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Published: September 19th 2013
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Yesterday was another rest day and we enjoyed an excursion to two high villages, Bubion and Capileira. Getting there requires hugging the side of a narrow road with switch backs, but around each corner another breathtaking view awaits. We wandered about and did some shopping - I ended up with a scarf and a lovely leather purse.
When we returned home there was a long thunderstorm and pouring rain, but it made our little place that much more cozy. In the evening we ventured down the steep hillside for dinner in Mecina at a vegetarian restaurant we have enjoyed on our other visits. We sat next to a young couple from Berlin and visited with them throughout dinner exchanging addresses at the end with promises to visit each other in our home locations.
Today was a hiking day and we drove to Trevelez - a village about 12k from here and 1000 feet higher. At 5731 feet elevation, Trevelez is the highest village in Spain and famous for its jamon. Our hike had an elevation gain of about 1500 feet, from the starting point in Trevelez. It was an intense climb, but well worth the effort. The views up
and down the Rio Trevelez valley are stunning. The path went along a daunting precipice, and our poles were useful in keeping us from sliding down the side.
When we arrived at the top there were small mountain goat-like critters standing on the outcropping but as we neared they scurried over the side. It is a wonder that they do not crash to the valley floor, but somehow they negotiate the sheer cliff sides with ease.
As soon as we started our descent it began to rain but we marched on determined to at least get back down to the trees in case we needed to hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. Fortunately it did pass with a minimum of precipitation. We could see on the trail where yesterday's rain had moved quite a bit of debris down the hillsides and we were happy not to get caught up in a situation like that. We arrived back in Trevelez as the clouds parted and the warm sunshine dried us out in moments. We had instructions from our hosts that the bar next to the church was worth a stop. It is a routine to stop
for a drink after a hard hike. What surprised us was that the bar was actually attached to the church. Seemed like a convenience - go to Mass and then gather for a drink to visit with friends and family.
Back home we showered and read our books until William delivered our pre-ordered dinner. Tonight he served pork loin stuffed with figs that had marinated in wine all day. The pork loin had a rosemary crust and it was remarkably delicious. For dessert he served a chocolate torte and homemade fig and ginger ice cream. It was spectacular! As we finished dinner the sky lit up pink in the west, and from the east the full moon came around the edge of the distant hillside.
I'll use photos to really tell about the last two days.
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