Via Ferrata Cala del Moli and Snorkeling

7-02-2019
DAY 14

After much discussion, we decided that we would eat breakfast at the hostal before heading out for the via ferrata, even though breakfast did not begin until 8:00. We were worried about starting the via ferrata in the heat too late and also there was a concern about there being lots of people doing it at the same time as us. This did not stop us from enjoying a delicious breakfast. There were yummy pastries, meats, cheeses, eggs, yogurt, bread, fruit, beans, cereal, juice, and even sparkling white wine.

With full bellies we headed out to do the via ferrata. Paul was not feeling well and Anna (10 years old) has a sun allergy, so Petra hung back to help out and we brought Carla (15 years old) on her 1st via ferrata. Located in the middle of the Costa Brava, Cala del Molí Via Ferrata of Sant Feliu de Guíxols (Baix Empordà) is the only via ferrata all over Europe which goes across sea cliffs. The views are spectacular - the water is a beautiful blue, the cliffs are orange, and the sea waves crash into the cliffs just below you.

Unfortunately, we probably should have eaten breakfast just a little bit quicker as a large tour group passed us just as we were about to head down to the via ferrata. We waited for a long time, but they were going slowly. Eventually, we began the adventure. My dad explained to Carla the technique and we were off. It was really cool to be climbing on cliffs above the sea. There were several Nepali bridges which were fun. Unfortunately, we still had to move slowly because of the group in front of us and we were baking in the sun. After the 1st half, there is a bail option, and after discussing it, we decided it would be better to come back the next day to tackle the 2nd half earlier in the morning at our own pace.

So, we hiked out and headed back to the hostal for some swimming in the pool and hanging with friends. My mom, Maya, and Carla went for sandwiches so that we would be fueled up to go snorkeling. In the meantime, Ana and I jumped in the pool and splashed around for a bit to cool down, then she taught me how to play a fun numbers game. After the other girls got back, we all enjoyed a delicious lunch of baguettes.

We only had 2 masks and snorkels, but we had 3 pairs of swim goggles too, so we were able to enjoy the snorkeling together. Maya, Carla, my mom and I decided to wear wetsuits for sun protection and floatation. The visibility was fantastic. There were lots of fish, urchins, and shells everywhere to check out. 

There were also some cliff jumping spots for some "coasteering." Carla opted out, but the rest of us jumped.

On the beach, it was interesting to see how many people can just lie in the sun baking all day. It looks so uncomfortable. It was also surprising to see how little people sunbath in - in fact, many of the women were topless so James got a bit of an education.

After we got our fill of the sea, we headed back to the hostal. We swam in the pool a little more to stay cool and then headed to a restaurant to get some dinner. My mom wanted some paella, so we went to a place that someone recommended. Most restaurants in Spain have the option for dining "al fresco" or outside. It is great to be able to eat outdoors and for this restaurant, we were right next to a beach, so our view was of the sea.

On our way back from dinner, Anna decided that she wanted to sleep outside with me even though she has never slept outside. Truth be told, she has not had many successful sleepovers. The parents all thought it was worth a shot, so she got into her sleeping bag alongside me at night and low and behold, she did it!