Thursday was my second go at hiking the mountainous region
of la Sierra Nevada, Las Alpujarras. During my semester abroad, my
program organized a hiking trip to this area. After researching the trail
guides, I found a hike that begins from Trevélez—which I was later told
is the highest pueblo in Spain—and
ends in Busquístar.
So I set off (on foot this time) to the bus station, and
arrived in the mountains 3.5 hours later. Las Alpujarras are not actually that
far from the city of Granada, but Trevélez was the final stop among the small
mountain towns.
My respect for the bus driver grew exponentially as he navigated the large bus
through the narrow streets,
Finally, we reached Trevélez around 13:00. I only had five hours of daylight to work with (not to
mention the time until the last bus departed), so I didn’t waste any time. I purchased a fresh bocadillo de jamón y queso for one euro at la panadería before locating the trail head. Armed with food,
water, and a trail guide, I set off through the countryside.
Compared to my hike through las Beas de Granada, this trail was technically more difficult, and also more complicated from a navigation standpoint. The maximum elevation was 1725 m (5660 ft). Despite a few missed trail markers, I completed the hike in about four hours.
With an hour to spare, I walked through the small town of Busquístar, and rewarded myself with un boacadillo de tortilla española.
I felt a sense of pride in executing the hike solo, but retrospectively noted that it might have been better to bring a friend along for the journey. I admit that I am too adventurous for my own good sometimes.
After a perfect sunset over the mountain village, I boarded the bus back to Granada, exhausted but content. I secretly hoped that I would have stumbled upon Chris Stewart’s farm; next time, perhaps.
