Supplement to Cover Picture: Wheeler Peak, New Mexico.

Jen approaching the peak...another few minutes remaining.
Peaked at 13,161 feet, plus a couple of inches, but who's counting. 

Smooth finish.

67.16 Tenerife: El Caleton, a hike covering new ground and then 'dropping' down steeply to get a feel of the town.

  At publication date of this blog, we had 'flown the coop'. Expressed correctly, we departed (flew as opposed to hiked) from Tenerife, much to the disappointment of one of us, and arrived on the Spanish mainland. The disappointment arose from leaving Tenerife rather than not swimming across part of the Atlantic Ocean. 

  From Madrid, after hiring a car, we headed for Calatayud, where we spent a couple of nights--even found an enjoyable hike in 90-95 degree weather. Thereafter, we drove northeast to our destination of the fascinating principality of Andorra. While Andorra is an independent state, it's protected by Spain and France. Don't fool with Andorra unless you want to become involved with the Spaniards and French. Si/Oui! 

  Truth be told, the week was both enjoyable and filled with stressful tests...such is life. Oh for the wilderness! 

A view of El Caleton as we make our way down from the top.
A combination of steepness, shrubbery and color attracts us every time.
Jen on the way down, the somewhat easy part.
Some of the buildings overlooking the town, including the abandoned construction site of 1972.
A reciprocal view from a town vantage point.
Some of the homes in the form of caves and shacks but with color and an ocean view and probably in the ocean at high tide.
The original 'Room with a View', with a prize arch window.
The various species of cacti are amazing and deadly.
Jen on the way up...some 1,200 feet to reach the overview.
We're wondering whether Nature realizes these colors may clash.
Mesmerized while watching the rocks taking a bath. After viewing this, Jen remarked how easily satisfied I am. After nearly 56 years together, only she would know.
From a different position, a good perspective of the town and coastline.
Capturing the different communities and use of the fascinating land upon arriving at a first top. The slopes (tiers) continue upwards and onwards. The longer one climbs, the more tears.
The scene captures an active farm adjoining the town.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Had to explain to Jen that this was not an agency for properties in Southern California.
Because of rudeness to Jen (see above), I awoke the following morning after experiencing a horrible nightmare.
I dreamed we were heading for Los Angeles. 

While the dream is questionable, the sentiment is accurate.

67.15 Tenerife: Teide: Mount Guajara, a climb providing rugged but gorgeous views so different from terrain we've experienced on the island.

No snow, no cloud cover, a very different Teide from usual views...we suppose a 'tidy-up' for a change. (Miss the snow, but only on peaks. We're 'not fussy').
No snow but the clouds make a difference.
  We suppose one disadvantage of hiking in Tenerife is that some of the drives to-and-from trailheads are testing. We've also become more resistant to driving as in many places of the world, we've been able to even walk to trailheads. No doubt this spoils a person but who doesn't mind a bit of a treat. Some driving distances reach ninety-minutes each way which is not pleasant. 

  The alternative is to position oneself closer to the trails but that requires changing locales of residence. It's probably not a good idea to move house unless the stay is lengthy and the changes limited. Of course, these are merely opinions which may resonate with some. Nevertheless, living and hiking in Tenerife is so special that we spend time psyching ourselves to grow-up and face the narrow and winding roads, accepting at least one long drive per week. Thinking further about it, the one extended journey per week limit also gives one an incentive to stay longer.  

While Teide is sandwiched between the land and clouds, Jen makes her way up Mount Guajara.

As we approach below the peak of Guajara, we spot a coastal town in the distance.
Jen making her way up the slopes.
The slog continues. On a previous occasion, this path was covered in snow.
A contrast of this desert, volcanic region, with that of the greenery and color covering the rest of the island.
As we get higher, the sights become very attractive. People have said something similar to me: From distances of over 1,000 yards, ideally more, I look quite good. I've taken that quite literally and tend to keep my distance these days.
Here's a picture of a ruin...um...fortunately, Jen comes to the rescue and makes it attractive...phew! (Quick recovery.)
We will be distributing pictures of Teide using our recently developed frame. A delay is expected as we seek a somewhat lighter material though.
Earlier, we experienced varied and some tricky sections including high winds...not fun on a mountain.
Happiness is a successful climb to Peak Guajara .
Jen seeks protection on the way down as exposure to the (dis)gusting winds became quite dangerous.
Commencing a meaningful decline section.
Loved the harsh coloring and landscapes, differing from the rest of the magnificence of other parts of the island.
For this steep down section, it would be advisable not to get the legs twisted, as displayed.
That's a Teide display.
What! No lakes. 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Leaving Mount Teide in the dust...um...cloud. 

  And a sunset over the Atlantic to bid 'goodnight'.

67.14 Tenerife: The full blog of the journey from Afur to Taganana with a particularly tough return (for us on the day).

Returning to half-way point for a steep climb to the car while taking in the glorious coloring of the section.
Climbing downwards after trying a new route. Going 'backwards', in a manner of speaking, is often a good way.
One of us on a narrow path below with the villages of El Chorro and Taganana in the rear; in the distance, the sea-stacks protrude which we mention often. The leaning pinnacles are a delight.
Jen doing her thing despite feeling a bit 'off'.
Doing his thing, too...whatever that may be.
...which takes him quite high heading toward a narrow edge.
An indication, below the pinnacle, of where we commenced.
Well, at least it's downhill for a while.
The richness of the groundcover is uplifting.
Downhill, still going on for a while. The balance in life will even things out a little later.
'Bird's eye view'...all very well but where's the bird?...on pinnacle, of course. One hopes the bird is not gloating of its talent...being able to sit in that enviable position.
'Here's the bird.': But don't ask to 'eye' the eye.
Why would Jen turn her back on that colorful coverage?
. ...Because she's going for a close-up of this scene again: The village/hamlet of El Chorro below. Toward the top-right corner, one can spot the road leading down into the developments. Never ceases to amaze where humans will position themselves. Commendable!
Ocean scene with Roque Taborno at highpoint.
Another of the 'Roque' but with a prickly sentry below.
We resisted providing an appropriate caption for a number of reasons. Select your own...at risk.
After struggling on the day because of illness (since recovered), who better than Jen to close the hike pictorially? She still faces the toughest part of the day.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey