Seven years ago Antonio, myself, and Carlos Colon, a Brazilian banker, met at Gatwick Airport with a few to spending a few days at El Grado. It was an area of the Pyrenees that I did not know, a place I had never heard of but a great opportunity to catch up with Antonio. After a short flight we arrived at the Airport in Bilbao, a city well known to Antonio, whose parents live there as well as his sister. If we survived the weekend then we were due to meet them all on the Sunday!
The first decision we had to make was over car hire and whilst Antonio and I debated the merits of a 1400 Golf or Seat, Carlos promptly stepped in to tell us both not to “over-think the matter” (a phrase that has stuck in my mind ever since!). Needless to say, the decision was made and we were then travelling south at great speed towards our destination. It is perfectly apparent to all you geographers that both Barcelona and Zaragoza are considerably nearer to El Grado than Bilbao, something which registered fairly quickly after we had been in the car for nearly five hours. I also remember when Carlos was behind the wheel his driving was based on that other well known Brazilian, Ayrton Senna, fortunately we did not meet the same fate! There was, however, torrential rain on route making for an interesting drive.
We were not staying at El Poblado but in one of the houses of El Tozal, which had been loaned to us by a friend. Our first visit was to Las Acacias (now an obligatory venue), a good meal with a first sampling of Somontano wine, lifted our spirits considerably. I also seem to recall an incident with a wild boar on the road just outside El Grado, which led to the restaurant emptying instantly as people went in search of the wounded animal. Antonio conveniently forgets to tell everyone that the stretch of road between El Grado and Barbastro is not dangerous because of other drivers, but because the wild boar have a habit of running down from the hills across the road to the river. If your car is hit by a boar I imagine it will be similar to being taken out by a Chieftan Tank!
The following day, after a visit to the impressive Shrine at Torreciudad, we were up walking in Ordesa with one of the priests for a guide. I do remember being totally ill equipped and that the cotton shirt I was wearing soon got soaked with sweat (these were the days before technical materials) and, consequently, from lunchtime onwards, on what was a fairly cold day, one of our intrepid group felt somewhat uncomfortable! Still, there were wonderful views and a yearning to go further and higher!
Saturday was our introduction to canyoning. We went up to the small and wonderfully picturesque village of Alquezar to meet Alfredo, who worked for Milorcha. The three of us had no real idea as to what we were going to be doing, but it seemed that “fun” would be high on the agenda! Having walked for 45 minutes, we then comically climbed into our wet suits and started walking along what was little more than a stream. Within a few minutes, we suddenly heard the roar of a waterfall and knew things were about to change!
In the excitement, I may have forgotten to tell Antonio that I did not have a particularly good head for heights, suffered from claustrophobia and really did want to live a few more years! Enough of those minor concerns, as I was suddenly abseiling forty feet down a waterfall. (A tip from the writer: make sure the rope looks about the right length.) It was an absolutely thrilling experience as we made our way down the deserted gorge. The weather was glorious and for considerable stretches we could simply float along without a care in the world, or at least without a care until you got to the next waterfall, jump or submerged tunnel!
Back to Alquezar for the replenishing of the lost fluid. It ought to be conditional in the small bars there that you don’t get a beer unless you have done at least five hours canyoning!
After a quick change in El Grado we met Antonio’s friend, Manolo, who then took us to what proved to be the first survivors’ dinner at the gorgeous restaurant in Barbastro, now one of the highlights of the Lions Trip. It was a great conclusion to a fantastic weekend. The following day Carlos and Antonio wanted to take Mass at the Basilica in Zaragoza at 9.00 am. No real problem – apart from the fact we had only got to bed at 2.00 am. We needed to get up, pack and make a two-hour drive. We made it at the expense of Antonio’s “quick breakfast”!
Then on to Bilbao to meet Antonio’s parents, his sister and their family for lunch. I remember Antonio’s Dad giving Antonio a traditional Basque greeting of affection: namely a quick clip round the ear! Having had this demonstrated to me, when the next opportunity arose, I took a full swing at Antonio, but fortunately missed. He still assures me that this is a recognised form of greeting! Please feel free to use the gesture when next meeting Antonio.
Little did any of us realise that the weekend laid the ground for what has become one of the highlights of the year with the annual Lions Trip (the other highlight is the Lions Dinner!). It has been a marvellous opportunity to establish friendships at a much deeper level than you would normally expect. This is partly because of the energetic activities, but also the underlying Christian ethos, and the opportunity to step out of a life, which is generally running at 100 mph!
I look forward to seeing old friends ( none older than Fergus!) and making new ones in a few weeks time.
By Alastair Casley
