68.04 Andorra: L'Aldosa de Canillo et al: Wandering up-and-down the mountains close to home, selecting our own trails and going with the slopes, a favorite time. (Plus an event for us).

What a beautiful world...our fear is we don't respect it nor each other. 'Cry the Beloved Planet', Mr. Paton might have uttered.
There are many hiking opportunities in this mountainous treasure of a land, including self-identified places to string together hikes with a difference.
Not all opportunities are for hiking, we suppose, kid.
While hiking couples just keep rising, in a manner of speaking.
We loved this recent find although it literally took our breath away. (It commenced at road level).
Jen comes over the rise with El Plans, Ransol and El Tarter in the rear respectively.
We head into a forest and climb next to a mountain road with a river to the immediate right.
We entered the forest at a different point from this exit. Only one of us was able to fit between the bars. See next picture for further explanation.
In an unusual occurrence, we stepped off a mountain trail and headed for brunch. While one of us enjoyed a disciplined meal remembering the need to squeeze between bars at times, the other only had a 'mere morsel' of bread. Notice the self-satisfied attitude after 2 solid hours of climbing and dropping down on a 'weather problem' day. 

No mention is made of taking the gap between the bars...kidding, of course. Sometimes, she's as agile as a thirty-year old. On a bad day, probably a young 50..."Can I stop there, Jen?"
We stayed in this building in 2022. We tried to reserve again for this occasion but heard it has since gone to the dogs...become un...stable.
  Many years ago, someone whose company we enjoyed and who was senior to us by at least 25 years, suggested that 'we should get a life' and perform some useful functions for a change. Over the years we have attempted to follow such advice and admonishment, but it appears we may have lacked the necessary enthusiasm to pursue his unsolicited suggestions. Nevertheless, we are always on the lookout to do something useful or helpful to others, should we be permitted to say ourselves. 

  Recently, we signed up with the board of the Andorra Principal Power Structure and Communications Administration. Through power lines crossing the mountains of this small principality, the critical electricity and voice communications travel. It's obviously vital for the country's survival as well as essential for its citizens to live in comfort. 

  One early morning, we were hiking up a rather steep mountain (aren't they all?) when we came across an official looking fellow. He wore a uniform and carried himself with authority. We thought it might be opportunistic to mention a couple of things to open a conversation. Good news was that he spoke reasonable English which was fortunate for us. 

  Jen mentioned a little way into the conversation that she has discovered over the years of travel that while people tend to be argumentative at times, which often leads to tension and breakdown in relationships, many of these issues could be avoided by not 'getting wires crossed'. I stood to the side and nodded 'sagely' in agreement. How often have I gone off at the deep end without understanding the issue. The officer, too, nodded wisely. He was obviously in deep thought. 

  "Let's be practical," he suggested. 

  He continued, "The two of you have mentioned you're in Andorra for 7 weeks. You also told me that you are looking to perform some useful functions. How about our board retain you, while you continue to hike of course, to perform a valuable function for the people of this land?" 

  We were quite excited to hear this but wondered what he had in mind. We posed the question. 

  He went on to explain. "I agree with Jenni. It's vital that we keep our population content. Obviously, this is an unrealistic function for government, in fact, anyone. However, we know there are some ways in which we can make a positive contribution. I would like you to walk in various regions and observe and record any aspects of our infra-structure that you believe should be brought to our attention for correction and improvement. After listening to Jenni, although my English is somewhat strained, the concept of people and cross wires makes so much sense. Just think of the communications that take place nowadays via internet, mobile phones, etc. You're onto something." He smiled warmly at Jenni.

  We spoke for a while longer, made arrangements and got started immediately. That afternoon, we were able to make a preliminary report in relation to our first task and his explanations and instructions. We praised the board and its functionaries highly after recording our proof. A copy is attached below. 

Day-1: A complete success.

Perfect. Definitely, no wires crossed in this section.

We close with a couple of lakes we came across in high places to help a reader to cool down or off. 

On the border with France, Etangs de Fontargente, another new hike, another wonderful day...scene of many 'Rocky' productions.
A pond below, a small lake in the distance as we stand on Pic Blanc, another superb experience. Across the way is Pic Cubil, a peak that provided a fantastic challenge and day recently (68.02). We are probably boring about the great days, but Andorra has the 'goods'.
It's all water (Jen) under the bridge (Tibetan) now.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

PS For those a little uncertain, the first paragraph of the above tale is true. Thereafter, perhaps, 'I had a dream...'