Spain - Day 25: La Guingueta d'Aneu to Estaon

Ripples in reality...

Today we only have 10km to do. But and there is always a But. We have one each and they are getting firmer. But - It involves 1,400m up and 1,100m down. The book says 5 hours 10 minutes walking. So around 8 hours for us, with stoppy time added. That's 1.25km per hour. People ask how fast we walk. The answer is, on average is not very. But historically, we seem to average, when moving, about 3km per hour, weighted. But we don't move - a lot it seems.

From the campsite back to the lake, we had scouted the route the previous night. Today was another war time archaeological highlight. Apparently '17 machine gun nests were built around La Guingueta as part of Franco's Pyreenean defense line...' Cicerone

Less than advertised...

And one of the better preserved ones was next to the lake. Martin had been looking forward to this for weeks. The picture in the book looked impressive. But when we got there. Well, the picture in the book certainly didn't lie, but neither did it give the whole story. It sort of implied, but never said, that it was perched up high in an inaccessible spot. The truth. Well judge for your self.

Dorve - dower upper

Disappointed.

We walked up to Dorve, an almost totally abandoned village. To us there was no difference between Jou and Dorve. But Dorve had been spared the restoration and re-population that Jou had suffered. And consequently was quietly falling down. One house in the village looked occupied and the water sourced still sourced water.

Still up after Dorve to the Coll de Montcaubo (2201m) then down.

The remaining walk took us through peaceful (I can spell tranquil) forests and open meadows. A distinct change from the rocky mountains of the past few days. Green as opposed to grey. It was easy and pleasant going.

With the odd fallen tree

Of course nothing is too easy and nature has its own way of getting its own way. We know that if a tree falls in the forest and there is no-one to hear it that it makes any noise. But when you find that same tree, it seems, that you still have to walk around it.

A feat which is not always that easy

Down to Estaon which refused to come into view until the very last moment. But when it did, it provided a wonderful view of it's slate tiled roofs.

Estaon from above

The Refugi d'Estaon was a beautifully restored building with a tarpaulin strung over the street to make sitting and drinking your beer outside more comfortable. We booked in and washed. An essential thing for any walker. We had a slow walk around the hamlet (10 minutes) and went back for that beer.

A view

Another view

Two young Spanish girls had arrived. They were going in the opposite direction and planned to do the whole trip in 23 days (us 46 or so). They created quite a stir. Young, fit and pretty. Lots of maps were pored over to see if their feat was possible in the other direction. With many, exclusively middle-aged men, deciding to do what was previously planned as two days in one. If mere girls could do it, so could we, type of reasoning. We thought about it but quickly dismissed it. Stupid. Even if we could why do it.

Over dinner we chatted with Rico, a Spanish guy, who loved to be listened to. He was now a two in one candidate. He regaled us with his exploits while we ate and drank. We listened  and laughed with the rest of the group. Dinner was a fun event.

A coming together of like minded people with tall tales of past accomplishments and disasters, mainly disasters. They indulged our children. Where are you going (little children)? Where have you come from?   They may be young but they have walked so when they said what we had done and where we were going... the smiles faltered a little.

They may be young but they like to walk. This year will make over 4,000km hiking*. Not counting casual walking.

Quick - before Estaon moves

*
Pennine Way in England
Across Slovakia (over two years)
GR11

Plus school related activities.

Kids can walk!

Honest.

Just start them early.