27.17 Pic Tristaina, a personal highlight for us as we go a little outside the comfort zone.

'Let's fill that bowl'. A view from Pic Tristaina, an almost out of world experience. We seldom see cloud covering of this nature in Andorra but frequently in France. Geographically, they are the same place.





Our first peek from the peak into Franca, a confrontation more than a view. (Estany Fourcat, France)





Returning from the peak with 'mucho' caution.




At Port de l'Arbella, a few days before, Andorra to the left, Franca to the right...editor's choice. For perspective,
the peak of Tristaina is behind us. And we thought we climbed substantially to reach the shoulder.




One will run out of energy years before Andorra's pics (peaks) can be climbed. More likely, one may even die trying, rather morbid but realistic. We suppose living in an environment where there is very little level ground, the rating system can put off a keen climber. Any climb less than 2,000 feet is of course relatively flat according to the locals. Up to 3,000 feet is easy and so forth. Yesterday, we climbed 3,400 feet at an average of 1,000 feet per mile. To us, that's relatively tough or to put it bluntly, strenuous. I will add that our time was way below their average so perhaps we are not that 'slap' (slack) after all.

The next day we attempted something that appeared reasonable until we got to the final third at which time it became technical, including some real tough mountain climbing. It was a period during which we experienced fear, elation and much in-between. The climb was a frontal ascent which meant it was more vertical than most regular climbs. Perhaps the real worrying part was it incorporated rock climbing at high elevations which was exhilarating but had us wondering about the return journey. We have become a little wiser as we've aged and realize it is often easier to get into difficulty than out of it. The two-days of hikes resulted in back-to-back elevation gains of over 3,000 feet each. When we began the second day's climb, we were weary but that changed in the latter adrenaline-stimulating segment.

The statistics were interesting, too. It certainly wasn't the highest mountain we have climbed but it definitely was difficult and dangerous as well as without doubt, the most thrilling. The views we will leave to the pictures to interpret. Suffice to say, upon reaching the top, we were stunned by the magnificence. The views were again into Franca and back into Andorra. As an aside, every view we have had into France has been breathtaking. It is made more meaningful as we always seem to be above clouds when looking at the land of the tricolor. I might be off base again, but I would make the statement that relative to my state of mind at the peak, together with the surrounding sights, I have never seen anything finer. Back to the statistics. The altitude at the peak was 9,500 feet. The climb was, including to and from the carpark, over 3,000 feet cumulative gain. It was without doubt, a highlight of Hike-about for one of us. It seems that each new challenge in climbing allows one to test oneself, thus allowing for a daily or periodic measure which also provides an extraordinary element of stimulation.

Finally, we recall an elderly woman complaining that we are fortunate to see such beauty whereas she is prevented from such sights because of her age, health and other restrictions. We empathized with her as it is unfortunate. However, there are many marvelous spectacles in all regions. Sometimes, the problem may be we don't open our eyes or that we build shopping malls, houses and theatres etc. over them. We would also add that many of the finest locales for witnessing beauty require much effort to reach. And maybe that's a good thing in our opinion.



"Sorry, madam, the elevator is out of order...try the donkey."
'But sir, the donkey is busy with his camera.'





A horse with no name watching over the pack below, in the early stage of the ascent.




Meet the family vacationing at Tristaina Lake (number 3). We passed through them earlier, the editor being more nervous
about the horses than the cliffs.





From the peak, peering into Ordino, Andorra as the clouds swirl in from France.





Clouds elsewhere and every where below us in Franca.




As with my late-grandmothers, I don't go anywhere without my bag.




At height, the lake edges are defined and shapely. A refuge/refugi is positioned on the boulder formation.




In the mid-stage, incline becoming acute but still easily manageable.





From the peak, a perpendicular range in France and a little lake peeping.





A quick 'smoke' break or is that a 'Coke' break, so confused.





The two larger Tristaina Lakes, as we come down from the top. Swam in the nearer one last week.




Need one more of these to justify the effort...we'll try any excuse.





Jen in the beginning as we pass the middle lake at water level.




Clouds did not get in the way on this day, Maude.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


The day following this hike, we decided to rest. Long story short. We ended up reaching two peaks on the French border again, with views into both countries that were dazzling. This is the editor's idea of a 'rest day'. However, the point of this addendum is that Pic Tristaina was close by. Had I seen it from this position before, I may have 'chickened out'. Hmm!


Pic Tristaina viewed from a peak with an unpronounceable name at an altitude (latter) of 8,915 feet. An intimidating sight for us.
The pass to the lower-right of Tristaina is Port de l'Arbella, the crossing into Franca, for foot-traffic.