For those people who travelled up to Andorra on the 31 May and broke the journey overnight in a hotel in Valls, north of Tarragona the driving conditions for most of the journey were appalling with driving rain restricting speed and visibility on the Autopista. The owner of the brand new Porsche Carrera which aquaplaned and wrote off his vehicle around Hospitalet will hopefully have had the car insured fully comprehensive……………….and more importantly did not have his mistress with him in the car!

 

Thankfully the following day the sun made an appearance and the journey through Catalunia was pleasant with light traffic until the Andorra border was reached and out of nowhere emerged hundreds of Andorrans in their 4 x 4s all keen to show off their driving skills by jumping traffic lanes at 140 kms per hour.  It is a hard to believe that Andorrans hold the world record for longevity at an average of 83 years.

 

Come 19.00 hrs the bar at Hotel Coray in Encamp was buzzing with noise, kisses and G & T’s as everyone started to turn up. Juan the hotel owner was most intrigued by the jollities and drink consumption and could be spotted on the end of the bar doodling with pen and paper in an effort to estimate the income at the end of the week and whether he should order his new Discovery 4 x 4 the following day.

 

Day one we woke to a mixed weather report and after a hearty buffet breakfast we called into the small supermarket near the hotel to buy some packed lunch then made a 25 minutes car-journey to the start of the first walk  which was jointly led by Colin & Rainer. The walk was a mixture of forest and good track and was well marked. Every kilometre mark we came across a set of parallel bars or benches with a instruction board telling you as to how many sets of exercises were expected. Poor Val needed to grow an extra 30cms to reach the bar!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped at a mirador to take some pictures of the amazing view below of Andorra La Vella.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After two hours we reached the Refugi de Fontverd at 1,875m

just as the rain started so several sought shelter whilst the more intrepid walkers plough on to the font a few kilometres further along the fast flowing river.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The return journey was mostly in pouring rain but thankfully on reaching the start point the sun made an appearance and when both parties were re-united we repaired to the bar adjacent Lago Engolasters for a well earned drink. A lively evening in the hotel bar before and after dinner helped Juan a little nearer to the purchase of his new 4 x 4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2 the start of the walk to Os de Civis was again reached by car. This wonderful valley with rolling hills, fast running trout river and a mountain backdrop with snowy peaks was  a memorable sight and a diverting walk with orchids and narcissi in abundance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By day 3 the abilities of everyone was established and the walks divided themselves naturally to suit the wide differences in fitness and stamina. Despite these problems Colin & Rainer were able to adjust the pace and introduce cut-off points to keep everyone happy. For those who wanted a day off there was a magnificent spa in the town which provided a fully equipped gym and sauna.

 

Wednesday 4 June was a momentous day in the life of Roberto Fisher who celebrated his 65^th Birthday. The occasion was marked by a trip organised by Jan & Robert to a nearby village where a moderate walk was undertaken in beautiful sunshine followed by lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we explored the area around the restaurant and came across the food source being reared at the back, namely jabali, rabbit and quails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That evening the hotel gave us permission to have a party and there was much dancing to music supplied by DJs Mike & Jackie.

 

The following day started off in bright and sunny weather and we headed off to the Refugi Estanys de la Vall de Riu and the snow

 

 

A gradual climb out of the valley brought us to a second more remote valley with magnificent views of the snow and again alpine flowers a-go-go. Several of the group remained at the Refuge whilst the more athletic headed to the snow line behind Gordon G who was like a kid opening his presents on Christmas Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The remainder of the week was memorable with good weather and remarkably plenty of sun. One of the evening highlights was the Fiesta de Foc (Fiesta of the fire) which was the first fiesta that Encamp had ever held. Wonderful firework display which lasted almost one hour and accompanied by fiesta drums …………well done the youth of Encamp.

 

Well done Colin and Rainer and many thanks for all your hard work and pastoral care.

 

Report and photos: Ian McKernan