Crossing the mountains that divide León from Asturias, Renfe’s high-speed Alvia train slows to a crawl to negotiate tight turns. Having a bit more time to enjoy the views didn’t seem to upset anyone. Photo ©Mike Randolph
Storm clouds roll in over the Puerto de Pajares in northern Spain. Connecting Asturias with Leon, the road over the mountain pass reaches a 17% gradient, and was once the most important link between the high-mountain country of Asturias and the central meseta. Photo ©Mike Randolph