It's a like for the lake

Water water everywhere!

ON Friday, April 22, a total of 35 members of U3A Marina Baixa travelled to the Parque Natural de la Albufera and its large freshwater lagoon, the largest in Spain, just 10 kilometres from Valencia. The lagoon covers an area of 2,800 hectares and is home to some 300 different species of birds throughout the year. The trip included a boat tour of the lagoon, providing an opportunity to see the wildlife close up and the picturesque thatched 'barraca' style houses lining its shore.

Lunch consisted of a traditional Valencian paella in El Palmar

restaurant using rice grown locally in the paddy fields surrounding the lagoon and cooked on open wood fires. The smell was awesome!

The depth of water in the lagoon is maintained at an average of 1.5 metres by a system of lock gates, and the local fishermen are only permitted to fish if their parents or grandparents have fished there before them. The fishermen go out in the early evening to lay their nets and then return first thing in the morning to gather their catch, eels being very popular for the local all-i-pebre (eel stew flavoured with garlic and paprika).

After lunch the group travelled to Cullera with its impressive fortress built high above the town. It is built over the remains of a Moorish castle and dates back to the 10th century, its aim being to control the coastline and the estuary of the Júcar river. The group enjoyed a relaxing hour on the promenade of Cullera's large bay before returning to Albir.

Sincere thanks to Margaret and Malcolm Hamer for arranging the visit in liaison with LPD Travel. Bookings are now being taken for Christmas when there are two venues on offer – one in Peñíscola and the other in Torremolinos. Both of these are likely to be very popular, so early booking is advisable. Further details can be obtained from thetravel co-ordinators by email to u3amamer@gmail.com or by phone 602 293 642 or 604 537 275.

U3A Marina Baixa meet at 11.00 on the fourth Monday of every month (except August and December) at the Casa de Cultura, Alfaz del Pi. New members are always welcome and membership for the year is just €10 so why not come along and see what we have to offer.