Thursday 2 July - Pena de Francia

We were keen to do some serious walking and since we were on the doorstep of the Pena de Francia at 1653m, we set off relatively early when the mist was still burning off to follow pathway GR10. This was well marked all the way to the summit which we reached 2 hours and 10 minutes after starting for the 8.3 km and 630m vertical climb, most of which occurred in the last 2km. We were hot, sweaty and tired when we got to the top having been accompanied by a swarm of irritating flies for much of the journey. We much preferred the cloud of moths and butterflies that were with us initially! It was a good work out though. Not many pictures of our walk are available but enough to record the achievement and the marvellous viewpoint that Pena de Francia is.

We stayed at the top where there was a shrine, an old monastery now a well appointed church, a met station masquerading as an Atlas missile and a bar restaurant where we had an excellent strong coffee. We were served by a very attractive and friendly young man who then produced his guitar which was of immediate interest to M2. Not sure of his name - perhaps Alberto? - but he played and sang strongly for a short time before handing the guitar to M2 who responded with a quick rendition of 'American Pie' - and not an alcoholic drink in sight!

We started down at 1230 and imagined that we would be back more quickly than the 1hr 55 mins it actually took. Tired but pleased with ourselves we had two well earned, very cold beers in a convenient bar then stayed there for the menu del dias at Euros 9.90. Basic grub but very welcome even though it was just about the most miserable service we had experienced to date. Generally, since we reentered Spain, we have had to revise our earlier impressions of a less likeable people. In fact, most of our recent contacts had been friendly and warm with many a cheery wave from the 'sitters' in the various villages we had driven through - except the Bar de Sampras that is. There had been noticeably less graffiti in evidence too.

We shall make amends with Maria tonight and eat in her restaurant as we are out of grub in the van.