#2: [23-Apr-04]

#3: [05-Oct-19] (incomplete)

#1: [26-Apr-02] (incomplete)

04-May-2023 -- This is the 7^th out of 9 reports reaching or attempting confluence points during a one-week bicycle trip in Northern Spain from Santiago de Compostela to Barcelona. The story starts from 43°N 8°W and continues from 43°N 3°W.

In the morning I started from the town Murgia (about 80 km west of this confluence) and reached the vicinity of this point in the afternoon). The starting point for an attack is undoubtedly the village Betelu down at the main road that connects San Sebastian and Pamplona. From there, an asphalted road ascents to the tiny village Intza. Intza is only 2 km to the goal, but these 2 km are not straightforward to cover.

I decided to bring my bicycle on the nearest road (1 km distance), because from there a mountain trail climbs up to the ridge and thereby misses the confluence by only 400 m.

However, the trail has been neglected for many years and is therefore difficult to follow. But it is still the better choice compared to the straight-line approach through the thickets.

At a distance of 400 m, I had a great view on an open meadow. From there, I had to leave the trail and climb down the steep flank into the valley. The going is difficult (steep ups and downs, stones, stinging nettles). How remote this point is, was symbolized by a dead cow, just a few meters from this confluence point.

I found the confluence on a steep forested flank with ferns and moss ground cover.

I considered for a while to take the way back directly down. But as I got more and more into dense vegetation, I changed my mind. Anyway, there is one role that a lone hiker in the wild should follow: always take the same way back, otherwise you might discover unfortunate surprises.

I continued my bicycle trip for another 2 hours and spent the night in Irurtzun.

CP Visit Details:

• Distance to a road: 2000 m
• Distance to a track: 400 m
• Distance of bicycle parking: 1000 m
• Time to reach the CP from the road: 1.5 hours
• Time at the CP: 4:55 PM
• Measured height: 716 m
• Minimal distance according to GPS: 3 m
• Position accuracy: 6 m
• Topography: mountainous
• Vegetation: mossy trees, ferns.
• Weather: sunny, 26° C (felt temperature)
• Given Name: The Remote Dead Cow Confluence

The story continues at 42°N 1°W.