27.13 Andorra ('Andorable'): Grandvalira sunrise with a full moon and sleepwalking editor. 27.14 A mix from other, later hikes.

We had not seen a sunrise in the principality because it takes place very early (huh!) and with the high mountain ranges close by, the sun is blocked easily. We identified a place not hiked previously that we considered might provide the sights sought. After waking at 4:40am, we traveled to Grau Roig, a hotel and parking lot in the Grandvalira Ski area. Our car was the only one in motion until we reached the boundary where we were joined by another vehicle. The plan was a good one or so it seemed. However, as we were unfamiliar with the land and we would be walking through the wilds (no trail), it being dark did not augur well. I may be the dummy but why was the editor following me?

(We'd like to welcome the Russian viewers to our blog (the largest viewing block, recently): "теплый прием приветствия"


The theme of this hike was a sunrise in Andorra, the Grandvalira Ski area. Time approximately 6.25am at peak.




Grandvalira at about 5:30am one fine morning. The full moon was a pleasant surprise. We reached the mountain top on the right last week; the one on the left the previous week.




It took us over an hour to reach the peak, making the sunrise by moments.




Over the years, we have also learned about twilight, sunrise, dawn, nautical and civil twilights and so it becomes quite a business to judge the best time to reach a peak while walking in the dark or almost darkness. Of course, we did have flashlights. It was at that stage I realized that if one is always logical (a great attribute), it's possible to miss out much in life. Often, one sets out on a course and by following it and introducing variations, one often discovers things that would not have been envisaged in the original plan. Naturally, it provides thrills and spills and unintended consequences along the way, both frustrating and uplifting. In the end, one takes a chance and often, one is rewarded. Over the last ten days, planning has been undertaken but many decisions have been made 'on the fly' while in the wilds. This has put us in 'unusual situations' and yet all have provided incredible opportunities. Some risks, nevertheless, don't work as we would like.



Editor goes walk-about at a ridiculous hour in the dark resulting in a ridiculously wonderful experience. Of course,
at the time she did not know that. These things take a little time to sink in.




The miracle of light reveals the big mountains of Andorra and Franca.





'Butter fingers'. The editor 'drops the ball'. How often does one get the opportunity to hold up that big star?




She fails with two hands but makes an effort with only one hand. Give her credit for thinking 'big'. Looks like
the photographer has a lot of work to do.



Today's climb up a steep mountain side over wild terrain looked a little rough at first and it was but the rewards were magnificent. We made it in time to watch the sun rise above the horizon, illuminate the mountains on the east side and bring light to the region. Watching the land come alive in the initial soft light, observing the cattle and horses begin feeding while following the sun proved to be another more-than-worthwhile experience. It also lit both mountains we have climbed recently on the western and southern sides of the bowl.

We returned to the commencement point and then headed back to El Pessons Lake, a favorite position of ours where we breakfasted on a rock alongside the lake, before partaking of tea on the restaurant patio. (No picnics allowed, states the sign.) Although we were more tired from lack of sleep than physical exertion, sitting and watching the birds, the reflections off the lake and being thankful we did not wish to climb El Cubil a second time, brought a feeling of tranquility and peace again.



Yes! It's the smoothest path. We made our way up the mountain 'freestyle' and arrived at this incredibly steep section. Truth be told, the whole hike was steep and over untamed lands.





The 'shepherd' calls on her 'ram' to follow from the wilderness. The mountain on the right is El Cubil Petit, last week's climb. As we used to say in Texas when we lived there for a short while, "How's dem slope on the right?"





Oh that! Just some colors thrown together. Nothing really other than a daily miracle.





Brunch after coming back to 'ground' and then climbing a further 600 feet to the lake, a favorite spot.




Welcome to another day of light. (Thank you!)



Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey


The whitest and quite attractive cows and calves we've seen. Obviously, we have not been indoctrinated at a sensitivity
training school, not taking into account the feelings of ordinary black and brown cows.





On an extraordinary climb a while ago, we noticed vultures circling and made a detour. It's distasteful to witness
but is natural behavior. Then we thought further and pose the question. Do humans act differently? Just asking.





"I know exactly what that itch feels like, big fella." 'Hey son, give mom a scratch...a hoof.'
Truth be told, the editor told them a horsey joke and they played along with her, rolled on the ground giggling.





Trail Roc de Castel after dropping down a thousand feet from the summit. The high peak in the background is Pic de Casamanya, the focus of the last blog. This is linked to the picture below.





Pic Casamanya: The previous picture was taken a few miles to the right of where Jen (her left) stands...and 'a few feet' lower.
(Current altitude over 9,000 feet plus another 5'2").




Lake Tristaina, at an altitude of 7,600 feet, my coldest swim ever. Last week's at higher altitude was less freezing.
The lake colors, (later blogs), are heavenly. Temperature controlled, chlorinated, jacuzzis, or plain ol' lagos, llacs or an estany : Take your pick.