In overcast weather, the coloring developed when we moved to a different set of positions.
Another Andorran lake positioned at over 7,000 feet altitude.
Catching the rock walls reflecting.
This is our second visit to the little principality surrounded by its protectors, France and Spain. There are obviously many visitors from these countries and we understand why. Ostensibly, we come to the country, more particularly, Andorra La Vella, the biggest parish of the seven, to purchase duty free items like perfumes, liquor and I forget what else. While we're here, we usually decide why not have a hike or two to fill time. Last year we were supposed to visit for five or six days and stayed and extra five. We wanted to stay longer but then it would have meant missing our flight from Barcelona. It was a close call. This time, we decided on twenty-nine days, a nice round number. For the end of the trip, we had reserved four days in the mountains northwest of Madrid. Last Friday, while climbing 2,500 feet to Refugi Comapedrosa, we realized we have so much to do in the principality that following the hike, we cancelled Spain and extended Andorra. Now our duration is another round number of 33 days. (By the way, we avoid staying in Andorra La Vella, the capital.)
Funnily enough, when we arrived, we wondered whether the stay would be too long and whether the landscapes and hikes would be similar and thus lose the novelty. We believe the question is answered adequately. I have tried to tone down my enthusiasm for the mountains, lakes, trails and general way of life in Andorra. I'm pleased to admit I have failed miserably. I feel sorry for Jenni in a way because I find myself wandering about the trails and mountains mumbling, exclaiming and occasionally shouting out loud words like, 'amazing, unbelievable, did you see that?' I suppose it can get painful for the editor but I find it hard to suppress enthusiasm when confronted and surrounded by scenes unimaginable. I will add that Andorra makes a person work hard for the delights. The climbs are steep, many are strenuous and others difficult. By the time we return, if we can get out of this 'town', we'll be exhausted. We mentioned a few weeks ago that the effort is the reward, the more we sweat, the more satisfaction. This brings me to a conclusion...do I hear a cheer?
I often mention paradise and heaven in trying to express my feelings about a region. Who knows what these concepts are really about? We know some people have weird understandings. Nevertheless, my thought is that paradise or heaven may be a place or concept where a person is rewarded, perhaps exponentially, for his/her efforts. However, the system is fair in that it is a measured reward and that there are never injustices. Should you have reached this point, I will stop here and thank you for indulging me. Now you know what the editor has to deal with in beautiful Andorra and many other places in a world filled with treasures.
Rocky and attractive as we spot the refugio while ascending toward lake surface.
The guy's at a loose end.
Symmetry
We returned 'home' quickly to catch the morning light on the trees, outside our apart-hotel.
"I'm sitting at the railway station, got a ticket to my destination..."
Jenni is able to swim and hike simultaneously.
One of the things noticeable in the Principality of Andorra is the abundance of water. From our experience, it rains frequently although we have had two dry periods in near on a month. A dry period may be defined loosely as a period of three-to-four days without precipitation. Besides this source of water, the melting snow causes the rivers and streams to flow constantly. Waterfalls are in abundance. Wherever one treads, one is like to be close to a river or stream. At times, it seems water is bubbling from the mountain walls or from the earth as if springs exist throughout the land. In fact, it may well be the case that water spews from the ground as the norm.
When we stayed in El Tarter, streams flowing down the mountain were diverted between our buildings. As we write this missive, every time we raise our eyes, we view the river flowing strongly before us and watch it make a left turn before our building, crossing the quiet highway and continuing south. The sound of water bubbling and gurgling is apparent wherever we have hiked. Each of the many waterfalls we have seen or spotted, or at least, most of them, have a lake source. Once we notice the flow of water down a mountain, we know where we need to head in order to find a lake.
Jenni reaches the end of the line.
One more of a reflection that had us staring for a while.
Somewhere in Spain, Jenni identifies a shady spot for a picnic. I didn't want to be a wet blanket but...
"Explain to me how we ski from here to those snowfields without snow in between?"
Living in a castle was most becoming...until we were deposed.
Delivery of clean (and collection of soiled) linen and fresh vegetables to Refugi Comapedrosa at an altitude of 8,700 feet. We were obviously there, last Friday. Next week, we intend to hike to the mountain above the refugi, the highest peak in Andorra. The atmosphere or, lack of it at that altitude, surrounded by mountains, a lake alongside and views to everywhere, was surreal. Andorra is truly unique for people who favor the outdoors.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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