Spain - Day 32: Refugio de L'Illa to Refugio de Malniu

Up Up and away

A day of three Cols. We have about 1km left in Andorra then back into Spain. The last leg so to speak only two weeks to the end. Our target was the sea not Cap de Creus the official end of the GR11. We were Coast to Coasting. But already people were asking us how we could walked so far and not finish.

We will see.

The climb out of Andorra was short and of course steep. In keeping with its statutory 20% gradients, which define Andorra legally.

We had slept well - despite or maybe because of - sleeping in the unmanned refugio. There was, it was reported, a lot of snoring and it was too hot in the refugio proper.

We did our ablutions in the water pouring from the hose which drained directly from the lake above. Cool and fresh. Let's not think about the cow poo that was everywhere.

We chlorined some water but it did taste awful. So given a choice we didn't.

The lake that is definitely not contaminated with cow poo. Well probably definitely not.

The probably uncontaminated lake

Barren

Back into Spain and the landscape was, well, basically the same.

Rocky, empty and stunning.

We would see people but not many. Not many at all. The world is indeed empty.

The other possibility is, I have to admit, that the mountains are full but our 'odour d'walking' was so strong that people smell us coming. Then take evasive action.

The country softened a little and we enjoyed the easy going.

We 💜 Spain (and Andorra)

 The going was easy so the easy got photogenic.

'Ibon de Mirror'

Intelligent signs

I couldn't resist the reflection. But they are smiling and enjoying the impromptu photo shoot.

The cow pond has no name and isn't on the maps.

As I have noted before, really other than for bad weather situations our maps, GPS and compass are pretty mush just extra weight. Essential extra weight - but so far they have not really been used in anger.

Ok - once a while back on the foggy day to Candanchu.

The way marking has been and is excellent. The powers that be here - have even gone as far as apparently investing in interactive semi intelligent signs. Just ask and it will point in, a pretty random, direction, type of sign.

This one potentially more reliable

Some of the landscapes were more barren than others. This one positively Mars like. If ever they fake a Mars landing, they should come here.

'Mars'

 It's really hard to get lost.

Prominent sign

We continued to walk. Effectively, this was to be our last day in the Pyrenees. Tomorrow we visit Martin's favourite Spanish city.

Puigcerda 

Pronounced somehow. With two 'd's. Martin thinks it means or sounds like PigPig when translated. So he loves it. Another of his key stages. We have passed many. His mathematical mind makes everyday some sort of milestone. 

'3 days to the 10 days to go mark'

Cos the last 10 days will be easy.

We reach the Refugi de Malniu and camp in the cow free zone.

Surfing anyone?

We met Rico - who we first met in Estaon. He was surprised to see us. Just kids against a seasoned walker! But - we may be slow but we are persistent. His face was a picture. But he is a nice guy.

Mr. Gruber also camped here. In the shelter of a bigger tent. As it was a bit windy.

Our Italian friends had a destination further down the road. They wanted to spend a day in Puigcerda. Maybe Martin is right.