Perhaps the underlying theme in this blog is that there are certain experiences one undertakes which makes Hike-About that much more special. It is a tautology that without struggle and the elements that comprise such efforts, the results would never provide the satisfaction sought. We think one of the traps facing a person is to rely on previous accomplishments. Perhaps, the aging process allows a person to accept less...and that may well be 'the slippery slope'...as if there are not enough slippery slopes out there as it is.
Today, we set off to reach the peak. The initial section from the Grau Roig car park requires a sharp 600 feet ascent followed by another 1000 feet gain to reach the mountain base. When we arrived at the base, we noticed a man sitting around whom we had seen earlier but now without his female partner. He sat on a mound and waited for her. She was climbing the mountain which, from where we stood, looked intimidating. Actually, much more than that. Lately, we have found the camera unable to capture the steepness of most of the climbs. Andorra, if nothing else, has mountain ranges that are tough to scale and hike. It turns out a number of people walked the circuit that passes Cubil but besides the Frenchwoman and ourselves, no one ventured onto the mountain.
Section 3 of the ascent. The tower ahead is still below the peak.
The opening photograph subject, taken from the peak with aid of the telephoto.
When we commenced, the wind picked up, presenting a further obstacle. The hike is divided into five separate sections. The first part is very steep and heads directly up toward the visible top. Like all of nature's tricks, there are 4 false peaks. After the first section, we hiked/climbed onto a rocky section which was even steeper but comfortable as climbing rocks is what we like, especially because of the traction they offer. Climbing over loose rocks and large slabs followed, the third part, and finally, two walk-up climbs to reach the small peak...(continues near end).
Two days before, we viewed El Cubil Petit from Pic Blanc, another tough climb commenced from the Grau Roig car park.
This photograph, taken from El Cubil, shows where I am standing on Pic Blanc (above photo) as well as the lake shown in that picture. As mentioned, some perspective.
Early days.
Sign of the times and track.
The initial lake viewed from the peak.
Some of the other lakes viewed from above. The picture also reveals a third hike undertaken toward Pessons Peak, via the lakes in the distance.
Hmm! And now?
Some of the landscapes.
Coming or going? That's the point. Who knows?
Can't stop her.
At last.
This photograph, taken from El Cubil, shows where I am standing on Pic Blanc (above photo) as well as the lake shown in that picture. As mentioned, some perspective.
Early days.
Sign of the times and track.
The initial lake viewed from the peak.
Some of the other lakes viewed from above. The picture also reveals a third hike undertaken toward Pessons Peak, via the lakes in the distance.
Some of the landscapes.
Coming or going? That's the point. Who knows?
Can't stop her.
At last.
The restaurant and lake below, situate at least 600 feet above the car park. Sneaking a peek at the menu from the peak some 1,400 above the small-print.
A self-satisfied look...well deserved, my girl.
A self-satisfied look...well deserved, my girl.
Along for the ride...he tends to get in the way at times.
The main road heading toward France.
The views below were gorgeous, comprising about eighteen small lakes of various sizes, the restaurant, car park and surrounding towns. The cirque comprises an incredible array of mountains with France in the near-distance while the main road through Andorra winds and wends along the mountain across the way. In addition, a hike we did two days earlier could be viewed from our position just as today's position could be seen from that hike. It provides a decent perspective as it all comes together—it all fits and makes sense as observed from on high. Nature makes me feel, inter alia, quite stupid at times as I try to piece things together. Talking of nature, it dishes out generous helpings of humility to me each day without shame or even a tiny bit of embarrassment.
The main road heading toward France.
The views below were gorgeous, comprising about eighteen small lakes of various sizes, the restaurant, car park and surrounding towns. The cirque comprises an incredible array of mountains with France in the near-distance while the main road through Andorra winds and wends along the mountain across the way. In addition, a hike we did two days earlier could be viewed from our position just as today's position could be seen from that hike. It provides a decent perspective as it all comes together—it all fits and makes sense as observed from on high. Nature makes me feel, inter alia, quite stupid at times as I try to piece things together. Talking of nature, it dishes out generous helpings of humility to me each day without shame or even a tiny bit of embarrassment.
Finally, I wish to express once again my admiration to my dear wife, Jenni, who has shown over the years such courage and fortitude as she faced and took on tough challenges. At times, I feel shame and embarrassment that I allow us to get into some tough and dangerous situations. I try to avoid what I believe is unsafe but many times, this is unknown until one is immersed in the situation. I take a little comfort, which is really no comfort at all, in that Jenni seems to select a number of tough and often dangerous situations herself. As I mentioned, it does not help but it's starting to display a pattern. I salute her because by her nature, she is a gentle and most unassuming person. Perhaps, living with me has toughened her. Yikes! I hope not.
There is an emphasis in pictures showing Jenni's journey up-and-down the mountain which I believe gives a nice perspective although to reiterate, we were disappointed that the camera failed to capture it accurately.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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