Spain Hiking - Day 6 - Sept 29 - Road to Segovia

Plans were to head out early but with our late nite we decided to sleep-in a few extra hours. We loaded up the bus ( this is a 9 seater mini van) and head to the A1 auto-route. Plan was to take in a quaint village for coffee so we headed in the direction of La Cabera and then to Miraflores (meaning looking at flowers). Miraflores is a picturesque village famous for it's up scale vacationers from Madrid. It has a number of 1st class hotels set among the narrow winding streets which over look the valley toward Madrid. This place is famous for cycling and bullfighting. At the centre of the town is a beautiful square with cafes and shops. At it's centre is an olive tree which is apparently over a 1000 years old planned by the Romans. We all sit in the square have our cafe con leche and try some churros with our coffee.
We jumped into car and headed for the Valle de Los Caidos. This is the civil war monument but it is controversial because really it was built by Franco to commemorate his victory. He is also buried here. On the way we past the Castile of Santillliana and La Pedriza a hiking and biking mecca.
The visit to the Valle is impressive and the basilica is bigger than St. Peters. The cross and views to the valley are spectacular. The guys were reluctant to come are glad they visited this monument which is an important part of Spanish recent history.
Next stop is La Granja the Kings hunting lodge and smaller replica of Versailles. We get and audio tour and wander the hall and rooms of this massive palace. We head outside and stroll the gardens and fountains of the grounds. In the distance you can see the summit of La Penalara which we had climbed the previous day.
Next and last stop is Segovia an important part of the huistory of Spain.
There is a roman aqueduct running through the center of the city. We end up at a tradition restaurant that serves suckling pig. After stuffing ourselves with meat and more meat, we walk through the streets and see the Castile which belonged to queen Isabella. She was the Catholic queen who unified Spain and sent Columbus on his way.
It grows dark and we get into the car. Steven takes us home and the ride which must take us around the mountains only takes 45 minutes. The highway are amazing. That evening we setlle for a salad, meat is unthinkable.
We are all very tired with our longest day. This evening after a few beers and wine we come up with the guys bucket list. 3 destinations we plan to visit with the guys before we kick it. We all end up in the upstairs dining room and connect with the city hall Internet to message everyone at home. Tomorrow is a long day of hiking at La Pedriza.