Water is a critical resource in the Canaries and every stream or spring is tapped at source and the water fed along narrow concrete canals into reservoirs. Occasionally they also drill a hole through the mountains to get the water to where it is most needed.
Our walk today took us over the top of a high ridge and then back through the middle of the mountain walking in one of these tunnels. The tunnel was half a mile long, about 5ft 8inches high and 4ft wide. At the start the water was about an inch deep although the guidebook said it would get a little deeper we did not expect to get very wet – Oh dear!
The tunnel has a few bends so once in the middle you cannot see light at either end (we had torches). The water then got over our boots, never mind, once your feet are wet there is no point worrying. The end of the tunnel came in sight but the water was now knee height, a little further on we stopped so I could put my wallet, the camera and car keys in the top pocket of my fleece to keep them dry, on we went, deeper and deeper it got when eventually we came across a rock fall which had created a dam, once we crossed that the water was back to an inch deep.
The level was up to the tops of our thighs, any higher may have been very serious as the water was very cold, driving home in wet pants would not be fun and I don’t suppose the good people of San Sebastian would want to drink water in which my willy has been soaked.
Going in looks OK
Gill has hoisted her shorts up but her legs look a bit cold.
How high?
Once back in the hotel we could revive our legs in a hot shower and put on some dry socks.
The hotel is very comfortable and good value for the package of dinner, bed and breakfast but you do have to watch the “extras”. It is pictured at the top of the page and left. I noticed that if you just pay for a room and then want breakfast it costs £17 each!
I have insisted we both eat as much as possible for our “inclusive” breakfasts to try and get £34’s worth. Last night we went to the bar for pre dinner G&T’s, they cost 21€ so today we walked down to the supermarket, bought a litre of Gordons gin and eight cans of Schweppes tonic for 19€, in future we have our G&T’s before leaving our room.
It seems that in Spain the big Christmas dinner is not on the day itself but on Christmas Eve. Our hotel put on a big dinner this evening where we had canape's whilst keeping 2m apart and then went through for dinner. The menu had what we thought were two options for starters, mains and pud but in fact we had the lot, so 6 courses with plenty of wine.
I am pleased to say there was very little veg, no broccoli, mange tout or anything else which spoils my Christmas dinner. Tomorrow, Christmas Day, we revert to the normal fare which suits me fine.
We hope you all have a very enjoyable Christmas Love Gill & John