68.05 Andorra: Revisit of Pic Blanc on an almost windless day, a day we expected a decent hike, but the reward was way beyond wildest anticipations.

  Most places in the world of wildernesses are beautiful. Each has its own slant (some much steeper than others, hey Andorra!) We think the full circle is traversed when one enjoys not only the physical beauty, the miraculous formations and workings, the tranquility amongst both the physical and mental challenges, but finding a place for oneself where one is uplifted from the earth and seems to meld into some metaphysical space. 

  As oft repeated, one cannot press a button and expect to be transported into this dimension. In a way, it's rather simple because it just happens; it's also complicated because a number of steps have to be experienced for it to occur. That's the difficult aspect and even more complicated to explain. Each occasion we reach that exclusive position, which we suppose is an internal place, we know it...and feel truly blessed. 

  Because of the concept of reality, the feeling disappears soon; one only hopes that it will return during a future endeavor.

Jen turns to catch her breath, a sip of water and a glimpse of Cubil Petit, the challenging climb of ten days before.
He looks in a daze as we struggle up a continuous climb from start to peak.
Indicative of a change in underfoot, steep slopes and magnificent background.
Repeat and continue. Further up: It really becomes steep.
We are getting high and seem to be reaching for the clouds.
Looking below across to the other side and see buildings everywhere. At times like these one thinks of the skiers: What a lazy bunch using ski-lifts. What a smart bunch not trudging uphill in the snow. 'Logical' conclusion: Lazy people are smart.
A pond below, above the town of El Pas de la Casa, another interesting hike and mountain climb.
Not long to go as she seems to reach above the clouds at rear.
...and there's the small peak beckoning us.
Absorbing the views of surrounding mountains.
Forests, mountains, a lake below the refugi in the distance (bluish roof) and a pond to view from the peak.
From the top, a view of the main road and a parish. Immediately below along the main road is a toll booth for motorists using the Envalira Tunnel, which is the direct route connecting Andorra with France...a mere few miles away.
A powerful, if not overpowering, scene.
The final stretch.
Striding out; she makes it look easy.
Not as easy from the other side of the peak.
Tricky to avoid slipping but the coloring compensates...in a fashion.
Will you two young studs cut out the bull...that female is not for either of you. (Sometimes, it's hard to differentiate between the behavior of young male humans and young bulls. Perhaps the words of an envious old bull relegated to pasture.)
A particularly powerful sight as we look down from height on one mountain and up toward Cubil Petit across the way and higher. Is that logically possible: Looking down-and-up without moving the eyes?
And Jen gives us the impression that she works hard on the slopes. To her credit, she does not carry a mattress...(I do).
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

A quick perspective. 

From a hike in El Tartar, our home, we spot the tower and to its right and rear, Pic Blanc.
On the hike to Pic Blanc, we capture the two towers from the other side, one clearly visible in above picture. This was an earlier hike where high winds caused us to divert from heading to the final climb of the peak.

A view from another 'big' hike; we're on the way to the golf course above Soldeu (7,380 feet), the highest in Europe. Note the 2 towers and Pic Blanc to the right. Below is the tunnel toll gate referred to earlier, but from the lower side.

67.17 Tenerife: Las Carboneras to Taborno Rock: Simply, a staggering day encompassing rich beauty on land, mountains, and including ocean and cliffs.

  We return to intersperse the two latest trips, Tenerife and Andorra, both having a strong Spanish influence although that effect upon the land is purely coincidental. In traveling to Andorra, we departed from Tenerife via aircraft, landed in Madrid, and thereafter, spent 2 days on the road driving across the country, which included a decent hike. 

  While we had reserved accommodation for the last two weeks of this trip to occur in Spain upon departure from Andorra, we changed plans. This is not the first time we have extended our stay in Andorra but then it is a very special place for us despite the impossibly small shower stalls and parking spaces. 

  Instead, it has impossibly steep trails, mountains and 'strolls', an unbeatable atmosphere while its high altitude keeps the summer temperatures relatively cool. Besides, we have failed in acquiring every language outside English and Afrikaans, so why not give Catalan a shot. Why not, indeed?

Many of the positions in which we find ourselves are quite remarkable.
Some things are difficult to resist...for certain types.
Jen walks around the Taborno Rock along a narrow edge with the Atlantic to the side and below.
A stunning view. The previous week, the hike took place at the lower level on the path visible from where we stand for this hike. A squiggly path, way below, the contrast of ocean and land, a rugged coastline demarcation, the unique coloring of water versus land-covering...don't get us started... (and please forgive us for pointing out the obvious). As hinted, there is something remarkable about this scene...maybe, you had to be there.
Less than 2 paces to the left would result in an unusual downward journey.
Much earlier in the day, we departed from the hamlet of Las Carboneras heading down into the deep canyon and then up again to the 'Rock'. Jen can be seen, head-and-shoulders, above the thick foliage.
Oh! He wants us to let you know he enjoyed standing up there like the village (hamlet) idiot. There's no accounting for individual tastes.
Life became quite exciting as we rounded the bend ahead.
Jen made her way up a 'little hill'.
Only to have to descend again at a tricky juncture with the Rock watching over her. Dare I say 'smiling'?
From height we attain a good view of the sea-stack, something that resonates with one of us. 

  Heading back down-and-up to the car which is parked across the way but much higher than her current position.
That's the hamlet from which we began. We are standing close to Taborno Rock.
The local rule is drop-down only to rise up afterwards. The balance is perfect.
A similar position as shown earlier, but this time, illustrating the coast, ocean and sea-stacks.
Jen just visible in a different toned section.
Another tricky part as the fall-off to Jen's left is treacherous.
The furthest view of Taborno Rock on the hike...imagine attempting the hike without a trail.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

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...'