When a person commences a hike in this type of atmosphere/environment, there's a good chance it's going to be a good one.
The richness of the environment almost has no competition...it's wondrous.
There is one particular area where the farmers seem to herd their goats. It is a road high in the mountains with extremely steep fall-offs, mostly without barriers. Jen turns rather silent during our frequent trips along this road. In fact, a little later we will deal with a rather unpleasant experience we suffered through our vehicle. (See below). Anyway, one learns to deal with the goats; one can pass them by a process of herding them to either side of the road. Of course, oncoming traffic is another hurdle but fortunately, the road is rather quiet.
Jen began way below, came down the road in view and then began the ascent.
Along the way, we passed the waterfall.
We began way to the right of the village below.
Landscape was very attractive.
Rock formations throughout the region are breathtaking. Here we have what we've termed pre-historic man.
Jen reaches a plateau and we head inland to explore the environment. It was here we discovered a completely different approach to this position which was miles distant from the current commencement point.
A person tries any technique that will allow one to succeed...safely. Jen stretches herself toward the top.
On the way back, because it was a loop, we encountered some tricky sections over boulders, overhangs and slide-downs.
Plus narrow gaps and crevices.
As we mentioned...
Delilah arrives to help Sampson with some heavy lifting. This is the second hike which arrives at a common destination. Jen actually moved that boulder to allow me through. I'm too old to bend down.
We wrote earlier of the 'goat-road'. In the distance, a close look will illustrate the herd in motion.
Jen takes the gap between these two boulders which appear to be displaying some 'love on the rocks'.
While the calf appears to be confident, one wonders whether it believes "There are no flies on me."
I don't think I've seen such a beautiful smile before. I suppose it helps when you're so agile and young.
There are obviously challenges and to put it bluntly, tougher times at different stages in life as well as on each day. As they say, that's life. I think what made this incident particularly difficult to handle was that it was out of our control; furthermore, it was an act of barbarism or something of that nature. Perhaps, I exaggerate, but it did get to me.
We headed for a morning of rock/boulder climbing which meant we traveled about twenty minutes along the mountain road mentioned earlier. We arrived at a parking spot 30-40 feet off the road where we had seen a caravan housed overnight. We got out of the car and I mentioned to Jen that perhaps I should park along the side of the road instead, allowing the car visibility to passing motorists. I had no reason to believe anything negative as we were in a small town where most people looked like settled residents or were tourists. Off we went to try our hands and feet on the boulders.
It was a particularly enjoyable occasion and as all good things have to end, it did; then we walked back toward our commencement point. We passed a herd of cattle close to the car, and I thought perhaps it was a good idea to have parked where we did. We approached from the rear; something caught my eye. I think it was the back panel which seemed covered in dirt. Strange. I now focused on the rear and it did not take long to note a variation from earlier. We no longer had a rear numberplate. Then I noticed said numberplate had been ripped from the car and was strewn under it, but visible. Second point was that the model insignia had been removed, stolen, leaving a scratched surface. Finally, the thief snapped the rear windscreen wiper blade in half, removing one half. Nice!
What induces a person to behave in such a terrible manner? Whatever it was about, I was upset and a little despondent. The implications were that we would not have a rear numberplate, a potential problem with the police. Should the windscreen wipers turn on in error, the rear window would be scratched; and the insignia, of course, was lost forever. It would cost money for repairs which put us at the mercy of the car rental company. The best solution would be to downplay the incident and let it play out in the normal course. Easier said than done.
A couple days later, the landlord arrived, as mentioned before, probably one of the nicest families we've ever come across. We met up at least on ten occasions previously, each visit was a very pleasant experience...thank you, the Rodrigues' family. Well, when he saw the numberplate missing, Dad went and fetched his tools and within minutes we were legal again. When I first met Mr. Rodrigues senior, a man twenty-five years my junior, I immediately saw something in his eyes, his face, that reflected very special qualities. We got on very well with Joel, the son and English speaker, the Mom was delightful but without English but kept us in eggs. The Dad and I shared something I won't try to explain. Suffice to say, I will never forget any of them.
While I understand I appear to be emotional on the issue, there sure is something so special in meeting strangers, particularly in another country and especially when a strong bond develops. At times, it is very easy to love the stranger.
