Today we woke to rain. Our guides, both native Austurians, tell us that Austurians go to the mountains even when it isn’t raining. The first part of today’s adventure was a 4.5km trek to Playa de Nora. It was a constant rain and we walked through muddy ruts paved by mountain bikes. A few mountain bike riders passed us and they were covered in mud all the way up their shirts. This was a technical walk because the ground was uneven and very muddy. The boys were moving quickly and I stayed with them…which meant we got some distance ahead of Tom, Hank, Grandpa, and Jorge. Soon the path narrowed, we became encased by trees, and were alone. It was an eerie feeling trudging along in the dim light hearing the rain drops pelting, the squish of foot meeting mud, and your own breathing. You begin to doubt that you took the correct fork in the road although the trail is well marked. The plaque announcing the presence of wild boar brings no comfort. Suddenly, I am leading with the boys trailing in close proximity. Then, the trees give way and we breathe easier. We see the ocean but even more welcoming is the outline of Mario in the distance and his infectious grin that we can already sense.
