesn't do breakfast in the usual fashion! It's actually more like a morning café for the workers and guests (only us two guests at that time of the morning). So the option was coffee and croissant or .....croissant and coffee! It was a little odd at first but after a minute it was quite interesting seeing all the characters coming in saying hello - having breakfast then off to work. Nobody could understand what we were doing there in full hiking 'get-up' !!

Today would normally be the first day of the walk (hence stage 1 in the book) this is because it is normally easy to come from the airport and set up in Mao as your base - ahh but those people don't have JSSS do they :) So, this would normally be day one and stage one - and to help the novice walker get used to the course, today is the easy stage 1 of a mere 10km. Today is also a special day for us because while we are walking the Elves' seniors are arriving from home - Ann, Ron and Lil are on their way. The plan is for us to do the walk - JSSS will pick us up at Es Grau (the end of the walk) and whip us away to a British Legion fundraising tea where we will be let loose on all kinds of cake (and tea). If that isn't an incentive then what is?

15th June 2016, 6:36am - Day 6 - Start of Stage 1

After breakfast we got out on the road at 6:30am - and we were treat to a beautiful sunrise over the port - really lovely, so we took a long time taking it all in! There was no one on the roads except a very jolly street cleaner that Elvis was chatting away to. Normally, these streets are so full that it's difficult to get along, but today we have it all to ourselves.

15th June 2016, 6:38am - Day 6 - Stage 1

The road above the port with the sun just coming through.


15th June 2016, 6:40am - Day 6 - Stage 1


Looking back along the port with the sun just catching the front of the buildings along the port - I love it !!.



15th June 2016, 6:48am - Day 6 - Stage 1

This building caught our eye about half way along the main port road. The building is named 'Pedro's Boat', but looking at the stone near the top, it is named in the original stone work as 'Electrica Mahonesa'  - maybe an electric sub station of some sort. But, more interesting is the familiar looking statue on the top of the building. Does it look familiar - it should.... see the next picture.

15th June 2016, 6:48am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Doth my eyes deceive me or is that the statue of liberty?? What makes me wonder is that the other statue of liberty (the one in New York) was erected in 1886. The date in the stonework of this building is dated as 1892. Only 6 years later. However, what doesn't seem to fit is the statue of liberty standing on a electrical sub station? 

15th June 2016, 6:52am - Day 6 - Stage 1

One of the many colourful fishing boats in the harbour.

15th June 2016, 6:58am - Day 6 - Stage 1

This would normally be the first board you would see on the Cami  - if you did the walk according to the book. We've probably walked passed this many times without looking at it - from now on we will give it a familiar nod as we pass. 

15th June 2016, 7:15am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Having walked all the way around the port (through an industrial looking loading bay too) we are now on the opposite side of the harbour, looking back over to Mao.

15th June 2016, 7:30am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Unfortunately a lot of the walk was along a fairly busy road the ME3 (not when this pic was taken). That's Mao in the background. A little bit further along this road and we take a left onto a much quieter road with lovely views and towards the little fishing village of Sa Mesquida.

15th June 2016, 7:51am - Day 6 - Stage 1

This is the last part of today's walk on the road. We are now back to familiar territory, cliffs and sea - this part of the island has a lot of dramatic coastline and is not as touristy.

15th June 2016, 8:02am - Day 6 - Stage 1

We saw some osprey and kites along the way and also this strange looking duck. I believe it may be called a 'Mute Duck' but I don't know why!.

15th June 2016, 8:12am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Looking back along to Sa Mesquida. The prominent building is of British design and like most things built by the Brits has origins of war - this one is a defence tower built in 1799. 

15th June 2016, 8:13am - Day 6 - Stage 1

If you look carefully, you can see the path going over the cliff in the distance. A beautiful breezy walking day - and again - look no back packs!!

15th June 2016, 8:15am - Day 6 - Stage 1

The Cami's most famous post!! Perhaps. It was a long time coming though but that was because the first hour of walking was on roads - the cami posts are usually only used on the paths and tracks (we're starting to sound like experts eh?)

15th June 2016, 8:15am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Back to the beach and what a lovely little spot - just leaving Sa Mesquida beach.

15th June 2016, 8:16am - Day 6 - Stage 1

The walkway is to protect  the purple glassworts and tamarinds but mainly because this area is prone to flooding and this low area is generally wet lands. One thing nice about a walkway is that it's very difficult to get lost!!

