Espana

The language and accents had changed, but the countryside, not so much. One major exception was that the Spanish know how to pick up their dog poop. Nary a trace to be found!!

Whilst driving about the countryside, we did see a half a dozen or so women lounging about various intersections. They occasionally waived and smiled, and some were sitting in plastic chairs. They must be a part of the neighborhood watch, or a welcoming group perhaps. We didn't get a chance to stop and chat with the nice young ladies in short skirts, but perhaps next time we are in town.

El Moli was the yin and yang of places to stay. Very nice room, convenient to where we were visiting. However, the food left something to be desired (I was served a greenish veggie patty for one meal that appeared to have been microwaved to the desired toughness). Dinner is served at 8 (for us foreigners) and up until 10 pm for the normal guests. Breakfast is served at 9 am for all.

Also, a word to the wise when staying at a working farm: the roosters start crowing at about 5 am. And stop about 9 am. Unless one can catch them and wring their necks. But I digress.

Saturday morning found us on the road to the volcanic region for a bit of hiking. The volcanoes are quite old and covered almost completely in vegetation, but the walk and the fresh air was very nice.

Almost into my flip flops! We rented a diesel Renault for the trip. With diesel and petrol over $6 a gallon, the 50-60 mpg we got was a good thing!

A couple of pictures below of the terraced fields around the volcanic park.

A couple of pictures of the Pyrenees taken on the drive (first one by El Moli, the other further on towards the volcanoes).

Path to Santa Marguerita volcano. Very heavy underbrush and smothering ivy on the trees!

Train of 10 caterpillars and 1 who can't figure out where to get on at.

Side of volcanic sand embankment we walked by.

One side of the caldera on a volcano had collapsed recently.

Here is a view showing the terraced right side.

The caldera of Santa Marguerita. A bit different from the caldera in Hawaii (below) I visited!

A residence along the trail. Over 98% of the land in the park is privately owned!

Lots of volcanic walls abound. The soil is richly red, reminding me of the lush soil in Hawaii.

The next three pictures are of a very low bridge and the river we passed on the way to the park. It is barely a few feet above the water and obviously designed for the water to flow over it.

Side of the bridge. Maybe these are cow catchers!

This is all for now my friends. Pictures of the town of Besalu in my next post. I miss you all!

Peace.