Interesting Barcelona and Into The Spanish Pyrenees
The Hotel Regencia Colon is situated in a fantastic location. The old quarter. It was just a few blocks to Las Ramblas and footsteps from Place Catalunya with its massive 13th century Cathedral. Easy to walk down Las Ramblas to the Mediterranean Sea. Las Ramblas is filled with newspaper and flower stands, artists and tourists. You can walk past the old red light district (Barri del Raval), small restaurants and bars, Miro's mosaic and Gaudi's Palau Guell.
From there, a fast walk to Temple Sagrada Familia, Antonio Gaudi's famous unfinished church passing a few of his other unique constructions on the way. Before we knew it, the small group had arrived and we were all transferred to Arties for two nights. There were only eight of us: Gary, with two sons Chris and Lance from California; Kansas Carol; July and Dick from Michigan and us.
In Arties at the Hotel Edelweiss (a typical ski resort hotel), an orientation with Miguel and local guide, Inaki followed by a Welcome Dinner. Miguel substituted for his uncle Ramon (our original trip leader) who was ill. They are both Basques who know the mountains backwards and forwards. On most days, we'd divide up the lunch ingredients between us and eat somewhere on the route. We'd hike a total of 146 miles in the Pyrenees that Wilderness felt offered the most unique and spectacular views. Miguel gave everyone a Mapa turistico of Pirineos (Pyrenees).
The mini-bus would transfer the group tomorrow morning for a day hike, returning to Arties in the evening for one more night here. Everyone was anxious to get on the trail...
