Back down to summer.

Our last day up high in the mountains of the Picos de Europa today. We would be leaving he snow behind and returning to the summer meadows below.

But first, one last peak to climb. Across from the hut, the peak of Diente de Urriellu and Neverón de Urriellu mark the skyline, but where the trail leads over the col to Refugio J.R.Lueje, there is a small peak (2170m), above the Corona el Rasu that the guardian had recommended as having fantastic views. It was only about forty minutes away, so we set off after breakfast to make a final ascent of the expedition.

We crossed a few small snow patches and climbed a steep gully with the help of some fixed chains and were rewarded with an incredible 360° panorama.



It made for a great high point (literally!) to finish on.



You can just make out the Refuge, just below the main peak.



As we returned to pick up some kit we’d stashed at the refuge, a helicopter appeared.



It transpired that a climbing team had injured a shoulder and needed airlifting off the mountain. It stopped by to pick up and drop off some medical supplies while we watched. The winchman stood very casually on the side as it took off!



Then it was downwards. We’d had no views on the walk in, so it was nice to see what we’d missed on the way up.





We could see down to the village of Bulnes. It looked a long way and I was glad I’d not chosen to descend that way!



Was pretty unimpressed with my €10 picnic from the hut - especially the mouldy sandwich, but civilisation was now only a few hours walk away...



Bare rock and snow gave way to grass, flowers a soon, grazing cows. The colours seemed so vivid after the grey scale and blue sky of the previous days.



Everything felt fresher and greener. 



In Sotres we had a celebratory drink, before returning to our camp cabin for a much needed shower and some fresh clothes. A trip to the bakery in Arenas de Cabrales followed by burgers and cheesy chips back at the camp replenished our bodies. It felt brilliantly luxurious to be clean, fed and watching he World Cup in the camp bar. A bit of temporary discomfort really makes you appreciate the little things such as a hot shower. I loved being up in the wild rugged mountains, but it’s still nice to come back to some comforts too!