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The Hidden Treasures of the Vega Baja - November Club Drive
Last Sunday a group of our members met at the Vistabella Restaurant to participate in our November Club Drive “The Hidden Treasures of the Vega Baja". Despite the weather forecast being ominous, 32 people participated in the day with 18 cars. After coffee, we drove to the Palace of The Marques de Fontalba in Jacarilla, by which time the sun was shining! The Palace is closed for restoration, but the view from outside and through windows, gave a wonderful idea of its former glory.
The formally laid out gardens are full of neoclassic, Arab and Renaissance statues, fountains and arbours. There was also a beautiful tiled sundial, in typical Spanish tiles to admire. The large structure is really like an upturned boat and was used for taking refreshment in the cool of the evening. Being in the gardens made it come alive with visions of ladies in crinolines and smartly dressed gentlemen, all served by liveried butlers and maids. How the wealthy lived!!!
We also explored the small Zoo on the edge of the gardens – the animals were disappointed that we hadn´t brought them any food and protested nosily! There are special designed aviaries depicting regions of Spain.
Just outside the gardens, there was a beautiful church with an unusual spire that is used for weddings in the area.
We spent about an hour at the Palace and then departed for coffee at Bar Mary in Benejuzar. We then continued through Rojales over the old bridge and on to a 19th century windmill that has been fully restored. The money was donated by a Norwegian millionaire. Although the Club is safety conscious, we were a bit concerned when an ambulance turned up together with a number of Civil Protection Guards but were reassured when they told us they just wanted to look at the cars!
Onwards then to Quesada to the highest point in the Vega Baja to take in the wonderful views between Alicante and La Manga.
A traditional lazy lunch was taken at the Villa Salada in Spanish style with an all that you can eat buffet, which everyone enjoyed.
We had some new members with us on the trip and members of the Executive Committee were touched on our return home to find a lovely email from Joe Crawley, which merits being put on the site as it made all the organisation and effort seem worthwhile. The note reads “Just a quick line to say I have just returned from my first run out and had to say I have had an excellent day, great company, friendly and welcoming, a good route, well organised and thought out......” This sums up the essence of how we are hoping our new Club will develop. To see more photos of the day please go to the Image Gallery section of the website.
Posted by on 2007-11-26
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