Dealing with bureaucrats is probably the most frustrating of human endeavours. Our package, containing our replacement tent and stove has been in Barcelona for days but Spanish customs told us they would not release it until we pay 235 euros in duties, fees and taxes. After hours on the phone and sending them all kinds of documents, I had to sign a declaration that I would pay the money upon delivery, and then delivery would commence but would not be guaranteed by the time we were scheduled to leave Barcelona.
We decided to go hiking as planned and let the universe unfold as it would, hoping the package would get delivered prior to our departure. We packed the car and set off for Sierra de Guara and the village of Alquezar, a lovely medieval town about 3 hours northwest of Barcelona.
We rented an apartment for a few nights and went hiking in the spectacular canyon landscape around Alquezar and the nearby town of Rodellar. While there, I received an email from FedEx in response to my complaint about the problem with my package, and miraculously the package was delivered without any further charges. Funny that I had to send a complaint to FedEx in the United States before the company’s employees in Spain would process my package without any further delay or charges.
Anyway, we have a new tent and stove and will be ready for the next part of our journey. Meanwhile, we spent a few days hiking in Sierra de Guara with Alba and Gérard. Here are some photographs.
Alquezar canyons.
On the road.
Alquezar.
Gérard at the site of where a mill used to stand on the river in the canyon.
Winter reeds.
Alquezar door knokker.
Alquezar.
Stone bridge.
Jan taking a break.
The Pyrenees.
The monastery at Alquezar at sunset.
Cave painting between 5,000 and 8,000 years old.
Stone bridge.
Climbing out of a canyon.
Gloomy morning.
Dog at the monastery.
Our lodgings in Alquezar.
Alquezar.
A walkway along the canyon wall.
Conglomerate on one side of the valley.
Vulture.
Vulture.
A bit of yoga.
Which way?
It’s so small!
Alba and Gérard in a canyon near Alquezar.
One last warm-up before heading out.
Restaurant decorations in Alquezar.
Dog at the monastery.
Stick Man.
A dreary and wet hike back to Alquezar.
A dreary and wet hike back to Alquezar.
Caves in the karst of Alquezar canyon.
Alquezar canyons.
Gérard making breakfast.
A good start to any morning.
Alba checking the weather from the cabin.
Winter grasses.
Vulture.
Looking out from the Alquezar monastery.
Bark.
Single file into the Sierra de Guara.
Love birds.
For sale. Tempting!
Crossing stone bridge in a canyon near Alquezar.
Column detail at the Alquezar monastery.
Sun going down on the Alquezar canyons.
A glimpse of the Sierra de Guara.
Cave.
Alba.
Paul’s new suede shoes.
Frescoes at the Alquezar monastery.
Alquezar canyons.
Sharing a beer and chips at the end of the day.
Hiking into the Sierra de Guara.
Alquezar street.
The gang in Alquezar. Thank you Alba and Gérard for you fabulous hospitality. Until next time.
Paul, stunning photos. I’ll send a separate email about the tag on one of the vultures. lee