Sierra de Guara

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.

A good start to any morning.

Alba and GéŽrard in a canyon near Alquezar.

Alba.

Cave painting between 5,000 and 8,000 years old.

Paul’s new suede shoes.

It’s so small!

Our lodgings in Alquezar.

One last warm-up before heading out.

Dog at the monastery.

Vulture.

Love birds.

Alquezar canyons.

The Pyrenees.

Sharing a beer and chips at the end of the day.

Crossing stone bridge in a canyon near Alquezar.

Alquezar.

Alquezar door knokker.

Which way?

On the road.

Alquezar canyons.

Restaurant decorations in Alquezar.

Dog at the monastery.

Vulture.

Single file into the Sierra de Guara.

Hiking into the Sierra de Guara.

Bark.

Stick Man.

Stone bridge.

Stone bridge.

Looking out from the Alquezar monastery.

Caves in the karst of Alquezar canyon.

Frescoes at the Alquezar monastery.

A dreary and wet hike back to Alquezar.

Cave.

A bit of yoga.

A dreary and wet hike back to Alquezar.

Alquezar.

Gloomy morning.

A walkway along the canyon wall.

Sun going down on the Alquezar canyons.

GéŽrard making breakfast.

Vulture.

A glimpse of the Sierra de Guara.

GéŽrard at the site of where a mill used to stand on the river in the canyon.

Alquezar canyons.

Climbing out of a canyon.

Conglomerate on one side of the valley.

Alba checking the weather from the cabin.

Winter reeds.

Column detail at the Alquezar monastery.

Alquezar.

The monastery at Alquezar at sunset.

Winter grasses.

Jan taking a break.

For sale. Tempting!

Alquezar street.