Walking around Almoradi

I like walking (profound). During some really bad spells of anxiety, I found it really difficult though, and even walking ten minutes or so to the shops was difficult. After my second big panic attack, I remember attempting walking home from work (a good 3 or 4 miles), and I froze on a main road, having to put some self-help audio on to get me through it, and continue my journey. It's scary to think how bad things were back then, when something as routine as walking, can seem like the hardest thing to do. On the flip side, I also remember a great hike during a high school trip, which one of my friend's insists never happens. We've had a running joke on the matter for nearly two decades now, and I'm still pretty sure it did happen. I think. When I arrive at a new place, I like to walk around to get a feel for the area, to get my bearings, and to see what my temporary home has to offer. I did just this in Almoradi, the latest stop on my second early mid-life crisis tour. Almoradi is surrounded by a lot of mountains, and as mentioned elsewhere, has a lot of set routes, or 'camino's,' encouraging you to explore the many linked roads and paths.

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I don't really plan these walks, just pick a direction and walk, and it's served me well the majority of the time. A couple of walks have led me to the side of main road's, or abandoned petrol stations, where I've been forced to turn around, but I've also stumbled upon a number of other thrilling things, including a cow enclosure (the brown cow was damn angry and didn't seem to like people.)

There are also a number of loud dogs that bark incessantly if you get close to their property (doing their job I suppose), which keeps you on your toes.

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One of my favourite walks occurred when I stumbled across a beautiful old tree. The sun was beginning to set, illuminating the leaves a wonderful golden colour. It was a really nice moment.

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The roads feel safe to walk down, and there are plenty of other walkers I see when out and about. Masks are worn outside here in Spain, and things feel secure. The town itself is small, but I haven't felt bored, especially with all of this on my doorstep. It's getting colder (I'm actually writing this wearing jeans, which is abnormal for me on my travels), but walking is still quite comfortable in my summer clothes. I'm heading back to Wales shortly, where I'll have to quarantine for two weeks, so I'll enjoy the fresh air and walking opportunities while I can.

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