It was probably the sun that did it. After an interminable period of wet and grey days Saturday 28th January turned out sunny and warm, and as if to celebrate the weather sixty-seven ramblers turned up in Ghaxaq - by far the largest gathering so far and raising a few eyebrows in this otherwise sleepy village. The humble and unassuming Amabile (a veteran rambler who very kindly volunteered to lead) was walk leader this time - helped no end by Alex in crowd-control and attention grabbing tactics!

HS1 - A good number of ramblers turned up at Ghaxaq

The group moved out of town across the Ghaxaq by-pass and then turned into some leafy country lanes going downhill to reach the valley bottom of upper Wied Dalam where a pleasant and extensive olive grove greets the visitor. This grove was recently the subject of some controversy since Enemalta had some plans for construction works in the area. As a matter of fact Wied Dalam itself is closed-off further downstream, since Enemalta still retains some facilities there. At this point ramblers went uphill again to reach the next valley - Wied il-Qoton.  Along the way the sorry ruins of Casa Ippolita could be noticed.

HS2 - Ramblers at Casa Ippolita

This once proud country residence of the Knights-period has been totally abandoned for some time now and has sadly, fallen victim to second-rate graffiti artists. Its massive build and fine features can still be appreciated however...at least for some time.

HS3 - Casa Ippolita - sadly in decay

The walk continued mostly along country paths and roads with gentle gradients and fine vistas across to Birzebbuga and the landmark Freeport cranes in the distance, eventually reaching the upper part of Wied Has-Saptan. From here ramblers continued on paths which cross the countryside in the vicinity of the airport runway and similarly by-passed Gudja by staying on country paths until Ghaxaq was once again reached.

HS4 - Gentle gradients characterised this walk