15th June 2016, 8:31am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Climbing the cliffs that we spotted earlier. The walk along the cliffs was superb with lots of birds of prey flying around too. 

15th June 2016, 8:33am - Day 6 - Stage 1

At the top of the cliff  - a good spot for a celebrational selfie :)

15th June 2016, 8:35am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Another Hermann's tortoise crossing the path.

15th June 2016, 8:41am - Day 6 - Stage 1

A panoramic view looking back over Sa Mesquida from the high point.

15th June 2016, 8:44am - Day 6 - Stage 1

Once we get over the top of the cliff, we can see our destination, just behind those cliffs lies the little village of Es Grau. Elvis by this stage has almost broken into a little canter because she knows there's lots of cake behind them thar cliffs.

15th June 2016, 9:10am - Day 6 - Stage 1

One of the hazards of walking first thing in the morning through paths that cut through trees and bushes is you often end up with a face full of spider (and all the trimmings)! Keith was nominated lead walker after Elvis got one in the mush.

15th June 2016, 11:12am - Day 6 - After the finish of Stage 1

Unfortunately no pictures of the finish or all the cakes - you'll just have to take our word for it, they were AMAZING!! We met JSSS and Ron at Es Grau as planned and then we were whisked away for a fabulous afternoon tea at Dolly's house (see above pic) for lots of fantastic cakes, pies and tea. We met lots of lovely people who were interested in the trip - so far. Dolly was a fantastic host and I've promised her that I will volunteer to be her butler any time :) She said I can move in :)

The Cami De Cavalls - DAY 6, 14th June - Punta Prima to Mao (Stage 19 to Cala Sant Esteve and Stage 20 to Mao) Total Distance reduced to 14km

As we are already in Mao, today we needed to get back to Punta Prima then walk back into Mao - that was until Elvis came up with a brilliant and cunning plan! Instead of messing about getting a bus to Punta Prima and wasting part of the nice cool morning waiting for, then travelling on a bus - why don't we do today's walk in reverse!! Walk from Mao to Punta Prima and then get the bus back - Excellent - so that's exactly what we did!! Today's supposed to be three stages and 21km long - but as we did an extra stage yesterday, then today we get a treat! Only two stages and 14km in total - we could be in a cake shop by lunch time :) Today is also a special day because we are officially over half way through. 5 days done - 5 days to go. But what's really special about today is.... a very lightweight back pack (in fact no back pack for Elvis) because we're using Mao as a base for 3 days, we don't need to carry all of our sh*t! On the trail for 6:55am

14th June 2016, 7:20am - Day 6 - End of Stage 20

Leaving Mao isn't as easy as the other stages - Mao is the capital city and has the usual urban sprawl, so after a few km's we're still on the city streets. This is a round-a-bout with a windmill on and in the distance there's another one! The windmills have been recently restored and are in working order. We are just passing a beautiful spot on the coast named Es Castell

14th June 2016, 7:25am - Day 6 - Stage 20

This maybe is just an 'Hodganism' but, if we did something daft or looked a bit stupid when we were kids, my (Keith) Mother would always say - 'You look a little Fond'. So I couldn't resist!

14th June 2016, 7:38am - Day 6 - Stage 20

Today the weather is very cool and breezy and quite overcast. Makes a lovely view towards sea with the sun streaming through the clouds. Great temperature for walking.

14th June 2016, 7:41am - Day 6 - Stage 20

Shortly after passing Es Castell, we turned right off the main road onto a country lane and soon ended up here at the start of stage 20/end of stage 19 (remember we're doing this day backwards!). This is the small but pretty village of Cala Sant Esteve. There's an old quarry here that might be worth a revisit - but sticking to our rules - no detours while we're doing the Cami!! We also pass by the impressive Forte De Marlborough - passing by being the operative word!

14th June 2016, 7:46am - Day 6 - End of Stage 19

Here is Keith using the cami guide post as some kind of gymnastic horse! Please boys, do not try this one at home unless you have a sure grip, otherwise you could end up in the nearest accident and emergency clinic, sat next to the guy who 'accidentally' fell on to the hoover extension pipe whilst naked!!.

14th June 2016, 7:53am - Day 6 - Stage 19

After Cala Sant Esteve, we leave the coast and follow country lanes. The scenery was good, but, as you can see in the next picture, for some reason the height of the walls increased and for a couple of km's it was like walking in a tunnel.

