'Don't cry for us, Veleta', we'll return. You are not beautiful but challenging and attractive in your
own way. You sit proudly gazing over the hinterland to the north, the Mediterranean and Africa to
the south and the village of Prodallano immediately below. When the winter arrives, we imagine you turn into
a ravishing beauty with snow covering your imperfections but probably too dangerous upon which to tread.
We leave that to the skiers with their colorful outfits, poles and 'long feet' as they ride lifts to get
a glimpse of your unusual top. As an aside, it is the highest pass in Europe although access is restricted.
It reaches 11,148 feet into the big blue sky, being number three in Spain.
We liked it so much we went for seconds—Pico Veleta, a good enough reason to return to Spain.
An attractively designed shrine points the way up to Pico Veleta.
Not a shrine but nevertheless, attractive as we come over a lower pass in howling winds.
For food lovers or at least people who love to sit on the sidewalk, even the street, and be served a meal, Spain's
the place. We've counted more restaurantes than families in the country. You can be served anywhere including in
the bush, a side of beef on the side of a cliff, in refugios dotted in the wilds and probably by stopping on the patio
of someone's home. We remember in Cusco, Peru—the same thing. Not surprising as Spain influenced the Americas immensely.
Furthermore, should you wish to gaze at pictures while eating, be sure to catch the graffiti shows on the nearest wall.
Why do so many believe it's their right to deface other peoples' property? Sorry we asked.
The village of Prodallano below, the restricted, winding road attractive from above. Our apartment is in
the highest building in the lowest quadrant on the left, 3rd floor, right window. For obvious reasons, we weren't
there at picture taking.
At 11,148 feet, plus jumper with fingers reaching maybe another 9 feet.
We returned for a second climb of this 'monster', this time from the north-eastern side. Four days before
we had taken a much tougher and longer route from the north-west which amounted to 4,500 feet elevation gain.
The current hike was a more modest 3,000 feet but just as delightful when all is said and done—especially when done.
We commenced in a vicious wind and it gusted the whole way up. We wondered what the peak would be like as
it is renowned to be the windiest place in the region. It gave us pause for thought for it is easy to be blown
off a mountaintop in conditions we were envisaging. Just before the peak, it was as if a miracle occurred.
The winds died suddenly. We sat on the summit in almost calm conditions—truly amazing—allowing us to vent and frolic.
Editor reaches peak after carting up concrete marker from the bottom, plus backpack.
Would like to say 'the eagle has landed' but that would be too much...even for a show-off. Anyway, after
an unbelievable experience climbing to the top, a little exuberance surfaced.
A view over the edge, quite staggering.
At the summit, arriving together with us but from a different direction, were three members of a hiking club.
The one fellow welcomed us and we had a brief chat. They were fooling around with a camera and we all had a good laugh,
humor with actions covering for language impediments. What disappointed us was when one of the fellows took out breakfast,
peeled a banana and threw the peels off the mountain. Not nice but what can you do. They also drank wine at the summit.
We were so pleased they didn't empty the bottle—I don't think we could have watched them hurl the container from the top. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the short time with them. On the Rock in Gibraltar, there are 'do not litter' signs all over
the paths and roads. Yet the number of plastic bottles and other litter scattered on the Rock was very disappointing
to see. The irony is that there are a number of guards positioned on the rock. Their title—'Environmental Security'.
That we need them is indeed sad; as to the quality of their performance...
The shrine, looking a little smaller, viewed from part-way up the mountain.
A different perspective of the view of Veleta.
A look down to the previous hike's route, the communication station and observatory.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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