Friday, June 1 - Hiking in Aragón

Buffet breakfast at nine and off we went in search of alpine birds, once again.

Drove just short of the French border and took a hike near a Parador; slight sprinkle of rain, but other than that, sun, cold and wind. Got up to a snow bank with a lovely overview of the mountains and the hotel. Split a bocadillo sandwich at the Parador which unfortunately seems to be the only one in the chain without wi-fi, as I had brought my computer along in hope of sending out a few blogs.

We drove to a lower elevation and took a tiny side road to the no-longer existing village of Revilla that Mario had recommended for a hike with views and sightings of various eagles. Drove along with the usual long drop-off on one side, past beautiful deserted stone houses and an occasional remote hotel to the trail head and set off on an easy 2 mile hike with views of mountain peaks and a deep valley way below. Passed a ancient hermitage beneath a towering cliff reminiscent of Utah and on to an overlook. Just a few common birds, but the usual great flowers. We’re thinking of changing our emphasis to botany instead of birds. I’ve never been in a place that’s so difficult to see any bird, let alone rare ones!

Back to the Casa San Martín, where it was announced that dinner tonight will start at 9:30, because there is a full house and several guests are Spanish. Yikes! We’re finding it difficult to eat a multi-course dinner with wine, finish after 11 and try to go right to bed. That probably won’t generate a lot of sympathy! Anyway dinner was gazpacho with soft curd cheese, a pesto pasta course, then a large piece of baked bacalao (cod) in a coconut sauce. Really great but way more than I could eat!