Galicia

Looking at my itinerary, following four weeks in Austin, I'm headed to the Basque Country only to sit around at a bar until my other friends arrive a week later. Having perched my rump on the benches of the bar, Dean, everytime I head to Azkoitia, where my friends from my year abroad in high school remain glued to the same chairs, I might be ready for more adventure.

The rain last summer, when I visited to meet my new host-niece, stomped my climbing plans, but this time I think I'll head further out, maybe to Galicia.

Picos de Europa from jtsoft

The Picos de Europa, lying between the Basque Country and Galicia, host some fantastic mountains and some climbing (article) near Las Arenas, with Cares Gorge path (Walking Europe) running down in between the peaks.

But if I can make it all the way out to Vigos, on the Northwest coast of Spain, I might be able to find some unique culture and climbing. Helps to have a few ideas before I get there or I'll quickly be sucked into my little town with its cobblestone streets, bocadillos, pelota courts and juergas that I got to know all too well back when I was sixteen.

Gear

A rough list of gear for my travels

• Canon digital camera with three batteries & charger


• Flip video (AA batteries)


• Toiletries (toothbrush and paste, floss, razor, deodorant)


• Two Pair underwear, one pair short socks, one pair Thorlo's high socks

• Two quick drying short sleeve shirts
  
• Lightweight fleece


• Rain-repellent jacket and pants


• Pair travelling shoes (TBD), one pair running shoes


• One of each: running shorts, regular shorts, pants


• Poncho to serve as a tarp, twine, set of stakes


• 35 Liter light-weight backpack with framesheet


• Styrofoam pad cut up in backpack as framesheet


• Small, light 20 degree bag


• Bivy sack
• Quick drying towel and two bandanas

Weighing in somewhere around 12 lbs?