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Refugio del Poqueira to Capileira
Poqueira Valley |
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At the refuge, I calculated that I had 3 hours to get to Capileira in order to meet the original pick-up plan. Although this was do-able, I guessed that 5 hours might be more reasonable. The previous year, I had tried to find the path I was due to take this time, and had missed it - leading to a very tiring hike along miles of hard, dusty track. The path from the refuge to the Cortijo de las Tomas was - on the map - supposed to be Sout-West from the Refuge.
The only path I could find went South or maybe even a bit East of South. After much shuffling of the map and reference to the GPS, I worked out that the Refuge probably had been re-built - and moved, explaining the difference between my map and the landscape. So, using the map and compass, I picked the best path and down I went, thinking that to have to come back up would not be good.
Having set off down this very steep hill, I was delighted to find the Cortijo bang-on the map reference. The day appeared even hotter down there. There was absolutely no shade and the ground shimmered in the heat. The smell from the Corijo was over-powering because the animal dung-heap on the downhill side looked as though it had been there for many (hundreds?) years. Nevertheless, to find the Cortijo where is was supposed to be was very satisfying. The route was relatively easy from there on. The track went from Cortijo to Cortijo with the ground varying from hard track to lush areas alongside streams and ascequias. In the damp areas there were masses of black and gold butterflies as well a many different flowering plants - some of which were quite new to me. However, with the damp came the flies and humidity - and thirst. |
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After nearly 3 hours, I was close to the hydroelectric pumping station but the route down to it was a tortuous mule path that zig-zagged down a steep incline. To make it easier for mules, the path was paved with large stones and steps were built in at intervals - fine foe mules, but the spacing of the steps was bad for walkers - with heavy packs.
The path from the pumping station was straightforward except that there was an opportunity to take a wrong turn shortly before the descent to Capileira - how could I resist the opportunity? |
Capileira |
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On entering Capileira, I stopped for half an hour and freshened up at an ice cold fountain. When the family met me I was jaunty and cool like the end of an evening stroll - is there any other way? |