Dust storms, gusting winds: We look back to where we reached (beyond skyline): A magnificent peak, over 3,500 feet elevation gain.
I suppose it's an opinion. We used the bench and table for brunch at the closed restaurant/station.
Some days are good, and yet on others, one may stretch the envelop a little further, making for spectacular periods. A lot occurs in the head, read mind, which has a strong influence over the course of one’s feelings and attitude, culminating in result. Something we notice are the physical challenges and efforts undertaken help the mind to reach levels above the norm. It’s a constant in the sense that almost without fail, physical endurance and struggle, especially when combined with success in achieving the goal, results in, if not elation, an incredible feeling of contentment. The reason for this lengthy preamble is because this was another of those rewarding days. A simple but wonderful philosophy: More effort (sweat), more satisfaction, independent of result.
A view from Refugio Lynch, the summit. The weather was not ideal but the day, superb.
Well-past the half-way mark.
2 weeks in Argentina and she's a labor activist. Editor downs tools and strikes. The board states "Without limits".
Finally making some progress as Lago Nahuel Huapi comes into view as we negotiate the slopes.
Editor feeling chirpier because of the flowers or being on the way home. We found a jeep road for a short stretch as a luxury, after the steep slopes.
In a barren section, editor is less chirpy.
We have a penchant for identifying different hikes from the norm when we are in ski areas. Understandably, skiers require a ‘little height’ and so their commencement points are usually thousands of feet above ground level. That’s where we come in. We comb ski areas for possible hiking opportunities to the top. When we first noticed Catedral Ski Resort, we put our heads together and sought a trail. Yesterday, we did just that and found a way to the top, rising some 3,500 feet. Some say it’s a greater gain but we’ll take the number as is. It was a fantastic hike which provided a steep climb the whole way. We had great views which improved as we progressed and climaxed at the peak. As tough a hike as it was, we both felt invigorated throughout, never really tiring or developing aches and pains. Some days are like that.
When we reached the fourth station below the peak, we had breakfast at a table and bench, making a nice change from our usual rocks, tree stumps or gravel seats. When we reached the second station from the top, we noticed a number of hikers on a trail. We had made our own trail for most of the way. Where did they come from? There had not been a single hiker on the mountain during our climb to that point. It turns out that at the penultimate station, a gondola drops off passengers and a few make the final 500 feet or so climb to Refugio Lynch, our destination. Aha! Mystery solved. All other stations were closed but on the way down, we noticed the gondola station/restaurant in full swing so we dropped in for tea, coffee and a special treat, a chocolate dessert. Maybe that’s why it was a special day after all.
Looking down at one of many dust storms on the mountain. Lake Guiterrez to the right.
A sign of looming autumn in a rather gorgeous mountain setting.
The editor's sit-down strike took place some 500 feet below the butte down under. To her credit, it shows a change of attitude. San Carlos de Bariloche to the right and below.
'I knew she could do it and she did indeed.' At Refugio Lynch on the patio.
One more of the lake in too much light.
A fabulous view at the top.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Mixed reflections and views through the restaurant/station window.
No comments:
Post a Comment