In miserable conditions, we were uplifted by beauty, tranquility and...
lifted by the occasional lightning bolt.
An idea of a street adjacent to where we lived for eight days in Andorra La Velle before moving
to the Parish of Canillo, Andorra.
We sat in the car. The car was pounded by rain, the first real downpour we’ve seen in a long time. In fact,
living part-time in San Diego, one doesn’t see much of it and when it does fall, many people commiserate with
each other—it ruins a perfect shopping day. You have to wonder at the irony of us humans—living in a desert
and being upset because it’s raining. One should try explaining that to the San (Bushmen) community. Not wishing
to be hypocrites, we looked on the bright side—our car was getting a well-needed wash. After ten minutes,
the rain ceased, surprisingly. We waited a few minutes more, dashed to strap on boots and headed for La Serrera Peak,
a little more than 3,000 feet climb.
What, me worry, Alfred? 'Jen, I think it's raining. We can't be sweating this much, can we?'
As we move up, the weather fails to ease.
After the third bolt, the Editor put her head down and ran. She purchased the 'subtle blue'
jacket recently and was soaked after using it. Color's nice, though.
We were in the Canillo Parish, one of seven in the country, for this hike. From the moment we set foot
on the trail, we knew it would be special. On the downside, although it was all uphill, the clouds and fog
were dense, and it began to rain again and things looked bleak. Notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions,
we felt we were in a park, albeit a rather wild one. However, tranquility permeated that one finds in few places,
almost a spiritual presence. Who knows? At one point, we had climbed about 1,800 feet, mostly in rain, thus
being drenched and a little cold, arriving at the summit of a smaller mountain with three lakes (ponds really)
below us. We stood in what appeared to be a meadow surrounded by many peaks. Their walls were black with greenery
interspersed wherever the plants were able to penetrate the rock. We absorbed the moments and then decided,
despite the rain, we needed to capture the atmosphere on film (nowadays, disc.) Of course, that’s not entirely
possible but we do think some of the beauty filtered through the camera’s lens. Whether the pictures indicate
that or not, the uniqueness of the place, time and conditions melded to form something very special for two
little people. It's times like these where one feels almost as if in a different realm. Expressed differently,
although our lives have difficulties like everyone else, it was a time to count one's blessings again.
'Some enchanted evening, you may see'...in front of you. "Hey Jen, are you taking me into that?"
On our return, the flow was visibly stronger. Not surprising, it was raining hard. Our
only concern was in crossing the river downstream.
Running to catch the editor: "I'm singing in the rain what a glorious...". I sing so badly that
at least in this glorious place, it affects only Jen and the birds. We were alone for the duration of the hike.
The water color was eye-catching, the place unique.
The interesting point, something we mention from time-to-time, is that each moment is different and sure
enough, the poor weather created an ambience or atmosphere that gave us a different slant on the natural
resources of the fascinating principality. Tucked away and surrounded by Spain and France, exists a very
beautiful region and having towns that are clean, quaint and attractive. The country has existed centuries
longer than most outside Europe—try 988CE. Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality with the President
of France and the Bishop of Urgell (Catalonia, Spain), as co-princes. The politics of Andorra take place
in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy. We find that in a way, 'amusing'. It probably
means that not a lot of other countries will ‘mess’ with it. Still can't picture the Bishop riding
into battle on a horse or in a jetfighter.
The more we look at these pictures, the more we realize why we felt so good in the wilderness
on the day.
We think 'stunning'; often wrong but not in doubt.
In the beginning, weather had cleared to a degree.
Although we are not skiers, it is clear the principality is a dream for people who like to travel down
the slopes on narrow strips of wood or aluminum or whatever. High mountains in abundance, ski stations
all over the place, good access by road and we have to guess, probably some snow in winter. The Designer
of the world probably used the template from Switzerland but condensed it somewhat in forming adorable Andorra.
Besides the skiing, the hiking is outstanding and there are many activities for the large inflow of visitors.
Apparently, the permanent population is 85,000 and tourists number ten million per annum. Fortunately, outside
of the city on the mountains, few people visit. In fact, for today’s hike, weather obviously a factor, the trail was
exclusively for our pleasure. On other trails, there have been a dozen or fewer fellow hikers.
Haunting?
A view of the Parish of Canillo from 1,100 feet above, our new home for a few days.
An abandoned ruin fore.
Looking back down but not wanting to return although the weather, especially clouds and fog, were wild.
Back to the glorious hike. It surprised us that we enjoyed the day more than most other hikes despite
the adverse conditions. We have a rule that should there be lightning, we turn back. After the third strike,
which Jenni determined to be close, we stuck to the rule and returned. By that stage, we had accumulated
over 2,200 feet of elevation gain and weighed 5 pounds more because of the soaking. Time and weather permitting,
we’ll try again. It was an occasion that could have led to difficulties because at times visibility was poor,
the surface tricky and the rumblings from the sky, ominous. However, our set of rules and a courageous editor
saw us through. We can’t say we’ve had a better experience although it’s difficult to communicate exactly why.
Perhaps our opening comments reach the heart of the matter. Unless we are prevented from returning, for whatever
reason, we intend enjoying more time in this fascinating country.
(to be continued...)
In closing...
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
"Hey Calf, you're not a dog. That's wheel's already reserved."
We've also discovered 'white meat'.
Fiesta at 11:30pm on a Sunday evening—sleep anyone? (Story to follow).
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