Last Sunday, I went hiking for the first time in almost ten years. Normally the only part of the outdoors that I like is the beach, but I decided to try something different. I’m so glad that I did because the entire day was incredible, and I might have to admit that I like hiking now.
We took a bus in the morning from Sevilla to the Sierra de Grazalema mountains near C�diz, Spain. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into, especially when the path was very easy in the beginning. The photo below was taken on this easy path at the start of the hike.
We continued on this path for a while and walked right past a couple groups of mountain goats. It seemed like it was going to be a nice walk until we hit the steep inclines of mud and many unavoidable slippery rocks. I have sprained both ankles and broken my foot before, so I tend to be accident-prone with weak ankles at the same time…not a good combination. There were a few close calls, but our guides helped us and luckily no one fell.
Along the way, we saw many baby goats, horses, cows and donkeys. Many of them belonged to the farms that we walked through. The next few photos were taken throughout the hike of these animals and the amazing views of the mountains. There were some pretty crazy rock and plant formations.
This next photo is where we stopped to eat lunch.
In this next photo, you can see a small white town in the background. This was towards the end of the hike, and we were done once we reached this town.
I have to admit that we couldn’t stop thinking about the movie Shrek during this point. This little guy kept trying to eat/kiss everyone’s hands.
This last photo was taken as we were just getting into that small white town. We ran into a farmer along the way.
Nine kilometers (about 5.6 miles) later, we were exhausted and covered in mud. It was an amazing experience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. What is really cool about this semester abroad is that it is challenging what I think I know about myself. I’m proud of myself for signing up for this hike even though I had assumed that I wouldn’t like it. As it turns out, I loved hiking!
Location: Sierra de Grazalema, Spain
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