Our room was ready early and we able to check in and spend a few minutes eating and repacking before heading out for our guided hike.
Then we took the bus up to the trailhead where we waited in line to meet our guide and get our hardhats.
The hike is only about 5 miles, but it takes a few hours both because there is a lot of climbing and because there are so many magnificent places to stop and enjoy the views. As is usually the case, there is no way a picture can do justice to these canyons. They were truly breathtaking.
Most of the path takes place on a man-made boardwalk that is bolted to the side of the cliff sides and over bridges. It replaces an old concrete walkway that had become dangerous and impassable. Some times you could catch a view of pieces of the old path that run under the new path.
Although the trail is in really good shape, as with any heavily used trail - constant upkeep is required and there were occasional signs of active work.
In addition to the traditional great views, there was one small section of glass floor for a slightly different view of the canyon floor below.
A large imprint from a fossil has been preserved in one of the canyon walls - it is hard to imagine the entire area underwater.
As we finished up the hike, we were treated to a nice view of our hotel in the distance.
Back in the room we ate the rest of the food that I had packed from Sevilla and took a few hours to stretch out and rest.
We walked around the area a little, but the only restaurant choices away from our hotel involved outdoor seating. We love to be outside, but nobody was up for dinner that required a coat and hat just to keep from freezing as we ate. So, we headed back to the hotel restaurant.
Then the short walk back to the hotel and into bed. Since I didn't travel with my computer - blogging would have to wait luckily I had Spanish to review.
This morning, we hung around the room until check-out. It was beautiful and sunny, but too cold for the pool. So, we just admired it from our balcony.
We stored our luggage at the front desk and headed out for another hike. A little less than 5 miles today, but the first half was straight up hill. Again, the views were beautiful.
One of the interesting things that we noticed walking up the path was the number of people rock climbing on the face of the huge cliff next to us. There were lots of them and they were up really high. I will be sticking to paths, thanks.
It was so beautiful and warm by this afternoon that by the time we reached the top of the path - jackets were off and we enjoyed a few minutes just taking in the sunshine.
After our hike we went to the hotel to have a long, late lunch and collect our bags. Then it was time to say goodbye to Rachel for the week. She is headed to Malaga for a conference and we took the train in the opposite direction back to Sevilla.
Albert tried to catch a few last shots from the train window as we crossed back through area of yesterday's hike.
Now we are back home - the streets are still sticky from the parades. The house is quiet without the girls - although I try to make up for it by making a lot of noise - I know Albert appreciates it. Tomorrow, it is back to school. I brought my packet of irregular verbs on our trip and managed to do some studying - I will probably try to review a little in the morning tomorrow as well since I am back to the afternoon class and my first intercambio in weeks tomorrow night.
