Heading up, up and away across the volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa, cable cars in Nuria and birdwatching on protected wetlands
Up, up and away with Vol de Coloms hot air ballooning company, floating over La Garrotxa, Girona. Photo: Rafael López-Monné/PTCGB
5.25am. My alarm clock goes off after a turbulent night’s sleep. Squinting at WhatsApp, I await the dot-dot-dots to find out if today is the day. 5.30am passes, no news.
I gingerly switch on my bedside lamp and survey the room, a farmhouse-style suite with terracotta floor tiles, multiple wooden window shutters, and an explosion of clothing from my suitcase having checked in late last night.