It feels great to get out of the city. While I love taking in the sights and eating diverse foods only found in populated cities, these trips where I’m out in nature and going at a different pace really feels rejuvenating. The plan today was to run to the grocery store to get some fresh bread and anything else that we felt were missed during our Costco run. We had to be strategic about what we packed because we would be out in the mountains for 2 nights and I tend to overpack. I counted on where we were staying to not have wifi but I still wanted to draft the blog posts so I wouldn’t have to catch up on 3 days when we got back, so of course I packed my electronics to haul up a mountain.
It was a half hour drive from Potes to Fuente De which was basically the end of the road. The drive up was awesome and just made me more excited for the next few days. There were several tour buses parked in the parking lot with old Spanish people walking around the visitor center with walking sticks and canes. There was a large pasture filled with cows, sheep, and horses with big bells tied to their necks so you’d hear *thunk thunk thunk* every time any of them moved around.
I noticed a set of gondolas going up and then disappearing into the clouds. Luke pointed out that we’ll be riding it up to get to where we’re staying tonight. Considering how high it was, my hands immediately started sweating thinking the worst. When it came time for us to board the gondola, Luke pointed out the thermometer and said “Look, that’s the counter of how many people have died today riding it”…thanks
I took a time lapse riding the cable car in Seoul and it came out looking pretty good so I thought I’d do the same here since the view was way more impressive.
The ride up only took about 5 minutes. The recording while riding up said that it was a 1,800 meter climb or 5,900ft. We’re currently about 9800 ft above sea level. In comparison, Denver is 5200ft about sea level. There was a visitor center and restaurant at the top where we got off the gondola so we decided to get some lunch before going on the hourish long hike to where we were staying.
I was expecting some crappy sandwiches or burgers for inflated prices but they were serving food that was better in quality and cheaper than what I was eating in Madrid. This plate of roast chicken, salad, fries, 2 fried eggs, and a side of bread was only €10.
Luke took my picture while on the lookout point. The platform was see through, I was holding onto dear life, and I did not look out.
The entire hike was unfortunately misty the entire time but I’d prefer overcast over super hot sun. Not much to take pictures of besides rocks and mist however we encountered a few cows. I got up closer to the big cow that was laying down but then the baby cow got curious and came up to me. Luke and Halea had their cameras ready in case it decided to headbutt me and then I’d find myself in one of those headlines about stupid tourists who got injured by an animal at a national park.
Finally, out of the mist appeared the Hotel Aliva. I told Luke if the place is empty and the front door opens by itself, I am turning back around and going to the car. I was mentally preparing myself the entire hike up with the real possibility of not having wifi but HALELUJA there was an open network in the restaurant. I got a chance to catch up with Joanna who ended up sleeping a full 11 hours after getting home from the airport and was wide awake at 3am. We all got a nap and then broke out the food that we worked so hard to haul up the mountain.
Off the top of my head we brought: 2 loaves of bread, 5 things of cheese, 2 packs of Iberico ham, 1L sangria, 4 cans of radler beer, 3 boxes of granola bars, 3 bananas, pack of crackers, 2 packs of olives, jar of fruit spread, 2 salami links which were 1 ft long, and a bag of almonds. We didn’t eat everything as we have to save it for tomorrow. There is a full service restaurant here with fairly priced food as well but we didn’t expect there to be one which is why we brought our own food.
The plan tomorrow is to wake up early to be lucky enough to catch the sunrise, hike into the national park, do more hiking, take cool nature photos, and hopefully not get attacked by wildlife.
