27.04 & 27.05 Spain: Faya de Pelay, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park and Otal Valley.

Rain each day...the 'drought' in Spain is broken although the 'plains' are dry for a change.
We stand opposite the falls in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, some 2,200 feet above ground level..




We commenced Hike-about 27 with a steep climb from the outset. We went upward 2,400 feet without touching a level path. Thereafter, the trail was pleasant, a tiny bit boring, as it was fairly even although the flora were a delight. Nevertheless, the views were, as always, magnificent. Political borders are of course nonsense in nature's purview and this is illustrated clearly as we traipse in a mere few of the gorgeous regions of the world.

At the same park, after June 30th, cars may not enter. One either has to walk a number of miles or use the shuttle buses. This time around, our timing was impeccable and we were able to drive to the park on each visit . However, the road, as for many in Spain, is winding and narrow which unfortunately, hardly slows down the locals. The driving is fraught with danger on these roads designed for horse-drawn carts rather than vehicles traveling abreast. Surprisingly, the surface had many potholes. One would think that the entrance to a national park of such stature would command the attention of the authorities or at least invoke national pride. Nevertheless, the region is magnificent...hard to match.



How sweet. He sits and basks in the sun at the high point of the hike. Meantime, the editor struggles
up a tough climb (see below).




"Hey Jen! Did you bring me a drink...and ice, of course?"




This is a profile view of where we were sitting when we reached the high point.



Accommodation in Spain has always been comfortable for us. Apartments are kept clean, well-furnished and with all amenities necessary. If they err, it is on the side of petite—things on the continent tend to be on the small side—cubicles, cups, glasses, baths and bedrooms, for a start. In Fragen for instance, we had half a tub. We'll let you think about that. What's amazing is that in the villages, and cities too, some of the buildings look as if they were constructed in the middle-ages—many probably were. However, the interiors are modern. One should never judge an 'apartment by its outside cover'.


Editor insists on taking a seat, too. She can be most persistent. Wall on left (picture above) illustrates and
provides context where editor is sitting.





Meantime back in Fragen, the 'freeway' driving can be unnerving, especially on a 'dual carriageway' like the one below.




Antonio, a charming retired school teacher, now a proprietor of a block of apartments, welcomed us to his home and business. It seems that Europeans still have the bureaucratic urge to take down passport details. Why? We don't know. Anyway, on the evening following our arrival, he asked whether he could pay us a visit and explain life and hiking in the region. We found this a kind gesture although we couldn't wait for the bell to ring and school to end.



From Otal Valley, looking through Spain and toward France at the pass on the horizon.





Some of the mountains are brutal...the rest are equally brutal.




Negotiating an attractive falls.




We think it looks like a painting.




Flow of water through a dense forest...eye-catching.




Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey