Enough about travel problems….back to Spain and the Rally. Even though our scores improved these last three days, we were never serious contenders after the “Big Screw- up” which cost us 4 minutes in penalties. Still -- lots of fun and Brant had a terrific score on the last Speed Test of the Rally.
More Observations: The last day’s drive may have been the most beautiful. Jagged snow-packed peaks standing guard over bright green valleys lush with new green shoots on the trees and fresh blooming flowers. Also, the streams and small rivers still have some winter-runoff trickling through their courses. Egrets stand among the rocks hoping to spear a small fish for lunch or dinner…..bucolic.
But all is not perfect in paradise. The majority of our drive was through agriculture lands, populated by small farming villages. In one village after another, we noticed curtains pulled close; shades down; no children in schools; and generally very little human activity.
The problem is that all the young families are giving up the farm life and are moving to the cities…..better jobs; more opportunities; better schools. I know this is a common problem worldwide, but it is a little tough to see in these idyllic settings.
Finally, thank you to Brant (without whom I could not do these adventures); my wife Ilene (for letting me spend so much time away); and to the members of the Rally the Globe organization for putting on a first-class rally.
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| The mountains here look like the jagged peaks of the Rockies |
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| The view from my hotel window in Santander |
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| This monastery was home for a night |
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| Your typical navigator high in the Pyrenees. |
Congratulations Stanley and Brandt on the completion of another great adventure. I understand how you feel about your "Big Mistake". Once on a Tour Auto we made a similar wrong turn and headed a long way up a valley. We were being followed by a pair of Carrera Abarths. When we realised our mistake, we stopped at a beautiful outlook and enjoyed the picnic box lunch that had been provided and listened to the roar of the cars going the right way up the valley!! So shit happens and the main thing is you enjoyed the tour and the experience. It is wonderful that you are able to continue to take on these adventures and I really respect you for your enthusiasm and curiosity for life. This is something we share, as well as the same age in years. Keep on truckin and safe travels to Israel.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Dennis
As always, following your adventures and observations is of great interest, and the great photos further enrich your readers' to live the experience through your eyes. Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you in Israel.
ReplyDeleteSee you soon 😉
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