The Lower peak of Silleta de Padul from above, somewhere in the...okay, somewhere 2,500 feet
above ground level.
As we move up, the soft light provides the best views of the Sierras thus far.
We approached this hike trying to avoid the intense heat as much as possible; we left
the apartment early. However, one small thing that interfered with the plan was the directions.
Although we had good instructions, it only takes a small error, even one very close to the destination,
to add additional time to the journey. However, on the upside, and there are a lot of hills and inclines,
we got to see more of the villages and towns clustered on, around and below the mountains. The elevation
gain was a solid 2,500 feet, the climbing segment a little over two miles, causing a sweat. On a rustic
but terrific track, with frequent moves through the forest, we kept our cool.
Reaching the peak, which allows for surrounding views that are quite breathless.
Field of dreams on the mountain to the fore, a further 800 feet to reach peak.
The first shot of the day with subdued lighting.
Following day, Sierra Nevada, we get a treat at sunset. The last shot of the day in a different
form of subdued lighting
We have noticed over the period of Hike-about that Europeans are not open and friendly. Perhaps we
should not generalize—we did meet two 'smilers' and one with half a grin some years ago. We like to greet
every person we pass, whether on the trails or the city. Americans and Africans are friendly and Mexicans,
on the local mountains in San Diego, are the warmest of all. Spaniards take note. One year in Grindelwald,
we were worried. A woman we passed gave us a heartwarming smile. We feared for her. What if the
'misery police' had seen that frowned upon action.
Fortunately, we hiked with two Swiss (German) in New Zealand one period, Todd and Adrien, who are delightful
young men. The following year in the same country, we came across Yves, a Swiss (French). He was quite a loner.
A person could be walking with him and before you knew it, he had disappeared. 'What happened to Yves?—he was
here a second ago' Anyway, one night he must have been feeling awfully down. He hooked up with us as we were
about to have an abridged Channukah service on the Milford Track. After watching us light candles and sing
a little, (joined by three Israelis and two New Zealand farmers), Yves sidled up to Jenni and wanted to know
how he could become Jewish. To this day, I don't know what she replied.
Jenni commences descent...suggested I stay up a few days to cool off.
Thirty minutes later, Cowboy Bob lost his hat over the edge. Mom, send money for a replacement, please.
The trails continue to be almost exclusively for our use. We see so few people that we wonder what
we could have done or said to upset them. Fortunately, after time in towns and cities, the calm, serenity
and peace of the 'uncivilized' wilds is a wonder. Even without having stayed in the towns, our sentiments
would be the same. We live in a beautiful natural world. Grab a part!
We are often asked about our night-life. Without giving away secrets, here's something from Pradollano.
Arable land at lower levels in the mountains.
Sunset before a planned major hike to Pico Veleta. Goodnight.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
PS 'Hats off' to Michael Sneag who hiked Mount Whitney last week, highest mountain in contiguous United States.
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