Our September Valle de Tena Explorer holiday turned out to be a rather special week.

There were plenty of beautiful walks, wonderful mountain views, lots of laughter and, judging by what follows, absolutely no shortage of food!

Juanma, David and Phil all spent time guiding the group and the group developed a lovely sense of camaraderie, with plenty of jokes and memorable moments along the way.

At the final dinner, one of our guests, Alys Strudwick, surprised everyone with a poem she'd written about the week. It was read aloud over dessert and had everyone laughing as they recognised the little moments, funny stories and familiar characters that had made the holiday so special.

If you've ever joined us on a Hike Pyrenees holiday, we're sure a few things will sound familiar!

A huge thank you to Alys for sharing her poem, and to everyone who joined us for such a memorable week.

We think it sums up the Hike Pyrenees spirit rather nicely. Enjoy!

Don't Go Hungry. By Alys Strudwick.
 

We've created great memories, forever we'll treasure

The laughter and fun, its been such a pleasure

Gorgeous Biescas, with skies clear and blue,

With amazing views and delicious food too.

 

We came to the mountains, put boots on our feet,

For sunshine, adventure, and something to eat.

Every day a new sandwich with plenty of bread

Then gin and tonic as big as my head 😋

 

"Gabachos!" we'd hear, with a mischievous grin,

And then we knew the fun would begin

Phil with his knowledge and great love of Spain

At 8 in the morning is it meal time again?

 

In France it is good, but in Spain it is great

Tho Elizabeth would say they eat a bit late!

Is it a bear, a Simpson or a fish?

While we're deciding we'll just eat one more dish.

 

David had maps, and a whiteboard to hand,

Explaining the geology, to our happy band

But one thing was certain, wherever we'd go:

We'd be well fed and watered, don't go hungry, you know!

 

Mark spotting wildlife to ensure him a rest

The Marmot 10 minutes was surely the best

His infectious laughter makes everyone smile

As we eat tasty trail mix mile after mile

 

Pat did the laundry, enjoying a rest

While Kathy decided a long walk would be best

The temperatures soared, it was seriously hot

Then the starters arrived,  gosh what a lot

 

The swimming pool was welcome,  it's freezing we'd say

While easing ourselves in, relieving the aches of the day

"Come on" shouted Leslie, its time for a drink

8 o'clock bar opening is far too late, don't you think?

 

Noleen was there, as part of the crew,

She wondered out loud, "would there be a vegetable or two?"

We ate a little… then somehow ate more,

While Alys was trying the wrong hotel door

 

The birds they were plentiful and the griffon vultures soared

Oh, here comes more food, we eat like a Lord

We know Joy loves cooking and sometimes to bake

Tho she's not a great fan of the mountain cheesecake

 

We walked through the Pyrenees, happy and free,

With views that were stunning — as far as could see.

Then Juanma would stop, "shortcut" he would say

And somehow we knew it would be a long way!

 

Now colourful outfits, David likes to display,

He brightens the mountains in his own special way

Deborah looked down at the case with despair

How on earth did those ** shirts get in there?!

 

The cow bells we loved, though the sheep caused a jam

Unbelievable how many still ordered chops of lamb

After only two years, what a beautiful sight:

John and Aisla the love birds, holding hands so tight.

 

John was looking forward to a thirst quenching drink

Supposed to be Murphys, no it's cider I think?

Ruth is from Jersey, a crown dependence she'd say

Let’s just be clear, it's not part of UK

 

Paul falls asleep anywhere that he can

Even managing to snooze on the way back in the van

In the Valley of Tena we travelled each day

How quickly it goes and how we wish we could stay

 

As the credits roll on a fabulous week

And we've climbed our very last peak

I only have one more thing to say

Thank you David and Juanma for showing us the way

Muchas gracias 😀