Lluc - The Monastery
Suitcases packed and ready for their busride to the Monestery at Lluc. The driver will drop us off at Cuba, and we head in a different direction towards Guia de Lluc. It isn't as crowded on the trail today now that the 3-day weekend is over for the Spanish.
The first part of the hike was relatively easy. Along an old water trough from the 1800's, used for irrigation. Uphill, through gorgeous bushes of wild rosemary blooming everywhere.
wild Rosemary
A stop at the top of the pass for lunch, View image and to enjoy the views.
The entire way down was through lots of rocks, large and small, then beautiful pine forests with many birds singing. I even heard a "Cuckoo", and they really sound exactly like a "Cuckoo Clock."
The last part of the trail passed through a farmer's territory and he waits there to collect a "Toll" from anyone who crosses it. A toll foot path! Now I've heard everything.
Forget the thought of some very secluded, isolated Monastery. Yes, it is secluded as well as being the religious center of Mallorca, but as our group hoofed down the last section on the road, there was a parking lot filled with tour buses, day trippers and an ice cream stand. The monastery itself has over 140 rooms and is a very basic hotel. Beds, toilets, towels and, NO SOAP. Also, I've never come across a pillow case that opens at both ends. You have to make up your own bed here, and was a little perplexed when I inserted a pillow and it fell out the other end. It's always something....
Hint #3 - Always carry a small bar of soap in your suitcase. Never know when you'll need it...like now! Ex-Marine wanted me to use shampoo for the next few days...I gave him "The Look." Fortunately, they sold soap at an on-premise store.
The religious tradition in Lluc possibly originated from Pre-Roman Times. View image It became a center for pilgrimages and, in the 17th century, the present Gothic Church was constructed. In later years, the hotel area and refectory were constructed. It has a camping area, restaurant and recreation area.
We hiked 9-1/2 miles today and I feel every one of those miles. There are only two places to eat in Lluc...the Monastery and a restaurant on the premises. Both are all-inclusive, a three course meal and unlimited wine. The food turned out to be ample and tasty. They make a local liquor in this area called "Hierbas." It is distilled from Rosemary and other Herbs, usually with a sprig of Rosemary floating in the bottle. My opinion? It tasted like cough medicine.
Tomorrow there is a choice of three different walks: one easy (around 5 kms.), a longer one (9 kms.) and a "scramble" up a peak. We will definitely opt for "easy".
Tomorrow....
