Friday, October 31, 2025

Eldership 2025 Spain - Final Exam In Polop

I had the hardest time resisting titling this post something like 'Removing Polop' but something more important took place that demanded attention. And that is Wife's bouncing back from her multiple issues (blood clot & broken foot). (Disclaimer - this is my personal opinion. As you will note on her blog she merely says she had an enjoyable day. Given the massive amount of climbing compared to what she's been able to do for a long time, I would say that statement is itself a sign of the progress made.)

When we left for Europe back in early September, Wife was still moving very gingerly. Not only was there the problem of babying the broken foot. There was her loss of overall conditioning and strength from not being able to do anything. If you will remember she was using wheelchair service on our flights out.

The initial weeks in Bilbao and Madrid were marked by very gentle and careful expansion of the amount walked. When we finally arrived at El Campello was when she started to really build up her strength. Here she was able to get into a regular routine of daily walks and doing core body exercises. Slowly but surely she was moving better. 

The last four days were a major test even though it was not intended to be such. First we went to Torrevieja. Next, it was Finestrat where we did quite a bit of climbing. Then, instead of a rest day on Wednesday, we had the ordeal at the airport with running back and forth to get the grandkids on the plane. At last yesterday, we went to the town of Polop, another hill town. As you will see, it was a significant challenge. 

We arrive in...

 

 The challenge that awaits...a church and the ruins of a fortification up significant hills

 

 Entering into the town one of the prime sights is a fountain that has tile plaques of all the major municipalities in the Valencia Community.

 

Unfortunately there were only two of the many water spigots flowing

 

 However, the design and the day's light created a feast of shadow patterns

 

 

 

 

 Christmas decorations going up

 

By a sole worker

 

A good place for me to know should I find I need it!

 

Traditional Spanish Karaoke Bar

 

 Two workers watching two photographers photographing two workers

 

What you have all been waiting for...more church photos. You are in luck, however. The church was closed and we were denied interior shots.

 

 

 

 

 

 Our final destination. "We're really going to do this Wife?" "Yes we are de-I"

 

 The views were exceptional and the light was near perfect for capturing them.

 




Terraced planting areas dating back to Moorish times (with incongruous blue house)
 

Massive modern agriculture areas
 
 

Looking toward the Mediterranean 
 
 



Excavations of the old Moorish castle of the 11th century
 
 
 
Espouses Fotograficus 
 


Cats...when brainwashed by cat loving Vikings you become sensitized to them.
 
 


Wife made it all the way up and down. Don't get me wrong. She had to take it easy. She was beat at the end. But all of her held up. And (as I reminded her), this would have been a challenge just a year ago before all the issues. So hats off to you Wife. You are amazing.
 
Finally
 
SIGNS OF THE WORLD
 
 THE One Sign you need when traveling
 
 

Exit to All Directions

1 comment:

Renee Michelle Goertzen said...

Yikes, that first photo showing the fort towering above the city had even me worrying about the walk. I'm super impressed with Aunt de-I's healing. Clearly Spain agrees with her :)