The Rainforest Of Galicia
After spending weeks by the sea, which we definitely enjoyed, we also wanted to get to know the interior of Galicia. The nature is so varied and only 30 minutes by car from the coast with its white dream beaches you suddenly find yourself in the Eucalyptus-rainforest. As we didn’t know how busy this place is, since it’s easy to reach, we decided to start the hike right in the morning with the first light. The main waterfall was easily reached with only a 30min walk but we really wanted to discover the natural pools, of which there are severals and which are located upstream. However, we had to get to the top of the big waterfall first and we quickly found the hiking trail, but it leads about 100m above the river and because it’s so overgrown, you can't even see the river just hear. There were also no signs to the pools and so we initially walked past the junction.
After 1 hour without seeing or getting closer to the river and without breakfast in our stomachs we decided to turn back to Lenny. After about 45 minutes walking back and with the constant sound of the river flowing, we suddenly saw a small, very narrow path leading down the steep mountain slope where we thought this must be the way to the pools. The path is really steep and requires full concentration and free hands to support and hold. At the most critical points, ropes are attached to make the climb down/up a little easier and safer, and after about 20 minutes we arrived at this remote oasis. Exhausted but so happy, we got naked and went for a swim in the ice-cold natural pool. There is nothing more beautiful than being one with the nature.
After a while we got dressed again, since the pools are so overgrown, no sunlight got through the branches of the rainforest to warm us up. But with the prickling, well circulated skin and by the movement of the upward climb, we quickly became warm again. When we arrived back at Lenny, we were carving. That’s why we decided to have breakfast in Ferrol. Finally arrived in Ferrol it was actually too late for breakfast, so we had lunch in a pizzeria in the old town of Ferrol. After that, we headed the same way back towards Asturias, where we wanted to spend another night or two at our beloved Mexota Beach, to enjoy another day of surf and to fill up our water and food supplies. The Mexota beach has given us once again an unforgettable sunset when we arrived.
After we stayed one last day with good surf, everything prepared and refilled for our trip into the mountains we drove in the afternoon towards Gijòn, from where we got into the mountains. The more we drove upwards the landscape we found was breathtaking and beautifully unspoiled. It was not overcrowded, although we had actually expected many more tourists around that area. At the late afternoon, when we were quite high, that the peaks were already casting big shadows, we saw free-roaming cows and wild horses that just resting down on the warm asphalt and we already got an idea of how cold it would be when the sun goes down. But due to that adorable scenery we didn’t mind. I immediately felt very comfortable because everything seemed so peaceful and calm.
In advanced Daniell had picked out via Google Satalite a campsite at a big mountain lake directly on the shore. We drove to that location as the first. Because if we don’t have luck and we can’t stay or we do not like it, we wanted to still have some time to check out another place before dark, which is located on the other side of the lake.
This shot Daniell captured when we were on the way back from the first pitch. It was actually a nice place, but there were many old and also newer but empty agricultural buildings, where we didn’t feel so comfortable. Maybe the owner will pass by and send us away and In addition, it was also a little creepy with all this empty houses. Just before dark we arrived our second choice at the other side of the lake and what can I say….?! It was perfect!!!!
But I would like to tell you about it in my next post. I just say this much, it was one of our favorite campsites on that road trip. So stay tuned.
Hasta la próxima,