October 20: Gracias, Obrigado, Grazas, Eskerrik asko, Merci, Gràcies and Thank you…
October 20, 2011
This week, I finally leave Spain after three extraordinary months – departing with a heavy heart and a very full belly. It’s difficult to sum up the trip in just a few words. The idiosyncrasies of the Spanish way of eating & sleeping were a challenge as well as the various dialects of Spanish we encountered. The Spanish bus system, perplexing yet efficient; the food, amazing; the vistas breathtaking. The people are lively, gracious and without a doubt, give the best directions in Europe. If not careful, you might get a personal escort to a bus and a homemade empanada.
I am thankful to have seen my Spanish family here and to do some much needed maintenance on the family house in Peñafiel. I also can’t thank David enough for all his companionship, hard work & patience over the course of the trip – I could not have asked for a better partner on this crazy, wonderful escapade. I would not have been able to do it without him. It is difficult to continue the final leg of the journey alone but I do so with much gratitude. I am traveling on to India to work with Vatsalya, an organization that provides a better life for children and rural women, then on to explore Nepal before returning to Seattle. Here is a summary of my favorite memories & pictures from the trip so far…
Portugal
Galicia
Peñafiel
The Pyrenees
The Picos de Europa and Pais Vasco
The Costa Brava
fin…
Miscellaneous pictures from the last two weeks…
Lechazo at El Molino del Palacio in Peñafiel
El Castillo de Curiel near Peñafiel
“Puppy” by Jeff Koons at the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
Classic view of San Sebastian
Divers with their catch in the bay, San Sebastian
Cattle run through Laruns, France
Crepes at Fleur de Sel in Laruns
Sallent de Gållego in the Pyrenees
The town dog outside of the GR 11 Mountain Store in Torla. If you catch his eye, a tummy rub is expected.
Before…
After…
New Mexico Trip
April 24, 2011
Ojito Wilderness
Ojito Wilderness
El Cabezon
Flying Star Cafe - Albuquerque
Pioneer Motel - Albuquerque
Aztec Auto Court - Albuquerque
Premiere Motel - Albuquerque
Aztec Auto Court - Albuquerque
Washington Coast
March 19, 2011
Tsunami Warning Sign on the Washington Coast
Hole-in-the-Wall
Ellen Creek - Rialto Beach
Washington Coast
Mount Adams/Goat Rocks
December 8, 2010
August seems so far away now…
Wild Horse Wind Farm
July 10, 2010
Turbines - Vestas V80
Renewable Energy Center
Solar Panels
Reflections
Approach
Entry
Under Construction
Mount Rainier Snowshoe
March 13, 2010
Mount Rainier Snowshoe
A sunny, exceptionally clear February day made for a pleasant snowshoe on Mount Rainier. The Skyline Trail from the Paradise Area offers great views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range and the Nisqually River Valley. The trail can be used by those heading to the Muir Snowfields, camp Muir or continue to the summit of Mount Rainier.
Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail
White-Tailed Ptarmigan - Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail
