4

Friday 6th January, my son and I (+ Billy my painter) decided finally to climb the famous mountain overlooking our town (Marbella) La Concha. On a fab day 22 degrees and perfect climbing conditions we set off from Refugio de Juanar (up the Ojen road just past the village on the left). I knew this would be daunting and recruiting Billy who had climbed it over 10 times seemed the right idea (how wrong I was). It usually take 3 – 3.5 hours to climb, but with Billy as the “drill sergeant” we completed the climb in 2 hours 10 mins, but it was blooming tough. There are some sections that were very hard work, + other sections where you could get your breath back. As it was our 1st climb there was a photo opportunity on every section, with some stunning views of the coast, lake, Gibraltar and Africa. My son Kia who is 12 years old done really well and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I feel any younger than that and kids would find it very difficult.

After all this time living and working in Marbella I am glad that we have finally achieved the climb, however I dont think that I will be doing it again in such a hurry! The decent was just as difficult and killed the knees, we did this in 1 hour 50 mins, again egged on by our sergeant!