July 2, 2024
To resume where we left off last time, the group woke up to the crisp mountain air common in Picos de Europa National Park. Starting our day with a nice breakfast of bread, fruits, meats, cheeses, and, most importantly, Spanish coffee, the group began their trek in high spirits, but not before saying a temporary goodbye to Katie and Millie, who would end up having an adventure of their own before being reunited with us the next day. Our trek through the clouds began with none other than George leading the pack with our guide, Alejandro, setting the tone for the day by being extra encouraging and curious to learn more about the local culture and history. As we weaved through switchbacks and trekked up the steep mountain trails, Leigh conquered each challenge with persistence and determination, celebrating each downhill section with Lucile by shouting in victory. As we hiked up the rocky trail to our destination, we caught glimpses of the incredible views around us, hidden within the clouds.
Once we reached our lunch destination, a beautiful mountain hut called Cabana Veronica, all the clouds magically cleared away, leaving us in awe of the true mountains around us for the first time. Below, a valley was shrouded in clouds, but above, the clouds revealed astonishing mountain peaks that left us in awe of the amazing place we had the privilege to experience. As our group ate lunch on a peak by this mountain hut, we soaked in the views before heading back to catch a cable car ride and transfer to our next accommodation. Throughout the hike and the trip, Livi has been a source of amazing conversation and positivity for the entire group, motivating everyone to push past adversity to arrive at our destination.
The little town of Cain is situated in a remote valley with mountain peaks towering above us in every direction. The group’s “vlog” series, led by Lauren, Lucile, and George, visited a local supermarket to get some well-earned ice cream and explore the town before dinner. As we ate a dinner that hit close to home, it was, of course, filled with laughter thanks to Stock’s hilarious jokes and impressions. Afterward, the group took a nice post-dinner nature walk, which Lila especially enjoyed. She seemed absolutely in her element as we explored around a river and water mill, passing by local animals and townspeople. This little adventure was the perfect way to get the group ready for a great MoonUp.
We woke up the next day to begin the most famous hike in all of Picos de Europa National Park, the Cares Gorge Trail. Our resident photographer, Trav, took this opportunity in stride, and as we hiked through this gorgeous valley, he took some of the best photos the group has ever seen. His talent for photography really shone that day. Lucile remarked that this was by far her favorite hike of the trip, and she savored each moment walking through the breathtaking valley. As we finished the trail seven miles later, the group ate a well-earned lunch down by the river, and Stock, Lauren, Livi, George, Trav, and Garrett took advantage of the body of water in front of them and jumped into the freezing river, prompting shouts of both shock and contentment as the cold water soothed our sore bodies.
As we left to drive back to Madrid, we reunited with Millie and Katie, who had much to tell us about their adventures in Llanes, which included an impressive tale of their Spanish skills coming in clutch with the local townspeople. At dinner that night in Madrid, Ann Lane, proud of accomplishing these difficult but rewarding hikes, revealed her newfound love for hiking because of these amazing views but also the satisfaction of completing a challenge. We woke up and headed to the Madrid airport to begin our next adventure! As we said goodbye to our Spain guides, Stock took special care to say his farewells. As a very intentional guy, he spent the last few days really getting to know them and was sad to say goodbye.
Signing off from Morocco, where there is plenty more fun to be had!
Katie + Garrett
Stock- Hey Mom and Dad and Kate, Spain is awesome and can’t wait to go to Morocco can’t wait to show y’all photos
Lauren-having so much fun! Miss you all and can’t wait to see y’all and tell you all about it!
Millie- hi mom and dad I’m having so much fun. Spain is soooo cool! Tell BUBS I said hi
George- hi mom and dad Spain is super fun and I am really looking forward to Morocco and the market
Trav – hey mom and dad, this first week in Spain has been really cool and the photos are awesome, I will make sure to get something for you all in the Moroccan market!
Leigh ~ hola, on the plane to Morocco and staying w Muhammad. Spain was fun and the hiking was tough but we are going to bargain in the markets
Livia- HOLA mom, dad, family, and squad!! Miss you like crazy but we’re having an absolute BLAST! I can’t wait to tell you all about it! 😘🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸💃
Ann Lane- Hola Madre and dad, I miss y’all so much and Dave and Watts. can’t wait to tell u all abt it’s so much fun. otw to Morocco rn and can’t wait for the market.
Lucile – Hey, I am having so much Fun! I loved Spain, we are on the plane now . I’m excited for Morocco.
Lila- Hi Fam! I have had so much fun in Spain and I cannot wait for Morocco! Get hyped for your gifts from the markets, Love y’all