Before arriving in Spain, we spent a hectic and hot six-days in Israel. The specific purpose was to enjoy the marriage ceremony of Tarryn Klotnick, our niece, and Stephen Marcus, who has now become a nephew. We certainly had a good time as we met many of their friends and family while experiencing a unique and exciting ceremony. As an additional bonus, Ellie and Benny, our grandchildren, were in town allowing us to enjoy the Mediterranean in a rather novel manner.
This trip has not been without its challenges, the latest a rather tough incident in Spain. Perhaps we'll mention it at another time. In addition, the logistics of moving between countries fully-laden with clothing, utensils and hiking gear while flying around the clock and landing and departing at all hours, makes the tough second hike, Tozal del Mallo, seem less strenuous and difficult than it actually was.
Jen contemplates...perhaps, hugging the inside edge. The walls are magnificent.
As we break the tree-line, we get a good view of Tozal de Mallo.
The second set of pitons ascended. Truth be told, the climb is more difficult than it looks...or we are 'babies'.
The gaps between pitons is large with few toeholds.
As we acquire altitude, the views become even more spectacular.
A confident editor, it seems.
Part of the trail below in a very green area. (Two days of rain in a row thus far.)
After a few feet, the hike commences an ascent that does not let up until the top. Through the forest, one is climbing sharply but once out in the open, it's cliff edges the whole way. Thereafter, the climbing is technical with many level-4 stages and then in three places, it gets a lot worse. We set out to reach the pitons which we did, passed the second set but with Jen's legs too short to bridge the gaps and the going treacherous, we called it a day. We were not far from the top but still some distance to the side of the peak. And what a beautiful and unusual formation.
For myself, I would think that this is the finest hike of all that we've undertaken. It has all the ingredients of being difficult, strenuous, fraught with danger and accompanied by incredible beauty. Another favorite, the Sentinel in the Drakensberg, is such a great experience but does not have the difficulties of its Spanish amigo. I believe this is the first time I've put my 'neck on a block' in rating a hike as the best, but I'll live with it. (This supposes my head remains attached.)
The length of the hike is unknown although we spent some five hours on the trail, which included brunch. The accumulated elevation gain was over 3,000 feet, something we felt both up-and-down. Once again, a special experience in a fabulous part of the world.
Jen, on the way back and down, about to hit a brick...wall.
Clouds cover the peak as rain approaches
Editor gaining traction on the way up.
Fragen, the village in which we are staying. It's like another world...with internet access. Fascinating!
Without belaboring the point, a little tough, at the first section of pitons.
"Aren't we high enough, dear?"...The editor sure knows how to push.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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