One bird after another. Jen is forced to hide as we approach peak.
Jen posing before bird-attack after stage three of the hike. Major climb still ahead.
'Brain' hasn't explained to 'face' what's coming.
Bird ceases attack after noticing an even more ferocious husband than itself. Instead, 'shows
us the wing'.
What a great hike and experience. With views over the Bay of Biscay and by extension, The Atlantic Ocean
to the south and exceptional sights of Picos de Europa, (the peaks), our day was made. We were fortunate that
the apartment manager took an interest in us and came up with the suggestion. By the way, what a guy.
From the car park, we followed a trail through a forest that could have been in Oregon. The fragrances were of spruce
and pine but we could be wrong. It was easy on the glands until the strong smell of dung superseded it. We came across
horses with their foals, large herds of cows and calves, sheep and of course, the odd bull or two. We can’t say
for sure the bulls are odd but our minds think they are inclined to be dangerous. The trail then levelled off as
we got our first glimpse of the bay.
After an hour we see our destination. It always looks closer and lower than it is. Unfortunately,
we have to go further down before rising again.
Clouds cover Picos de Europa partly as we stand to the side on the peak and applaud silently.
Meantime, Editor enjoys the flowers rather than an extremely steep ascent off-trail.
Across the way from the peak the material composition differs.
When the clouds moved across the land, parts of the surface was blocked from view but all the peaks
were protruding while the rest of their ‘bodies’ remained hidden—it was another of those spectacular sightings,
and of course, better to be there. Using a bit of imagination, the sights were heavenly. After the level off section,
we faced another three segments, steep, steeper and even steeper which took us to the summit. The feeling from above
was different—it seemed so far from the ground. Actually it was. Some 2,600 feet higher. Either we are getting old
(older definitely) or, over in Europe they count height differently—it sure feels that we are climbing higher than
the statistics inform. Now that we think of it, don’t they say: "Lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
The interplay of clouds and mountains gave us enormous pleasure. Love the separation of
mountaintops from their bases.
Meantime in Spain, there seems to be a lot of bull around us. We say (beg), 'Share the road.'
"What did you say, Jen? Squeeze him where?"
Jenni stands at the peak with the Bay of Biscay behind her, the mountains in front.
When we hiked in the Picos de Europa region (above), we had not previously seen the Pyrenees. We thought
the area fabulous and world-class. We still have the same feeling but having visited a little of the Pyrenees,
we are, figuratively speaking, ‘knocked out’. We won’t even begin to talk about Andorra. Wow!
Time to leave, heading down a steep slope towards animal farm below.
Could not think of a better place to celebrate my 50th...okay, 63rd. Who's counting?
Wild horses could not drag us away from this mountain. Oh dear, they're waiting on the spine
to drag us away.
We often stand in the wilderness and try to absorb it all. Impossible. There are so many conflicting
feelings and, complementary ones, that as funny as it seems, it can become frustrating. Watching nature work
its magic, both statically and dynamically, is sometimes too much for a person to comprehend. So standing,
usually on a mountain, gazing into the distance that stretches for what seems eternity, one small human feels
lost in the abundance of open spaces. Usually, we are alone which at times allows us to enjoy the tranquility
while on other occasions, the feeling is of an empty world in which no other human resides. Each day the feeling
changes, influenced by one’s mood but often because of the settings and dynamic movements whether it be the sun
and the other stars, the moon, winds, clouds, water or the results of bits of the earth having erupted, never
forgetting the myriad of shades and colors. What an incredibly fascinating place in which to live.
Could not ask for better clouding over the Bay.
Similar but different...Huh!
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Addendum:
Haunting but not scary...until you're lost on that summit.
The colors and clouds were (are) a treat, the Bay of Biscay. (An extra for Maude Alge).
Getting ready for Andorra, a gem sandwiched between its protectors, Spain and France.
Reflections in the East.
Looking into Andorra from La Menera Peak (Andorra), on the eastern border with Spain and France, remarkable.
Don't mind him. He needs some height to blow off steam on the adjacent peak to Casamanya. The latter
peak is the opening blog cover picture.
No comments:
Post a Comment