14th June 2016, 7:53am - Day 6 - Stage 19

The 'tunnel effect!! We did eventually pass an entrance to a large private estate and figured that must be why the walls were so high!

14th June 2016, 8:21am - Day 6 - Stage 19

For the first time on the walk, we missed one of the Cami guide posts - probably too busy talking! We ended up walking a lane through a farm - that's where we saw these little piggies and a little further down...

14th June 2016, 8:28am - Day 6 - Stage 19

..we saw this beauty! This is a typical black Menorcan stallion  - we were to see a few more of these later in the trip - but that's a different story!. After realising that we hadn't seen a cami guide post for a while we decided to back track - we happened to bump into two English ladies out for a stroll and they pointed us in the right direction. Only a ten minute diversion in the end, but worth it to see the horse (and the pigs).

14th June 2016, 9:13am - Day 6 - Stage 19

Eventually we get back to the coast and cross this little beauty of a beach at Alcalfar

14th June 2016, 9:18am - Day 6 - Stage 19

Along the coast with the Torre d'Alcalfar (Tower of Alcalfar) in the distance. We are actually quite close to Punat Prima already and we can almost taste the ice cream.

14th June 2016, 9:25am - Day 6 - Stage 19

This picture and the next are next to the Torre d' Alcalfar looking Northwards up the coast.

14th June 2016, 9:27am - Day 6 - Stage 19



14th June 2016, 9:28am - Day 6 - Start of Stage 19


 

The last shot of the day - the familiar sight of the light house at Punt Prima, the last time we saw this (yesterday) we were practically sprinting towards the lighthouse trying to catch the bus, today though, we have plenty of time. We know which bus to get and where to get it from, so we can stroll into town like we own the place - eat their ice cream and get the hell out of there!. We were in the ice cream parlour at 10am, that's only 3 hours. We got the bus back to Mao, had a little nap and had a great night out - including a lovely meal at 'Opera' as recommended by JSSS. Tomorrow is a special day for another reason.....

The Cami De Cavalls - DAY 5, 13th June - Son Bou to Binissafuller (Stage 16 to Cala en Porter, Stage 17 to Binissafuller [which we extended to include Stage 18 to Punta Prima]) Total Distance extended to 27km.

With the assurance of a full breakfast buffet, we decided not to be so hasty this morning :) The breakfast was very good and we took our time. The last couple of days have cooled off so we knew we could probably get away with a later start. There's no way Elvis is missing breakfast anyway so that's immaterial really. We got back on the trail for 8:45am.  

13th June 2016, 8:43am - Day 5 - Start of Stage 16

 So here we are at post no. 1 of Stage 16, as the baldy bloke is very expertly pointing out. Today should really start with stage 15 from Sant Tomas, but we added that to yesterdays itinerary. Elvis's feet are not too bad, but the black mini socks are on to protect the 'dirty blister'. I'm on full ibrufen and paracetamol dosage for the dodgy knee. Today could be a make or break job - we will have to see! 

13th June 2016, 8:47am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 This is looking back from the trail at Son Bou and the Sol hotel dominating the sea front. When I look at this now it only adds to my embarrassment. When we arrived at Son Bou yesterday I wasn't sure where the hotel was, so I asked a life guard. He turned and looked towards the great big white tower block, then turned to look at me, with that kind of face that says 'Not a full shilling!'  - he then pointed towards the big white block and said in half English and half Spanish (which I can't speak but feel capable of translating in this instance) - "See that enormous white tower over there you silly English fool - Do you think that might be it?". I shuffled off with the hope that I wouldn't see him again!

13th June 2016, 8:48am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 One very steep climb out of Son Bou and then the scenery was amazing. The trail went through some gorgeous natural rock valleys and trees, and at one stage we were walking along accompanied by yellow butterflies with the air filled with bird song, it was a real high point of the whole walk.

13th June 2016, 8:55am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 .....under and through the white calcareous rock face, through lovely greenery and the sea in the background......

13th June 2016, 8:56am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 ...... along the valley floor with lots of butterflies along side us. 

13th June 2016, 9:07am - Day 5 - Stage 16

.... this spot was really beautiful and the colours were spectacular.

13th June 2016, 9:16am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 At the end of the valley we take a turn left and head inland for the rest of this stage until we come back to the coast at Cala En Porter. However, this is probably one of the best inland sections we have done so far. The terrain changes often and there's lots of colour and beautiful scenery. 

