natjtan Last week I mentioned on Christmas Day while out running for fun we decided have a go on the kids slide on the beach. The slide didn’t like it, threw me up in the air and I landed smack on my tail bone and left cheek. So it makes complete sense this past weekend hiking I loose my footing and it’s the left hamstring takes the fall.
It probably didn’t help it was dark. Friday hiking or rather walking (a hike for me is hills, countryside) in the dark was easy. The day disappeared with me trying to make it to the gym before it closed early on New Years day. I ended up finishing off my workout at home. I knew I was cutting it fine getting there, but I didn’t know it would be that busy. Not the gym, that was gloriously quiet apart from the guy giving an one on one yoga pilates fusion class right under where the TRX/suspension bands go. There was no time to ask them if they could move. It was the changing room. My gym holds an annual 1st swim of the year in the sea with every year getting bigger and bigger. Result hardly any lockers free and queue for the bathroom. Little things that lost time!
By the time we got to Park Collserola it was dark, but the Carril de Aquas’s an easy path so we walked about half way before turning back. Mist rolling in, daylight or darkness, the views looking out over the city are amazing. It’s a mission the get to without own transport, but once you’re there it’s great for walking, running and cycling. At night it’s fun to play guess the building and what silhouettes the trees make.
Saturday, the day disappeared with chores, lost mac files and each hour changing the plan to get out. P had mentioned that out grocery shopping (chef advantage) earlier some shops had sales. I didn’t believe him at first as they don’t start here until the 7th (which the major chains are waiting for) and wanted to see it with my own eyes, but fit fresh air in as well. I didn’t want to cycle to the La Maquinita as I didn’t want to be late cycling back. The motorbike’s quicker. Google came up with Parc de Sant Mateu, a 10 min motorbike away. Again when we got there it was dark. Not sure what to expect apart from maybe the path is like the one in Parc Collserola as it’s virtually linked. Ha ha. The main path is, but we took the path off the path. Like Parc Collserola, views are amazing with just the wind and sound of silence. We hiked as far as an archaeology site of an old pre BC settlement. 
Coming back my mountain goat footing and night vision failed me. I turned took quickly, lost my footing with my left leg skidding out sharply on pine needles (that’s what they felt like in the dark). Right where the slide landing hit. Then it started b*tching. We took the main path back, looking for exits off down. I didn’t want to go the same way down and we did up. I wore trail trainers Friday, but completely forgot to take them and the path up was narrow and rocky. Plus something growled on the way and my hamstring probably wouldn’t be able to run away from it.
Okay it sounded like someone cleaning their throat, but it was enough to spook me and we couldn’t see any one behind. If there are wild boars in Parc Collserola, there are wild boars in this park. P started eating snacks he took with him. I asked if he was seriously eating with wild boars around. If they smell the snacks they’ll come running! He asked what would I do if they came. I replied, I’d push him in front and run! Only joking, I’ll throw the food to the boar and walk way very fast hoping one hasn’t flanked me. The path we ended up taking need torches (thank you iPhone). If it wasn’t for being able the see bus stop near where the bike was parked, we’d have been walking for hours into the night. Walking it in daylight or explore the rest of the Parque de la Serralada Litoral, mountain range in daylight, is on the list
Street lights! 
For me touching my toes is palms flat on the ground. Sunday I couldn’t even get my finger tips to sweep the floor. Running was out but I wanted to do something. I asked if P was game for long bike ride. Yep! We took my usual long run route, but further up the coast, (34km ride!). Sometimes I can’t decided which I prefer more, cycling or running. Sunday it was cycling. I’ve biked part of the way with P before, but neither of us knew you can cycle on the beach at Vilassar de Mar! Sadly time and the wind back prevented us from exploring further, but you bet I’ll be back!
Cycling or running? Thanks to some physiotherapy magic yesterday, I can run. Eat carrots and have night vision or use torch, flashlight for those asking what’s a torch, walking in the dark? Cycling and running’s different: lights!
WOW, Natalie, this is amazing. Love your adventuresome spirit. Wonderful to have this park as close as it is to the city.
We have no wild boars where I live, I would not have a clue what to do if I were to encounter one. The odd black bear, just have to keep noisy train running and hiking so there are no surprise encounters! 🙂
~Carl~
I have no idea what I’d do if a bear sprang out in front. Shout, scream, curl up in a ball, apologise for being in their way?! The boars I’ve encountered are mind their own. They used to hang outside an animal shelter I used to volunteer at before closing time. Some dogs went mad as they were on their territory, but the boars ignored them. The other time was in Parc Collserola as they smelt P’s apple. The bike light didn’t bother them and they (a whole family!) ran away when he switched the engine on.
The city’s surrounded by mountains, so parks and the countryside isn’t too far away if you have your own transport. Without it, public transport takes all day. I only go when P’s here on the motorbike. Have a great week 🙂
I have come across bears a handful of times times. The amount I am out in the woods over my lifetime though, it is not too much. They can be very unpredictable, but the shouting and screaming has been what has worked for me, and they have gone the opposite direction.
Really interesting to read about the boars outside the animal shelter.
I think one encounter with an angry bear would be enough for me!