After the somewhat intense heat of recent weeks, then the storms of a few days ago, the temperatures seem to have settled down to a day time maximum of 28 degrees. This morning the air had a freshness about it and the sky was a deep and cloudless blue, so we all decided to chance it and go for a walk up to the waterfalls. The path takes us past our home village of Pórtugos, past some fields that are in cultivation, then above one of the main irrigation channels of the area and into an area of wild mountain vegetation mainly populated by encina and Pyrenean oak trees with various wild cistus and Spanish broom below. The going in such areas is never easy for a dachshund who inhabits a world very close to the uneven ground, but I did my best and valiantly kept up with my walking companions. Ella, as ever, was prancing about from rock to gully, but the two tall ones maintained a steady pace.
Shortly after an hour we arrived at our destination, the 'Area Recreativa de Pórtugos' and the waterfalls of the Junto de los Rios. Could you ever wish for a more refreshing spot to rest in on a hot summer's day? In the deep gorge below the waterfall there is a continual fine mist designed to offer the most delightful of cooling properties. Higher up, where the two rivers meet, there are a series of shallow pools and gentle cascades for the intrepid visitor to splash and wallow in. There could not be a more perfect spot to while away a hot August day.
As a sturdy dachshund, though, I am not built for heat and protested when my companions suggested we continue the walk further up the mountainside. The sun was now high in the sky and I was in danger of missing my siesta, so at my insistence, we returned via a different steep path that took us past more water courses and under some magnificent old chestnut trees. I suspect, though, that I was not the only one feeling the heat of the walk. Ella is currently curled up, for once quiet, and the two tall ones are snoring their way through the hour of siesta.
On returning to the house I was sorry to see that the lovely young couple who had been staying with us for nearly two weeks, during which time they announced their engagement, had left to catch their bus and then plane back to the UK - I was still hoping to be offered the role of best man at the wedding. They seem to have enjoyed their holiday and were kind enough to write the following in our guest book:
What a wonderful place to stay! Our first holiday in two years and so well worth the wait. From relaxing in the many corners of the garden, to serious walking in the hot, hot countryside, to splashing in the waterfalls and pools, oh yes, and eating lots of yummy tapas! Can't quite believe we have been here almost two weeks, but I could definitely be here for longer. So much to do and so many places to relax. Pitres is a very friendly village, bar Paco, Zumo de Piña (very nice), or the old lady in the Coviran supermarket who gives you a hug! It feels like a second home. Robert and William have been very welcoming and also really helpful with advice on things to do, thank you for a really memorable holiday. I also could not have dreamt of getting engaged in a more magical and romantic place.
Ella and Fergus rock!
Lizzie and Kyle, Bath, UK, staying in El Lújar, August 2009
How kind, but surely they should have said: 'Fergus rocks whilst Ella helps out with random percussion'.
More from me soon, now doubt, since it is fiesta weekend in Pitres.
Yours, rocking on,
Fergus.
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