13th June 2016, 9:45am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 Elvis striding out through a field of hay .. and these yellow thistle looking plants!

13th June 2016,10:01am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 This is Herman the tortoise, no really, that's his name 'Hermann's Tortoise'. We helped this chap out a little bit by putting him on the other side of the road because, if you look carefully, he's sitting right on a tyre track from the last vehicle that passed. We think Hermann owes us one!

13th June 2016, 10:16am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 Unfortunately the information board is in Catalan and Spanish (no English), but from the picture I can work out that grain would be poured into the circle and horses or cattle are used to drag a stone around and perform the grinding of grain. I think I also worked out that these were built next to the workers homes so that they could monitor the fields to determine when the grain was ready. If you want more info, blow the picture up and learn to speak Spanish - it's all there! 

13th June 2016, 10:19am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 What kind of trickery is this? It's only a 'stitched photo' which is just three pictures joined so you can get all the scenery in! But some people demand to be in as many pictures as possible :)

13th June 2016, 10:24am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 Some excellent examples on Menorcan fence work, down a beautiful path into another valley.

13th June 2016, 10:26am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 Here is very old horse trough - one of the troughs still has water in it!!

13th June 2016, 10:35am - Day 5 - Stage 16

 Down in the valley we walked through a bamboo field, it was like being back in Malaysia!! 

13th June 2016, 10:53am - Day 5 - End of Stage 16

 Back to the sea at the end of stage 16, we are at a beautiful spot perched high on the side of the inlet. This is Cala En Porter. We are sitting in a café at Club Menorca, looking over this beautiful view and watching osprey and kites flying around. We met the guy who runs Club Menorca, Peter, who is full of great stories and information about Menorca and the Cami De Cavalls. At the end of todays walk, we should finish at Binissafuller and then get a bus to our accommodation in Mao. But Peter pointed out, that there's no bus from Binissafuller, but there is one from Punta Prima!! So, a change of plan, we are now doing an extra stage to get to Punta Prima and the bus to Mao. It's an extra 7km, but we did save 6km by extending yesterdays walk - oh well, we will get the benefit of a shorter day six! 

13th June 2016, 12:40pm - Day 5 - Stage 17

 The book describes this section of the walk ... 'through a fantastic holm-oak wood, which forms authentic tunnels through vegetation' - nicely put! 

13th June 2016, 2:11pm - Day 5 - Stage 17

We might put a bid in for this house if it comes up for sale - a very lovely spot.

13th June 2016, 3:33pm - Day 5 - Stage 17

We stopped for a break here at Cala de Binisafuller and then decided that we would put a sprint on and get the 5:15pm bus from Punta Prima. It's only about 8km to Punta Prima from here. That should be possible in 1 hour 45 mins? An interesting point about the name Binisafuller, all names in Menorca that begins 'Bini' usually means it was named by the Arabs when they were in charge.

13th June 2016, 3:47pm - Day 5 - End of Stage 17

 This is the very Arab looking, Binibequer Vell, we passed through here at a rate of 100 metres per minute!! The path was now mostly tarmac through urban areas so it was easy walking. 


13th June 2016, 4:41pm - Day 5 - Stage 18

 Some clever photographer has lined up the sign of Punta Prima, with the lighthouse at Punta Prima, so that anyone looking at the picture can clearly see the destination :) 

13th June 2016, 5:55pm - Day 5 - After Stage 18

 Having 'legged' it into Punta Prima, we made it in time for the bus and were waiting at the stop in good time (5pm). We were lucky to be allowed on the bus with 'hooves' in this state - although it is mostly just muck! After getting off the bus, we had a couple of beers in the square outside our Hostel (guest house) Isla before we settled into our room for a three day booking. The place is really nice and well positioned. A shower and a nap, then out on the town for eats. The following are a few pics from the sunset vistas of the capital, Mao (or Mahon if you prefer).  

13th June 2016, 8:22pm - Day 5 - 1st Night in Mao

13th June 2016, 8:32pm - Day 5 - 1st Night in Mao

13th June 2016, 8:34pm - Day 5 - 1st Night in Mao

13th June 2016, 8:35pm - Day 5 - 1st Night in Mao

13th June 2016, 8:37pm - Day 5 - 1st Night in Mao



13th June 2016, 9:16pm - Day 5 - 1st Night in Mao