Ola Fiscal

16.05.2011 - 16.05.2011 25 °C

Fiscal is a sleepy little village in Northern Spain’s Aragon region and is situated in between two National Parks: Ordesa y Monte Perdido and Sierra y Canones de Guara. The views from our campsite are just stunning and words can not describe how peaceful it is here. Only nature’s music surrounds us: the blowing of the wind, the mountain stream flowing and a choir of crickets. Human life is difficult to spot around, besides some locals in a bar we feel like we’re alone out here. Although there are some permanent caravans, we appear to be the only visitors of the campsite, even the owners seem to have locked up and gone out for the day.

This morning we went for a hike up the neighbouring mountain. There was a small hiking trail that must have been brutally attacked by post-winter landslides. Although dried out, the scars were clear: loose rubble and stones paved our way to the top. The climb was steep, the calves and bottom burning; we were clearly not used to such exercise. The sun was blazing but luckily we had sun-lotioned up and the breeze and occasional shade offered support on our way to victory. The board at the bottom of the trail had suggested a 35 minute route; we made it to the final destination in 40 minutes: a wonderful old church built in 1790. Next to the little church was the remains of a second building, we imagined the pastor may have written his sermons there, finding inspiration in the beauty and serenity surrounding him.

The hike down was even more challenging than the way up, the gradient of the trail and loose underground meant we had to tread very carefully. Our knees and calves took most of the strain. Luckily we made it down without any injuries, just a wonderful feeling of pleasure and a rumbling tummy too.

After some food and a siesta, we went for an afternoon walk along the river to spot where some friar would bathe every single day, no matter how cold a day it was. We found refreshment from the water too: we dipped our feet in and let the cold mountain water chill our beers.

Now we're blogging from the local bar.