68.02 Andorra: El Cubil Petit...now you're talking of thrills and adventure.

El Cubil Petit Peak is that on the right. An inch to the right of the peak is a tiny white dot. Bear that in mind.
After walking for an hour and gaining 1,340 feet, we reach the base of the mountain, facing an extremely sharp further 700 feet. Often, we are tempted to take shorter routes; however, on this occasion we did not until the return trip during which we made our own path directly down numerous slopes. Jen is going to attempt the climb, hopefully, illustrating a path leading to the peak. There are 4 false peaks followed by the actual top which we hope to reach. Because the experience was once again so meaningful and 'Jen is older' than on the previous occasions, we added some text later which perhaps provides more meaning to this adventure. 

Having reached the base of this mountain which rests on another mountain itself, notice the vertical gain relative to the distant walked/climbed.
Keeping an eye on our car in the park below.
This part of the scramble becomes somewhat rocky and colorful.
Never realized how many moves Jenni really has.
Let's take a breather and peek over the edge. Oops! Forgot cozzies (bathing suits).
Hang on! Let's wait for 'lazy bones'.
Jen's in a hurry. It's 11:30am and she has yet to eat breakfast.
Some color, a view of one of the many valleys and of course, our star who might have forgotten what it's like to stand erect.
Welcome home...on the rocks.
We are approaching the third peak. Notice the white tank (mentioned in opening photograph).
And now for some (rough) perspective. This is a replica (with blue lines) of the opening picture showing El Cubil Petit resting on a mountain. We have marked the peak and 4 false ones. Looking at the profile, from our hiking positions and the valley (generally the right side), one can only see the first false peak (right most blue line.) Left of the middle blue line, the white dot is the tank mentioned above.
A little humbling at times...maybe, a lot.
Time for some real rock climbing as we have to negotiate a tight edge above. Abyss to the left.
No! Still time for a break. Actually, he's sitting on the cliff edge. They don't build for comfort and safety in Andorra.
'Hurry up', she shouts. She doesn't realize that's the strategy...to drive her up the wall.
The strangest phenomenon. The higher we go, the more the pond shrinks. Go figure!
Hats off to Jen! The 'star' twinkles, deservedly so.
The white tank is now below.
A few lakes only viewable from height.
Plotting the route home by car while looking toward France. We've turned our backs on Spain.
In our parlance: 'A Beaut' as opposed to a butte.
A revisit of Jen's arrival. One can now see why the peak cannot be viewed from along the route.
He lags behind Jen but eventually joins her at the peak.

  Each day there's usually a lesson to be learned, a challenge to be met (actually many of various degrees), while life's to be lived and enjoyed. At times, one tends to forget some of these components while struggling with frustrations, illness and many other facets of daily existence. Apparently, we were not promised a smooth ride. We love challenges but are quick to admit there are some we'd prefer not to face (ever). We don't want health issues, we don't want to see people and ourselves hurt, etc. However, we do wish to face experiences that create a struggle which tests us and ideally allows us to meet it provided we apply a strong, positive and responsible effort. Physical hurdles including an element of mental strength are the ideal which we tend to experience almost daily.

  Today was one such day. We set out up a mountain heading toward a another 5-part peak sitting upon the first mentioned base mountain. We hope that makes some sense. The latter mountain has a name: Cubil Petit. While there was nothing petite or cute about it, it certainly is small by comparison with many others. However, it's designed to make life difficult for a person to reach its summit, which has 4 false peaks on the way up. From the outset, it's steep, rough and has a sort of path which may have been designed by a psychopath. Of the pictures shown in the blog, they only display part of the little 'cutie'. The other portions of the remaining half are positioned out of view further behind it. 

  One other aspect worth mentioning is something we have thought about over the years. Life requires a person to display a certain level of courage to succeed, we'd suggest. Some activities require higher levels of courage or bravery, for instance. Having thought this through, we came to the conclusion many years ago, while a macho sort of fellow might be courageous, it is not necessarily true. The converse is that a meek or fearful person may be a coward, but this is also not necessarily apt. We arrived at the conclusion that a true person of courage is one that is fearful, even afraid, nervous, scared and yet faces the challenge full on and fights it. One's broad shoulders, large muscles and tough talk are window dressing. The person of courage, or one who is brave, is one who attempts to face the challenge despite feeling cowardly or afraid. Those that never or seldom feel fear are not necessarily brave or courageous. Perhaps, their genes don't understand fear and therefore, they face no real challenge. 

