Monte Urgull | San Sebastian

Oh Hi, dear readers! I'm back yet again with more pictures of San Sebastian, Spain - because if the last sets of images hadn't already convinced you to book a trip, these will!

P.S. I just got back from a weekend in London!! That's London, UK, as in, I flew five hours across the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday night and seven hours back on Monday morning, all before I even had a chance to tell you I was going. (Which means - let the European travel blogging continue; I have lots of fun details to share!) But for now, back to our regularly intertwined / never ending Spain posts.

On a most relaxing afternoon stroll along the splendid San Sebbie shores, the sun finally decided to grace us with her long awaited presence. Still making up her mind about weather to shine for longer than 15 minutes at a time, at least the rain was done!

As we were wandering the harbor and the winding roads in the outskirts of the Old Quarter surrounding it, we decided to trek to the top of Mount Urgull. It was past prime sunbathing hours and so on a spontaneous decision, the swift yet steep climb began. It was not without breathtaking views of the crescent shaped shores surrounded by the colorful harbor; situated before it a posh seaside city scape and behind it the vast mountains of Basque Country as they sweep through a cloudy blue sky.What I'm saying is, a climb to the top of Monte Urgull is rather quick, far from strenuous, and worth the views three times over.At the top, Mount Urgull boasts a large statue of Jesus. Even from the base, he can bee seen poking out of the trees and looking down over the foothills. Among the flat topped peak you will also find the seemingly abandoned yet fairly well kept ruins of Castillo De Santa Cruz de la Mota, a historical battle fortress. The small castle with dark narrow passageways and weathered stairwells invites you to explore within its chizzled stone walls.
I should also note, these explorations are free of charge - no entrance fee or ticketing. This was definitely a nice change of pace from what we were used to in Madrid and Barcelona! We saw others on our journey, but at times, it felt like we had the place all to ourselves. This made for a serene and peaceful afternoon. The exciting hike and historical castle combined with the rewarding panoramic views definitely marked Monte Urgull a city highlight, I would happily encourage and highly recommend this activity to travelers of San Sebastian. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top, or, work up an appetite and venture into one of the many pintxos bars nearby once you have completed the descent.I am so so tired. The London jet lag isn't severe compared to Spain, but it's present none the less. It is 9:20 as I finish this post, and I am ready for bed!! (I usually go to bed at 11:30 or 12.) What is new with you guys? How was everyone's weekend?

I LoVermont

This weekends adventures brought me to one of my absolute favorite states, Vermont. Friday afternoon with Jen's VW Rabbit packed to the brim for one last crazy road trip, (the lease on the car ending shortly) Jen, myself, Killeen, Garvey and Buckley (Jen's 5 month old English Cream Golden) headed North into the heart of the Green Mountains. We stocked up at the New Hampshire liquor store and proceeded to drink ourselves silly once we arrived at "The Vermont House" - Jen's family vacation home, where I've been a guest for years as evidenced by the journal entry I wrote at age 10 after Jen and her family taught me how to ski. There have been many memorable trips here over the years and this one was no different. Jen cheffed up a fabulous dinner of Chicken Saltimbocca over a bed of spinach greens. The chicken breasts were stuffed with prosciutto and sage and sauteed in a white wine reduction. Mark West x3 joined the party - a great bottle of inexpensive Pinot Noir. I awoke the next morning to and went straight to the Advil bottle. I also awoke to the adorable scene below. The house overlooks this mountain view. Not bad eh? Jen brewed a pot of coffee and cooked another great meal for breakfast. This 2 egg over english muffin with melted sharp cheddar cheese crumbled bacon delight fueled us up for a seriously intense day of hiking Mt. Abraham. We set out for Lincoln Gap - but first made a quick pit stop for sandwiches. Please note the giant ladle and whisk hanging off the sign.

Mt. Abraham is a very popular Central Vermont hike. The mountain, named after the late 16th President, sits at an elevation of 4,006 feet and is noted for its panoramic views of three states at the summit. We set out on the Long Trail which leaves from Lincoln Gap - elevation 2,424 feet. The trail is 2.6 miles each way for a roundtrip of 5.2 miles and a total elevation gain of 1,600 feet. That might not sound like very far, but when a good portion of that distance is uphill over extreme rocky terrain, you better believe it becomes a serious cardio workout. Check us out on the ascent. Garvey and Killeen are 2 of Jen's best friends and roommates from Endicott College. I've spent some time with them throughout the years but it was great to enjoy a whole weekend together this time around.
Certain sections of the trail leveled off to flat terrain for a much needed catching of breath, but in general the trail is steep and challenging. Garvey got some great action shots of me! As we neared the the summit the densely wooded trail opened up to some breathtaking viewpoints. But none more beautiful and rewadring than the panorama once we officially reached the peak. Mount Abe boasts views of the Adirondacks over Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the North and South, the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the East, and upstate New York to the West. We were blessed with perfect weather - it was about 65 - 70 degrees with incredibly clear skies.
Jen's hearty breakfast kept me good and full on the climb. I wasn't starved by any means but considering the circumstances, lunch never tasted so rewarding. I had an apple cheddar sandwich with lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes and pesto mayo and a side of coleslaw with raisins and blueberries. We also toasted to a victorious climb with mini bottles of Cavit Pino Noir. After we were well rested and had a photo shoot, we began the descent. Buckley was a trooper and led the pack the entire way. In a few instances where the trail got a bit to steep for his puppy paws, Jen lifted him to stable ground. I was overwhelmed by the beauty in the forest and enjoyed every single moment of this hike. It was such a fun, challenging, awe-inspiring and rewarding experience. On the drive back to the house we stopped at a scenic waterfall! In my hand is a Saranac Orange Cream soda I picked up at the Warren General Store. Where I also purchased a wool hat and a $7 half gallon of orange juice. Right. I'll leave you with the hike for now, but more VT eats and happenings to come. In typical fashion, I took 100+ pictures, so there is just no way for me to wrap up weekend adventures in one post!

Have you ever been hiking in VT or New England? What are some of your favorite mountains or trails to hike?!