Looking fresh during a tough hike, conditions underfoot (both feet) weren't easy.
We might be boring but certainly are sincere about the environment over the area politically called, Andorra.
We think it's safe to say we have thrived in Andorra, particularly because of it's beauty, the quaint towns
but mostly, the hiking is incredible and compact. Each hike is unique, regions have different features, trails
are usually good and always challenging and in abundance. It should be understood that most of our comments
are made about the land, wherever in the world we find ourselves. We also enjoy people and love to meet and talk
with fellow hikers and others. However, as someone pointed out the other day, certain countries are hostile to
the values we purport to live by. It's a sad fact of life but we cannot do anything about societies—they are what
they are. We try to enjoy what we see and experience. When we were younger and a lot less mature although we thought
otherwise, we were bent on fixing the world. Our philosophy has changed somewhat over the years. We now
are persevering to fix ourselves. Perhaps an equally daunting task but one far more productive and essential
to pursue.
The scenes in Andorra vary and are mostly, stunning; mostly challenging trails, too.
Upon reaching the peak, the sight of the many small lakes took us by surprise. (We recovered quickly.)
In the distance (west) is one of the ski stations. We hiked from the east. Had we known, we could have
'driven up' by car, saved a couple of thousand elevation trudge before the peak—yeah right!
The next sequence of photographs developed...sort of:
Meantime, the editor continues to follow a sketchy trail and climbs steeply.
While lazy husband grabs forty-winks before she pukes...um peaks. For the record,
a trifle disappointed with Editor for not carrying a pillow in her backpack.
Editor either declares victory or holds out her arms in a: 'What can you do with him!' expression.
Husband awakens and feeling guilty shouts to Editor, "Lean on me."
Editor shouts back, "Who needs you? I can lean myself."
"Now you've done it. I'm coming to get you, cheeky girl."
The distance was close on eight miles with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet. Parts of the track were through
and over streams and marshes, making the going tough and slow. Most of the trails in Andorra are well-marked but this
one had many gaps, making it interesting but complicated. The return journey required complete concentration
as we placed feet on rocks, stones and muddy patches. Once again it was a day of sweat, joy and satisfaction.
By the way, the weather is tepid (and erratic) in this part of the world; it makes for very pleasant living and
hiking conditions.
Earlier, after nearly two hours moving up, Editor prepares breakfast while husband hunts for food.
This is an non-staffed refugi for anyone seeking protection from the elements or 'hostile editors'.
The land and mountains always spectacular. We can only imagine the wonder of snow-capped peaks.
After heavy rain last Thursday when we were caught out in a storm, we managed a hike on Friday before
further rain and hail struck in the late afternoon. Saturday was cloudy with Sunday being sunny all day.
Monday was perfect until 5pm when another storm arrived. The weather is as in all places, the weather.
(Very profound, we daresay.)
The trail was again very quiet although on our return we met a few people including a family with kids
hiking to the first refugi. We see the refugis all over the country. In fact, they are all over Europe. Some are
managed actively, like inns while others are a service to hikers needing somewhere to bunk down overnight.
Although we haven't used the services of an actively managed one in Europe, we believe they provide first-class
food and reasonable accommodation. One should remember they are types of stone huts miles from 'civilization'.
To get provisions to these places must be quite an ordeal. In Switzerland, we hiked up to a unit that is replenished
by helicopter. A coke costs a Swiss Franc plus another 4 for delivery.
Surrounded wherever one stands.
Nothing like the movie 'Rocky'.
A small pond in a sea of mountains.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
'Bouncing ball' on the clouds, a wonderful way to say goodnight.
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