  So, what's the purpose of this 'beginning to sound like a minor tome, or should that be tomb'? When we faced the latter part of the climb, (something we'd completed 9 and 3 years before respectively), I could see the fear on Jenni's face. I wasn't actually feeling that sprightly myself. There were no other hikers around, in fact, none at all times. A path was not easily visible and the height of the climb confronting us was only partially on display, roughly 50%. Frankly, it appeared to be close to vertical. The redeeming feature was the pink flower bushes spread over the mountain. They would cheer us up, wouldn't they? Would it be wise to attempt the climb and fair to Jenni to have such pressure placed upon her, even implied. I realized she was fearful. I understood exactly why she should feel that way. As I'm subjective on matters dealing with Jenni, it's probably not ideal for me to even be making these comments. 

    Therefore, I'll conclude. Once again, I witnessed the actions of a person who was nervous, fearful and perhaps, scared. On numerous occasions from the commencement, I suggested we could turn around. Not once did she falter, hesitate or offer an excuse. I was in the company of a person of valor, of courage, of bravery. Guess who felt the dummy?

The way back down amongst gorgeous coloring.
Love it.
Catching a glimpse of a lake...saw 16 ponds from the top, plus a few on the other side, and across the way, too.
A better view.
We headed directly down, avoiding roads and paths, and turned to see the 'cute little hill'.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

68.01 Andorra: A brief introduction following 4 hikes, after departing from Tenerife...reluctantly.

We mention from time-to-time, including in the text below, that Andorra is a land of big mountains, narrow valleys and very little level round. Jen moving up a ski-slope on the way to Pic Blanc.
Gusting winds cause us to make a diversion to a more sheltered position. We spot a small lake below near Pas de la Casa, a place we hiked from in 2022.
On one side of the rock formations stands Jen; the other side has a small lake below.

One of the tasks we find ourselves undertaking in preparation for a European trip preceding each occasion is that of following a strict regimen in our diets. We'd like to believe that we don't suffer too much in weight gain but nevertheless it (regimen) has become essential. While some may consider that our thinking is focused on maintaining or perhaps improving fitness—that's true—it misses the point. The main purpose of dieting is to enable, particularly one of us, to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness. Does this make more sense yet? 

  Should you not get it yet, it means that you're not a frequent European traveler or that your budget for travel is unlimited 5-star accommodation. The issue is that without shrinking down a size or 2, I cannot fit into the shower cubicle. Even when I am in an acceptable state (size), it's still a struggle to wash without hurting one's limbs. Should one drop a bar of soap, be careful when bending over for fear of bumping parts of the body on the glass walls, especially the head. A wrong move when my overhanging belly is protruding in the wrong direction results in the water being turned off or worse, extreme changes in temperature. Fortunately, most of our accommodation is very good but the attitude of European architects and designers with regards to shower stalls is still lagging.   

  While we're on the subject of size, when hiring a vehicle, do yourself a favor and select a small car. Ideally, a scooter will work even better. The parking spaces in apartment buildings are such a challenge that one is often tempted to park the car in the street. However, so many of the streets are awfully narrow that they present a danger. In places, we often think we're in a single-lane one-way road when in fact it allows for two lanes and at times, even parking on the side. Returning to the parking spaces: We kid you not. There are places where one can stare at an opening, such position surrounded by multi-pillars, columns and other vehicles. Often, a person wonders what it'll take to squeeze the said vehicle into the space without damaging 3 other cars including one's own. 

  For the first time, I mentioned to Jen while we sat on a peak in Andorra today, (the principality is peaks and valleys joined by what seems vertical mountain sides), that I might consider a self-driving vehicle. My rationale is that it could drop us off at a hiking trailhead and collect us in another town, thus avoiding a return hiking trip. In that way, we could gain wider variation on a hike and end up covering different towns on the same outing. Anyway, since I thought about the car parking issue, I'm wondering whether the self-parker will be able to take the stress away from us. 

We begin a climb of close to 3,000 feet up the ski slopes, across the way from out apartment. We cannot remember a level section throughout the hike.
At the end of the visible road, odd buildings and faint line of trees, there is a further drop-down of 12-1500 feet, which reaches the beginning of the climb.
We reach the peak and look down into a valley and attain a surprise. Could be a bearded vulture in the high mountains, frequently on cliff edges.
Jen meanders on a rough trail in the early stages.
The mountain on the left side is the drop we mentioned in the caption of the third photograph. On this mountain, we are heading for a 'bridge too far', far in the distance.
Ah! The Tibetan Bridge. More about it in a later blog.
Looks like we made it.
Climbing away from our town of El Tarter. We live on the outskirts, the side closer to the camera.
A view of Le Pas de la Casa after commencing on the other side of the mountain and climbing to a peak and down toward the town. The point mentioned in the text about a 'driverless car' was motivated by this scene. We are sitting in Andorra and looking into France, to the right of the town
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

More blogs from Tenerife to follow.

Supplement to former Cover Picture: Wheeler Peak, New Mexico.

Jen struggling successfully to reach Wheeler Peak on a memorable occasion (recent cover picture).
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.