Climbing tour instead of a walk

We actually wanted to go to the city wall today, but then we decided against it. We did a little research and asked around. The route up to the city wall is only accessible without dogs. Moreover, the path is said to be very challenging, with parts of it being steep and leading over loose gravel and not being secured. I can understand that this hike is only recommended for experienced hikers. We are not.

Additionally, there are plenty of alternatives. We will visit the Castillo, the castle of Albarracín. Some might think: What? Another castle? Yes, I understand that, but this is not just any castle. This fortress is over 1,000 years old and was built by the Muslim Berber dynasty Banu Razin, from whose name the current name of the city is derived.

The Berbers built their fortress on a triangular rock plateau that drops steeply on several sides. The result: it was practically impregnable. Soon, it was not just a site of battles; it also became a place of luxurious living. Archaeologists discovered the remains of noble residences with courtyards, kitchens, and even a heated bathhouse, a hammam. The largest building covered 300 square meters.

Our tour lasted a good hour, and slowly but surely, a little hunger set in. Our tavern was closed today, so I asked Lumi, my AI, for help. She recommended a restaurant in a nearby hotel. We were skeptical, but due to a lack of alternatives, we followed Lumi's suggestion. Everything went smoothly, and we were served the best meal of our trip.

With full stomachs, we began our return journey. Icke suggested we should just follow the downhill alleys, and that would be fine. Well, I thought we could give it a try, so I packed my phone. We went down, further down, until we came to a small path that led directly to the Guadalaviar, the little river that flows around the city. So far so good. But as it turned out, we were on the other side of Albarracín, and that meant almost three kilometers to our camper van. Even though we had already covered a good three kilometers, it would still have been manageable. But this was not a normal path; it was more like a climbing route. We had to climb over rocks, ladders, and wobbly suspension bridges. Little Emmi had to pull hard on the leash at the end to bring Icke home.

It's now just after five, and Icke is lying in a corner of our spot in the hammock. I'm curious if she will be able to get out on her own again today.