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.
Winter grasses.
One last warm-up before heading out.
Alquezar door knokker.
Alquezar.
Column detail at the Alquezar monastery.
Alquezar.
Cave.
A dreary and wet hike back to Alquezar.
Sun going down on the Alquezar canyons.
Stone bridge.
Caves in the karst of Alquezar canyon.
A bit of yoga.
A good start to any morning.
Gérard at the site of where a mill used to stand on the river in the canyon.
Gloomy morning.
Alquezar.
Sharing a beer and chips at the end of the day.
Bark.
Stone bridge.
Vulture.
Alquezar canyons.
Alquezar canyons.
Hiking into the Sierra de Guara.
Love birds.
Dog at the monastery.
On the road.
Which way?
Restaurant decorations in Alquezar.
Stick Man.
Crossing stone bridge in a canyon near Alquezar.
A dreary and wet hike back to Alquezar.
Alba and Gérard in a canyon near Alquezar.
A walkway along the canyon wall.
Cave painting between 5,000 and 8,000 years old.
Vulture.
Climbing out of a canyon.
For sale. Tempting!
Dog at the monastery.
It’s so small!
Alquezar street.
Winter reeds.
Jan taking a break.
The Pyrenees.
Gérard making breakfast.
Conglomerate on one side of the valley.
Single file into the Sierra de Guara.
Alba.
Alba checking the weather from the cabin.
Frescoes at the Alquezar monastery.
Paul’s new suede shoes.
Looking out from the Alquezar monastery.
A glimpse of the Sierra de Guara.
Our lodgings in Alquezar.
Alquezar canyons.
Vulture.
The monastery at Alquezar at sunset.
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