Andorra la Vella

The drive to Andorra was over French country roads. They were winding and slow and often busy.

As we arrived in the capital, Andorra la Vella, the GPS failed; the streets were too narrow and close together so it lost our position which resulted in it providing erratic directions.  Consequently we  drove past the hotel a few times without noticing it. Eventually we parked the car and walked.  This technigue would be used several times along our tour. 

Our hotel, Hesperia Andorra la Vella,  had very nice rooms. The front desk was also very helpful. While he suggested a hike, it was some 40 minutes from the hotel. As it was mid afternoon we opted for a location nearer to the hotel, a trail that led to Refugi de Coma Pedrosa. 

Our first dinner in Andorra was quite unsatisfactory; Linda ordered black cod but it turned out to be deep-fried fish balls. Breakfast, however, was better;  the fruit was good.

Next day we went out for a longer hike. It took us 3.5 hours to get to the destination (the Refugi Fonverd, which is a hut in the Madriu Valley).  Not to be disheartened,  the posted time was estimated to be 2 hours.

Th hike was enjoyable and for the most part the trail was in the shade; we took a lot of breaks.

The hike back was much easier and faster. 

We were back in the hotel by 5 p.m. Linda found  nice restaurant that opened at 8:30 p.m. The dinner was fantastic. It made up for the bad dinner the previous night.