We’re back to Leura. It has been almost 12 months to the day since I last walked Leura. I didn’t realise that until I looked back through my Strava records (24 April 2021). The day could not have been more different. In 2021 there was blue sky and sunshine while this year it was grey and wet. BTW, if it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen.
Ten intrepid Camino friends set of on a wet and cold Saturday morning on the medium walk. TBH, when I saw the map the night before my first thought was so many roads! I had forgotten about autumn in Leura and the colours of the maples in autumn. So, my apologies for the planners of the walk.
It was a cold and wet day. Was this a good idea? Rain gear was the dress for the day. More on that later…The walk covered some areas that had been covered two years ago, but also covered areas I had not visited, such as Tarpeian Rock Lookout,]. Not only was the view Siloam spectacular with the mist flowing through the valleys below, but there was the wavey rock formations of the lookout which in themselves was worth the visit. Along the way Carlene recruited a local named Odette, who was attracted by the many colours of our rain gear (there’s the payoff). Odette later joined us for the lunch and the Camino meet up at the Alexandra Hotel in Leura.
Other highlights of the walk include the Olympian Rock (and a coffee van nearby – perfect timing), and a walk down to the Pool of Siloam. The walk has been upgraded with new sandstone steps. Unfortunately, work is still underway on many of the walking routes. Thankfully the rain held off, it was on and off but nothing substantial. The fog eventually caught up with us, but we were already heading for lunch. Another successful and enjoyable walk completed.