Off on a road trip today, to visit some lovely sights just North of the province of Madrid. Took the car just over 100km up the motorway and then headed into the countryside. Our first target was Riaza, a small town with a lovely square where we all had some refreshments. Then we drove up to a small beech forest (beeches aren't too common this far South) - the Hayedo de Pedrosa - and had a small walk looking for fairies. Didn't find many by I made a good imp. Further up the road we reached a mountain pass (Puerto de la Quesera) with magnificent views, and then took a really amazing road down to Majaelrayo (one of the Pueblos Negros, with all houses made of dark slate) for lunch. From there we took the long route to Galve de Sorbe where our hotel was (the waiter told us the short route, unasphalted, was not a good option but we later found out it was fine). After initially doubting whether to ditch it for another hotel (as it looked a bit unkept outside) we called the owner and a good thing too, because it was really lovely inside. All eco-friendly, beautifully decorated, with wonderful food (or so I'm told) and really snug.
Sunday 5 October 2008
Road trip
Off on a road trip today, to visit some lovely sights just North of the province of Madrid. Took the car just over 100km up the motorway and then headed into the countryside. Our first target was Riaza, a small town with a lovely square where we all had some refreshments. Then we drove up to a small beech forest (beeches aren't too common this far South) - the Hayedo de Pedrosa - and had a small walk looking for fairies. Didn't find many by I made a good imp. Further up the road we reached a mountain pass (Puerto de la Quesera) with magnificent views, and then took a really amazing road down to Majaelrayo (one of the Pueblos Negros, with all houses made of dark slate) for lunch. From there we took the long route to Galve de Sorbe where our hotel was (the waiter told us the short route, unasphalted, was not a good option but we later found out it was fine). After initially doubting whether to ditch it for another hotel (as it looked a bit unkept outside) we called the owner and a good thing too, because it was really lovely inside. All eco-friendly, beautifully decorated, with wonderful food (or so I'm told) and really snug.
