68.08 Andorra(ble): Let's take a walk into France: Etangs de Fontargente from Vall de Ingles, itself a remarkable area.

In the beginning, the fulfilling Ingles Valley; it's where we stand and above, to where we head.
After the previous evening's rain, the scene is set: Misty skies and soft (muddy) underfoot.
  One of the most desirable attributes of a decent person, we believe, is that of humility. Far superior to strive to be humble rather than be coerced. Clearly, it's very difficult to achieve humility as one wrestles with success following one's accomplishments, succeeding in competition with others, achieving large material gains, admiration from many (usually temporarily) and many other aspects that tempt a person to believe in one's 'extraordinary' abilities. While we obviously cannot make a judgment of ourselves (it would fail), we've come to realize that striving for humility might seem more in line with that of extreme religious teachings (rather than practical desire), we do believe it provides enormous benefits. Let us mention just one attribute...(continues below). 

Proof of flowing water...we don't like to mislead.
"Some enchanted 'morning'"...
How green is our valley...hopefully, the hikers aren't too green.
Scroll forward for the eventual visual reward.
Catch a low cloud 'in' the water.
Almost eerie as the sun, clouds and mist interact with each other, not forgetting the soaked grass as well.
The always attractive mountains regaining the light.
The ongoing clash while two insignificant people wonder what lies in store for them.
Whatever the result, the interim posturing is magnificent.
Looks like victory for those following the sun.
While the earlier rains won't lessen the impact at ground level.
In drier conditions, we intend to go beyond the lake which we understand will bring us into France rather than alongside it.
It's always about elevation in Andorra.
It helps when the conditions clear.
We hope, by the time this blog is published, we would have completed a second hike to the other side of the lake, well into Franca.
Continues from above. 

  When one is able to realize (and accept) how ordinary one is relative to the Universe, our limited time on Earth and how quickly we are forgotten, how modest our contribution (bar a minute fraction of humans), it soon becomes apparent that being involved intimately with one's fame and importance is a pure fiction. It's irrelevant. It's fleeting. Effectively, for most of us, it's tantamount to taking rather than giving. 

  However, when one looks about, takes in the miracles, beauty and all aspects of the good in the natural world, one is fortunate to realize what potential blessings are bestowed upon us all. When we forget who we are, who we perceive we are, when we cease to worry where we fit into the picture, whether we are recognized for our contributions or that we might have been dealt a bad hand—it's no longer we who are the focal point. When we change the focus from within then the attention is redirected away from the personal. 

  We should strive to relinquish pride, remove the focus from ourselves, or ignore the neglect we believe we suffer because of insufficient attention. Once we abandon that wasted energy and focus, but rather immerse ourselves in what's happening about us, we lessen ourselves and therefore have more time, energy and capacity to absorb and enjoy the meaningful and miraculous natural world of wonder. 

  Effectively, we elevate ourselves passively while actively enjoying something most meaningful and powerful. We become true winners.

 On the surface, nothing to see, yet...
Apparently simple, yet pure wonder.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey