In the early going, thick clouds provide mystery and beauty.
Jen takes a walk in the park...not an ordinary park or walk. (Fortunately, her jacket matched the flora.)
Jen commences the final climb as the clouds and mist begin to sink upon us until visibility was just feet distant.
Meantime, there are streams and rivers to be crossed.
Fog lifts for a while and our eyes begin the feast from high vantage points.
Unobstructed view of Andorra and Franca from the peak.
Jen arrives at peak in fog. Climbed 3,186 feet to an altitude of 9,600 feet.
Wild and rugged...always attractive.
Mist begins to recede and reveal amazing sights.
Meantime, on the other side of the peak there is a revelation...mist mostly gone.
Looking down upon giants was quite startling.
From the peak, telephoto of lake in France. Spain and France surround this tiny principality.
Returning from a tricky ledge a few minutes earlier (beyond current position), one of those 'hope and pray' situations.
We had to retrace the path before proceeding to the top on the opposite side. (see latter paragraph below)
Beautiful! The garden, of course. There's something special about the flora of the wilds
even though Mom's garden is lovely.
Another of the many 'oil paintings' in and around Andorra.
Hard to explain or even understand the bliss within one after reaching and standing on this peak.
Lifting mist opens the vistas again, an ongoing phenomenon.
The opening paragraph sets the stage for our son, Gavin, to smile, hopefully not laugh, and accept the fact that we again spent more than six hours in perhaps the most beautiful place on earth, obviously from our perspective. Previous ‘most beautiful’ places are still exceptional but now fall slightly below today’s hiking challenge, landscapes on show and in addition to the interplay of clouds, mist and sun providing enhancements from above. Although the climb of 3,185 feet was strenuous, there wasn’t a moment, including the return walk, during which we felt tired or less than elated by the surrounding sights and atmosphere. It had the feeling of being in a massive park-like garden which, as with all places in Andorra, is surrounded by towering mountains. Many are still snow-capped (and thus even more attractive) although mid-July has arrived.
We passed many rivers, streams, barreling waterfalls and azure- and deep blue-colored lakes. In places, the rivers flowed down mountains, not cascading but still in forms before being classified as waterfalls. As we rose above the water, views improved until we reached altitudes that diminished visibility to zero. The earth seemed to bubble and spew water from everywhere creating sounds that had connotations of activity and happiness, further enhanced when sunrays reflected off such waters. Perhaps the most interesting, and at times, stunning sights occurred when nature’s choreographer took to center stage and directed the mist to blot our vision of everything but the path immediately ahead of our steps. Then, perhaps with sympathy for two little people out to stretch legs and open their senses to the best of nature, the choreographer would breach the clouds, lift or blow away the mist and reveal mountains of such height, sharpness and splendor that we were taken aback. This process continued throughout the period although for the final ascent, we were ‘punished’ for a short while when a fog hid the many treasures.
Fortunately, over the years we have come to realize nothing remains constant. Give her time and Mother Nature will provide the pleasures we seek. Without fanfare or sound, gaps appeared in the mist which, of course, were filled with images that were present all along. A cold wind could not deter us and we remained perched on the peak for a period longer than usual, in such circumstances. By the time we descended, most of the mist had disappeared and the clouds lifted. Sights missed on the upward journey revealed themselves clearly and we felt like residents in pleasure land. Some speak of paradise and Heaven with knowledge. We are not smart enough to understand that. However, should we have to explain what heaven is like, we’d be confident in stating that Heaven is a place on Earth. Not just one location but rather wherever a person perceives it to be.
If there was hiccup during the hike, it was because of the risk we endured while following markers correctly but not realizing they were a secondary set. These yellow dots took us away from the peak toward another mountain. One of the issues when hiking to peaks is that as big as mountains are, one does not necessarily know the destination the first time around. Anyway, we experienced fear that was riveting as we negotiated very narrow edges on cliff-like walls with drop-offs into an abyss. In fact, we split up. I took one route and Jen another over which she felt more comfortable to negotiate. Truth be told, after experiencing the climb on the sharp rocks in precipitous positions, I would not allow Jen to follow me even had she expressed interest. For a few minutes each way, I spoke myself along the edge being careful to keep each step smooth, slow and on perceived firm terrain. Most of all, I tried to shut off that part of the brain that was looking into various possible outcomes. Fortunately, I returned safely and we rejoined the formal route after brunch, which took us to Pic de la Serrera, a marvelous and steep climb with spectacular views. The altitude reached was over 9,600 feet, one of the high points in Andorra.
When we last hiked this stunning route, we had to turn back when lightning was prevalent. So we had unfinished business in Andorra. Fortunately, we completed it in grand style, if we may be so bold to exclaim. Perhaps a little over the top at the top, I could not help but echo the words of Winston Churchill: “Reaching this peak today was our finest hour.”
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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