Day 60 – at Maraña

Another tremendous mountain day in the Malpodre range.

An area that is in an excellent state of conservation, due most of all, to depopulation and lack of investment and infrastructure in the area; what some would call the abandonment of an emptied Spain, good from the point of view of nature, but not for the nation’s health, and the lives of those people who still live here. The area has a rich history, and its people have played a big part in the conservation that those who venture here, like me, so much appreciate.

The mountains have a particular geological make-up, broken spectacular limestone, weathered by erosion, with green meadows tiered up to the treeline made up mostly by beech forest.

The pictures speak for themselves. We saw a couple of deer, one male with new antlers, and the other, separately, a female. Once again, in the hoyo amphitheatre at the furthest point of the hike, Roja was confused by the echo from the steep walls.

Fortunately, the downhill was a particular thrill for him, following a steep aroyo, or stream; in effect, for him, just like a long gorge walk.

Again, we took a pleasant beer on what must be one of the greatest pub terraces in Europe.