October 20: Gracias, Obrigado, Grazas, Eskerrik asko, Merci, Gràcies and Thank you…

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…

August 19-September 11: Pyrenees & Picos de Europa

Our trek in the Pyrenees was amazing but more challenging than I expected. Hiking mostly along the GR-11, we crossed the towns of Espot, Benasque, Prazan and finally Torla. We continued on to the Parque National de Picos de Europa starting near the town of Potes (where I just found out that my great grandparents were from) and ending in Arenas de Cabrales.

Planning the hike in Espot

Parc National d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici in Catalunia. Wild horses and livestock are very common along the GR-11; more later…

Early morning near our campsite

This cirque was almost the end of the line for us. The terrain was quite aggressive and poorly marked, sending us back to the GR-11.

The Parque Natural Posets – Maldeta in Aragon: Looking studious though exhausted – glad to be back on real trail for now.

200+ sheep, 2 hard working dogs and one disinterested herder along the trail…

Got to Benasque on day 5 – we earned this

The chef

Refugios sprinkled along the way – good for an occasional cafe con leche

Parque National Ordesa y Monte Perdido: The mountain earning its name

And more livestock…

And the result…

Day 12 we made it to Torla – we earned this as well

The town of Torla is remarkable

As we made our way to the Picos de Europa on 6 buses – a pitstop in Jaca. Confections for those walking on the Camino de Santaigo.

And a little rest in Santander

Pimientos del Padron – a Galician delicacy

Parque National de Picos de Europa – the terrain of this area of the park was very dry and rocky with no sign of water, felt like walking on the moon. The wonderful hike out was well worth it.

La Naranjo de Bulnes and the Refugio de la Vega Urriellu

A welcome preview of our next day

A dreamy trail

Finito