An uncertain Editor: One foot in Andorra, the other Franca. What to do?
“Guess what?” Our editor began the conversation quiz-like. “Okay, I won’t keep you in suspense.
We’re out of fries.”
“Oh no! You’re not thinking France again?”
“Yep. However, this time we are in Andorra and so we call it Franca.”
“Big deal. France seems to be all over the place. We hiked into it from Spain, got close to the
north-eastern border last week from Andorra and I suppose you’re thinking of the northern border
this time. You’re becoming a right Francophone these days.”
“Yes, indeed. We’ll leave from Sorteny National Park, head north, climb over the separating mountains
and go down on the other side, entering Franca just before Lac Blau (Bleu). All-in-all, it will amount
to 2,500 feet elevation gain and more than 7 miles, not too bad this time. The lake is positioned at
an altitude of 8,000 feet, give or take a few inches. We will enter France at Port Siguer. Fear not.
Nobody will be around to check us in or search our backpacks and remove water bottles and emergency
knives. You can keep your boots on, too.”
"I'm greatly relieved."
Perhaps one of the most outstanding sights we have witnessed. We hope the photograph captures
the essence of this glacial valley. Standing in Andorra and looking into France before crossing
the border.
Being in France, one finds a more relaxed atmosphere. I feel nothing about going topless for a swim.
The Editor's mumbling something about me being a male...sometimes she's difficult to understand. Like I
don't know I'm a male.
Some mountains just have it.
Once again the editor proved to be correct. She meant it wasn’t as high as a previous crossing but it was
steep as much of the incline was confined within a short distance. The valley in Andorra through which we walked was
beautiful, the lake in France gorgeous but the glacial valley or basin into which the runoff from the lake flows
was breathtaking. Standing above the border, we looked to the right at the glacial lake of stunning blue
surrounded by mountains, segments of bright, lush grass, a waterfall in the distance and pockets of snowfields
at the higher altitudes. In the valley, there were goat tracks, streams of water wending as the flow took
the line of least resistance thus forming imaginative paths. Once again, one could do little but try absorb
this scene, formed years before by glacial flows and movement. In each hike undertaken, the surprising aspect
of the Andorran experience has been that the features and trails are so different from one another. Generally,
whenever we are in a particular area, multiple hikes seem to have commonality. We think there is enough
differentiation in this region to make each one unique. Besides, wherever one is, the mountains are so overpowering
as they reach for the sky, in American parlance, from the ‘get-go’. It’s no wonder we are so taken in by this land.
If a body meets a body coming through the rye.
'Color our world,' sang Petula Clark; Andorra and Spain oblige.
Another look into glacial basin. What a world!
Andorra has been inhabited for many centuries (officially since 988). It is not difficult to imagine that many
trails, paths and tracks were formed during times when transportation was by foot and animal. These trails are
extensive and seem to cover the country very well, obviously modernized and maintained regularly. Although we
did see snow at high altitudes, most of it had of course, melted. Although hiking in cold and snow covered
mountains is not what we seek, the sights must be magnificent. An ideal situation would be to find ourselves
in Andorra when the snow has melted but for the summits. Snow-capped peaks ought to be breathtaking. The more we
think about it, the more...'What have you planned for next Spring, Jen?'
Lac Bleu (Estany Blau) and a fellow in grey, contrasting the bright with the dull.
We did not take our eyes off this mountain too often as we rose on the opposite side.
Jenni rising from canyon floor.
We mentioned in earlier blogs the language barrier. It’s interesting that although we and they let each
other know that neither spoke the respective languages, it never seemed to prevent the parties from talking
with each other, perhaps communicating on another level. As an example, we arrived in Barcelona mid-afternoon
from Andorra. The former became a transit city instead of the original plan of a five-day stay. While some
will question why we would prefer climbing on mountains to visiting a reputedly exciting city, we would respond
that’s what ‘makes a market’, different perceptions and tastes. Another digression.
Anyway, we pulled into a gas station in Barcelona to fill the tank for its return to Hertz. A young man came
out of the office to offer assistance as the credit card did not function. He had piercings including a nose ring
and warm smile. Having mastered Spanish before entering Andorra, we forgot the language while trying to learn
Catalan. Stuck again. In between him helping other customers, we spent at least ten minutes communicating,
shaking hands, slapping backs and actually having a warm feeling about it all. Eventually the gas, credit card
and pumps issues were settled (quite complicated in the end) and we left feeling a relationship had been established.
Should you ask each of us what we spoke about during that period, it would be hard to say. Go figure! We are fortunate
to experience many incidents such as the one mentioned. The world is a far better place when people find
reasons to like each other rather than separating because of differences, real or perceived.
Taking a breather before the final push: Short distance equates to steep ascent.
Shadows and reflections in Franca.
First, the red heifer. Then we joked about white cows. Half-way down the mountain, we noticed these.
Although our eyes could not determine what the animals were, they did not have the movements and tails
of sheep. The telephoto did the rest.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A pensive editor 'captured' on a peak a few days earlier.
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