Tudel Escaldes-Engordany

Today was my last full day in Andorra. There wasn't a huge amount to do. It wasn't snowing, but the wind was so fierce that it seemed like a sand storm made out of snow. I had a great time watching a group of cows grazing in snow up to their stomachs. Other than that I had a walk around town and spent about an hour at a ...

... transformed. Snow everywhere. I went for an early morning walk to take some pictures of the same places I did before to show the huge difference. It's been snowing all day and even now as I write this I'm starting at snowflakes the size of tissues hit the window. I wouldn't be surprised if it was up to my waist tomorrow.<br><br> There's not too much to do with it snowing like this (ironically enough the ski resorts don't even open till the end of ...

... village et quand on est arrivé, il avait le marché du matin. On a acheter du vin à environ 1 euro le litre (vin de pays) et du bon fromage bleu pour le déjeuner.<br><br>On avait pas le droit de prendre des photos dans la grotte pour pas faire de la pollution lumineuse (il y avait déja des ptites pousses de plante pres des lanternes...ils veulent pas en rajouté non plus). Aussi il faut pas déranger les chauve souris...pauve cocottes...<br>

... What it does mean, we're not quite sure of yet. Still dealing with the shock and going over a few different options. All while kicking myself for not realizing this sooner. Only one thing is for certain - I'm not going to let this spoil our trip, and we're going to have to get cycling! (o.k., two things). <br>

... that there are many other sounds that are difficult to identify. <br><br>But eventually the weather turned more and more against us. Racing around in the mornings trying to gather bits of clothing with frozen fingers and struggling to see through the clouds our breath made all while holding a flashlight eventually caused us to retreat inside. <br><br>Much warmer and more convenient, but there&#8217;s something I miss about the sounds of the ...

... and make 2.5kg of minced pork while I pureed the liver to make pate. Fat was rendered down to a beautiful smooth lard, and sausage meat was seasoned. It was a shame that we had no sausage skins to stuff, but the meat is still great to use in patties, balls or loaves. <br> <br>For a special treat for working through all the meat, Justin saved a special piece for Brian and I: the brain. Fried up with sage and butter and ...

... of apprehension before starting. Like attempting to figure out which way was up on the harness. Or when Donna wanted me to tie my security knot (walking me through of course). Then there&#8217;s the whole &#8216;where to start?&#8217; when staring straight up at this seemingly flat face of rock. <br><br> Watching others you wonder &#8216;how on earth?&#8217;, but then it&#8217;s your turn and you preserve, slowly going up and up with each little ...

... br><br>Despite the dogs and the cold and wind, we did manage a little hike up past a waterfall up to a beautiful plateau area with mountains all around. Huddled behind a rock to provide some resistance from the wind, we scarfed down a bit of picnic lunch before running back to the truck for warmth. Then it was down into the town of Ax to soak our cold feet into some hot springs. <br>

The set up for working at Las Laous is a 2 day on, 1 day off system. This works great because it means that we have a full day to go and do things and we aren&#8217;t really restricted for time. Also, the fact that Justin and Emily have lent us a car makes it even better! We can go farther that we could on foot or bike. <br><br>One of the main things we were interested in seeing was the Grotte de Naiux (Caves). Part of the fun of spending time in the ...

... some that are poisoness. The type we are looking for are called &#8216;ceps&#8217; they have a spongy underneath rather than gills. <br><br> Quite a peaceful activity walking through the rustling leaves listening to the birds and the raindrops falling from the branches. A peaceful venture yes, but a fruitful venture no. I only found 2 of the mushrooms we wanted and both were small and rather old and maggoty. The only type I seemed to find with ...