After breakfast, we went hiking in a place called Montañana. 2 people live there full time but other people have holiday homes there - a very quiet and deserted place. The old bridges, streets, and homes were fun to explore. The boys were all over the ruins, Anneke liked their energy. I'm guessing that the rest of us were a bit slow for her, but she was very accommodating and understanding. The river was a nice place to cool our feet and stop for a break. In the sky vultures drifted around. We wondered if they were eagles, but Anneka said if there is more than one circling then it's a vulture. We could usually see three at a time, but they go so high that we probably didn't see all of them.

We returned to Anneke's house for something to drink, and a snack. While we were visiting she asked how old our kids are. We told her, and then I went on telling her their birthdays. After Brennin's birthday I started to say Tim's birthday is, then I stopped with a surprised look ... It was his birthday! He was 40. He wondered if anyone would remember! Well we won't forget his 40th birthday - it was in one of the most unique places we have ever visited. We called the kids to tell them. They went upstairs and after a bit we heard whispering. They came back down singing happy birthday - so sweet!

We returned to our car and drove to the lunch spot that Anneke had reserved for us. Since we were a half hour early we did some walking along a river that led us to a large power plant powered by a nearby dam. There were nice views of the cliffs here, and we could see two vultures perched at the top.

The restaurant was a nice retreat from the heat. Anneke translated for us as the waitress described the dishes. Our lunch was an absolute feast. Chicken, beef steak, macaroni with tuna, asparagus with ham... the food didn't stop coming and it was very tasty.

Our next destination was Aulás, the village that Anneke's daughter lives in.
Because Anneke recently had flat tires due to sharp rocks traveling up to Aulás, she proposed we drive part way and hike in another hour. We thought an hour sounded reasonable. Anneka pointed out the village we were going to - it was in the distance across a valley. We trekked through paths of tall grasses. Belia was complaining about the grass itching her legs. I carried her on my back until we reached an acorn forest, the path was covered in a thick blanket of leaves. The trail was shaded making the walk cooler, and I thought it was a very nice place to walk. Mariah was pulling a Tammy ( for those of you that know Tammy when she is hot and tired will know what I mean lol). Anneke pointed out places on the path that had been rooted up by wild boar. Darius and Brennin were running up and down the banks of the path. There were ancient stone walls uphill of us that we didn't want them disturbing, but Anneke didn't seem concerned. The views were gorgeous and we kept on going. The friendly path began to narrow and Anneke, knowing that I am afraid of heights, reached out to me and said not to look down. She said to take her hand and then pointed at a few roots and branches that I could use to help me across the almost non existing path. Anneke was perfectly at ease, but I knew my nerves wouldn't last. Not wanting to re-live my Grande Forkes hiking break down, I knew I had to turn back. I quickly made my way up to a meadow. Again, Anneke was extremely patient and said it wouldn't be a problem, she could find an alternate route, it might be a bit longer, but not a problem. The sun was hot and Belia and Mariah were getting more tired. I asked Anneke if we should turn back, but she was confident we could make it. A ways further we found the road and followed it. Anneke showed us where the original path met the road, and we decided it wasn't too long of a detour. Walking on we noticed a car coming our way - it was Maaike! She thought the walk may be too long and came to give us a ride. Brennin, Belia and Darius hopped in the hatch back trunk, and the rest of us piled in filling the front and back seats. 10 minutes later we arrived at her home that sits just below the village Aulás. 40 people live in Aulás all embracing the hippy lifestyle, surviving off of odd jobs. Some travel away to earn money, and then return once they have enough to last a while. Maaike's home is built on the side of the mountain with a front porch looking out at the valleys. A very peaceful spot. Next to her house, in her yard, is a large dome made of brick and cement, finished in wood. It was built for recording music because of the acoustics. Right now it is being used as a home.

We met Maaike's children, and enjoyed a drink on her porch. After that we walked up the road together to see her village. A mother and father, with baby on mom's back, were working in a garden; chickens in pens scratched around. We followed the road along a stone wall, and up steps. We were now on a path between the mountain and homes. Tim and the kids took a peek over the top and reported that it was a long way down. Maaike's children were greeted by other kids along the way. Dogs looked at us with wary eyes, it was obvious that we were strangers. We had a look in an old church, that is now used as a take-it or leave-it area for the community. Winding through the community we came to the summit, where a lady offers bar service in her backyard. Maaike had called ahead to let her know we were coming by. A mismatch of couches surrounding a large coffee table outside was where we sat. We could see across to the next mountain. Remainders of ancient terracing are still visible, and above that another village. We had a birthday toast for Tim and agreed that this was an unforgettable birthday (even though it started out that way :). ) Funny enough because of our altitude, and being close to the French border (where our phone card is from) , Tim received a birthday text from Doug. It felt so strange to be in a remote area, and still somehow, in touch with home.

Maaike drove us down to our car. She drove very slow and commented on how the loose stones made the road slippery. I didn't look outside, I said a few prayers, but didn't look.

Back at Anneke's we had supper, did laundry, and the kids drew pictures.
Belia was intent on finishing hers because it was a gift she wanted to give to give Anneke.