Sort , Spain

Front door of the house where we stayed near Seu

The last two days in Seu were pretty full. Had the training session, with gates on the artificial course which gave everyone a taste of it. After lunch back at the house in the village they team did a hard aerobic flatwater session- well only Malcolm, Alana and Callum. Carl's back still sore, Kelly did C1 on the flat, Jane took a rest as she hadnt had any time off and Haven rested also.
Jumped in the car for our planned evening trip to Andorra. The Spanish close everything from 1-4 so timed it to hit the shops. Split up and re gathered later in the evening. Some shopping done- massive blocks Toblerone for 3 Euro seemed to be the best bargain from the boys. Kelly got a ski jacket at less`than half price, Jane had a spend in Zara where everything was 25-30% less than in others Zara stores around Europe. ( Zara a big Spanish chain , very sucessful and used in lots business studies). Also fueled up as fuel cheaper there. Tuesday morning the big pack up. These`seem to be the most stressful times as cleaning up, packing car and boats brings out the worst in us all.  A lovely, hour long, drive through the mountains and we arrived in Sort. the only place I hadnt been to. Had some advice from Col Borrows, Australian team manager and stayed in the same apartments as them.  Very convenient with the slalom gates over the road. The weekly market was on outside the hotel so the girls straight into some shopping after we had visited the supermarket.  Finding opening hours and then  buying food is quite a challenge- always have to be thinking ahead unlike NZ when you can just whip out and get something. After a quick bite of lunch most of the team jumped in the car for a river run. Malcolm had been sick on the way in the car and Carl, still had his sore back ( we organised a massage for him ). This region is stunningly beautiful in the mountains and the river runs alongside the road.  It was the venue a few weeks ago for the World Wildwater Champs ( DR).
Old houses perched right on the edge, geraniums from window boxes, stone bridges, and cafes tucked down alleyways.  I did the shuttle and  parked the car every now and then and snapped a photo of the group.
Later in the evening those who were able did a tech session on the river, just outside our accommodation.
For the three days here , I have divided kids into cooking groups for some team bonding.  Callum, Jane and Carl did a good job of carbonara con pollo ( chicken) salad, bread and watermelon for dessert. Wandered around our small village and everywhere TVs blaring as Spain playing Portugal. Great result for Spain.
Woke up this morning to the most superb day and again did the shuttle for the river trip. The idea is that these trips are low key and like a recovery paddle as tapering towards Junior Worlds.  Dropped the group off ( minus Carl, Malcolm and Kelly) as the most gorgeous spot- hey paddled off under an ancient stone bridge. I had an hour and a half to kill so wandered around the little village over the bridge and up an small country road. Picture postcard` Spanish  garden with grapes along the fence, old stone walls and hunched over Spaniards tending their plot with little stone garden huts. Along a bit further an old chuch- Santa Maria ( seems to be a common name in Spain)  built in 807, some of it in ruins.  I was` the only one there and thought how great it is to get off the beaten track and soak in the environment without hordes of tourists.  Got to the pick up point and sat in the breeze ( now 28 degrees) waiting admiring the majestic stone cliffs, pencil cypress and the river, hoping they all return in one piece with Jonathan.. The kids said the river trip was great, through a gorge and lots rocky outcrops and the water not too challenging. Times like this I wish I was a younger, competent paddler but then I guess everyone needs a driver! On the way back stopped by the old bridge and church and walked over again with the group. Lunch of luscious peaches, pineapple,  bread rolls and some local croissant/doughnut combo filled with custard which was discovered in supermarket yesterday.
In lobby now with internet for the first time in a few days so catching up. Some in pool, some resting, Carl had a another massage, Kelly needing to fix her paddle and have suggested all do homework- think that fell on deaf ears.
Adios for now- will try and upload lots photos. Hope all well in NZ, thanks for emails, love getting news.