Spain - Day 30: Arans to Encamp

Andorra

Andorra seems to be either steep up or steep down. With very little in between. It was cold last night but we survived. And we were worried about the heat. The book says it will get warmer towards to Mediterranean - the book is wrong. So far anyway.

Mr. Gruber - right

We woke, quickly ate some superb Andorran sausages and wonderful Andorran bread. By now we are good at supplementing these two staples. But they are constant. But no one complains - we have, as they say, no choice.

We walked up and got to a spring, picnic area, lay-by type thing. And unloaded to eat some more in the sun. A proper breakfast this time. Fresh cool water after the climb we were happy. We sat warming in the sun. Eventually, Mr. Gruber joined us. But maintained a safe Germanic distance.

Framed view

There was more up and more down today but not much forward. About 1,200m up and down with only 12km to cover. My maths isn't so good but if half of the journey is up and half down - a reasonable assumption. Then the average gradient of Andorra is 20%.

We were in the forest so views, though spectacular, were photogenically limited.

In the forest

We lingered, in the lay-by, as long as we could but all good things must come to an end. Mr. Gruber headed off first and we followed shortly afterwards.

The way up felt like every bit of those 20%. It was stunning in its steepness. And of course when we got to the top. There was a big car park and lots of people wandering round the top of the hill. There must have been some attraction - but we couldn't be bothered to find out what.

We ate a Gummy Bear or two, or three and set off. The restorative powers of  Gummy Bears cannot be overstated. These are our - on the go pick-me-up and make-me-go snack.

We don't walk any distance without a packet or two (or some generic preferably sour alternative).

The top

Moorish Tower

Down was less steep and the woods more open. But it was longer . Encamp was the target and the book said there was a Moorish tower that should not be missed. OK, we didn't miss it but were left with the distinct impression that our lives would have not been significantly less enriched if we had.

Encamp is a pretty town. Yes, finally a town of size, with a choice of supermarkets and restaurants. We sat in the square with out Fanta Lemon cakes and chocolate. Watching the people go by and generally chilling out. We were in Andorra and were going to enjoy every minute. Even though we are walking across the whole country we won't be here for long. Two more nights then back into Spain.

So we will have walked across two countries by the time we finish. A insignificant fact. But it makes us happy anyway.

We ask directions to the campsite. The scale of our maps is not suited for navigation in a town. A very nice lady shows us the way and walks a bit with us to get us past the complicated bit. Then walks back the way she came.

People are nice.

The campsite in Encamp was wonderful. We camped by the river. We have noticed that we often go to sleep with the sound of running water nearby. We enjoyed to swimming pool and showers. Mr. Gruber was camped by the river too.

Maybe we should have got bigger tents

We have got walker's tans. And look very silly out of our walking gear. But wear them with pride someone wise once said.

We ate in town and shopped in the biggest, well closest, supermarket we could find.

Life is good.