68:13 Andorra: A Perspective of Insights from 2 incredible hikes/experiences: An Introduction from one mountain blessing to another.

Jen heading toward Pic de Montmalus, a staggering find. The mountain at right-rear is Pic Cubil Petit, (see 3, 4 & 5 below). The white tank is visible to the sharp eye. Below the mountain is Restaurant Refugi del Llac de Pessons, alongside a lake. Difficult to make out as we are quite a distance away on a tricky trail.
From distance, we get a wonderful view of the refugi, lake and marvelous landscape of rocks and shrubbery. This sight, literally, took the breath away after losing much of it on the climb and continuing hike. We consider this a truly magnificent position.
A view of the above refugi from the top of Pic Cubil Petit.
We mentioned the white tank above. We view it from the peak.
Another look at "The Cubil", much easier to see the white tank, right of peak. Below: The refugi and lake. The enthusiasm is obviously not for most...what do they say? You had to be there!
Another perspective of the refugi, lake and backdrop. Within this region, we count at least 18 small lakes.(We echo the sentiments of the caption from the second photograph.)
Jen says 'hello' from Pic Cubil Petit, the opposite position from the mountain in her opening photograph.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

68.10/11/12 Andorra: 3 Hikes approaching and dealing with the Tibetan Bridge from different perspectives.

This was our initial view of the bridge. We always approach the near side (right) on our hike from Els Plans. We either walk away from it to the right on other trails or along the path dug into the mountain across the way. Most visitors take a bus up to the parking lot on the left side of the bridge and walk across it, returning the same way. It spans some 2 thousand feet.
One of us testing the metal or should that be mettle? We avoid crossing the bridge, lately. 

  The Tibetan Bridge, Pont Tibetà, is a staggering structure that provides views for a person crossing it, views of it from many perspectives and yet, it has no essential (useful) function normally associated with such structures. This is an observation of two people without much knowledge, but with a point of view. Ostensibly, it's a focal point for tourists, a few bungee jumpers as well as those wishing to cross the ravine and return again. It's an experience for tourists. We enjoy it but fortunately, did not have to contribute to its construction. While a 'bridge over troubled waters' at least crosses a river, many provide for vehicles and people to reach a destination on the other side, 'a bridge to nowhere' somehow fails to have a useful purpose. Apparently, we were never asked for our input in the planning stages. 

  We have combined 3 hikes undertaken this visit, one that went around the bridge on the far side with 2 other hikes that passed both at level height and well above it, heading away from it to other destinations. It's always quite exciting seeing it from remote positions along the paths and especially, off-trail.

We pass under it and now are on the other side of the bridge heading into a forest and upwards.
Moving further away and attaining a different perspective.
Looking down on the bridge but in awe. Across the way is the seldom used path along the mountain.
Under the bridge.
Jen stops to absorb the sight.
On the trail from Els Plans, we divert to a hill and from the top we attain a great view.
A view from above with surprising variation in color.
We're facing where we crossed under the bridge at the Els Plans side. The 'hill' mentioned 2 photographs above, juts out on the right.
We've walked along the mountain trail pointed out earlier to reach this position and are on the opposite side of the bridge. We re-crossed under it from the path.
A view of Parish Canillo, the location from whence the tourist buses begin.
Jen stands 'on the other side' following brunch at a ruin which exuded tranquility, privacy and shade. We met a French couple who provided us with some pointers of another alternative route. They also inquired whether we had hiked in Cape Town...small world, when you're not on foot.
The path cut into the mountain pointed out earlier.
Jen coming around from the mountain path and heading toward the bridge and then onto Els Plans and home in El Tarter. (See below)
Home from home.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

A sure way to brighten one's day.

68.09 Andorra: Juclar Lake and Climb introduction: Sometimes a couple of pictures move a person...particularly down steep slopes.

Three positions of height indicative of the day's outing, plus the cover photograph, too...perhaps the high point.

LOW(ish).
MEDIUM.
HIGH.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

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

In the beginning, the fulfilling Ingcles 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

68.07 Andorra-ble: Estany Sorda, above Vall de Incles (valley), words fail us...inter alia.

We suppose should one need to take a side-seat, this one is as good as any.
On the climb up, we catch a deer in our 'spotlights'.
 Obviously, one tries to avoid being repetitive but this might become difficult to avoid at times. Should a place provide unique attributes, have an atmosphere that strikes a chord deep within, while on each occasion when we hike, we find ourselves tested immensely, we'll take the risk of being boring. 

  We often walk about and wonder whether there is any natural ground that is in fact level. Frankly, it must be a builder's nightmare to undertake construction activities within the principality. Then again, much of Europe, forgive us Holland, is 'hilly'. In our experience, Europeans enjoy living on mountains, edges, cliffs, slopes and anything that is not flat. We can relate to and respect that.

Perhaps one of the changes in our lifestyle in the latter years of Hikeabout has been a desire to find hiking opportunities that are more isolated, less formal and always away from the crowds. As to the latter, we don't often see many people, which we suppose is indicative of the policy. What we have discovered in Andorra is that there are trails all over the mountains. However, many are informal and are probably practical paths dating back years to when people had to walk to wherever they needed to reach...say a few years prior to the discovery of the Tesla. We really enjoy these opportunities. 

  In fact, most of the last 10 hikes have had twists to them, each either new to us or encompassing links elsewhere, thus providing originality. As we have frequently mentioned (boring), it does not take much to transport us into a different zone when in Andorra-ble. We'll let you absorb some sights and color...now. Thanks for your patience. 

Only later in the day did the light improve from this narrow side, enabling us to capture terrific coloring.
A typical scene in the Incles Valley, another remarkable place.
An idea of the path on the way down, close to closing.
'Monkeying' around on edges above the lake edge. How appropriate.
What's not to be content about in this position...especially with the 'pansies'.
Can't keep an active woman at ground level.
From another hike, we are high above the lake...from the Estany Querol and Salamander side. Hand position is to keep hat from going swimming.
We enjoy this type of atmosphere.
Jen climbing the side of a small waterfall just before reaching the lake. 

 Looking down into the valley and across the way to a high ski station (one we reached on our second outing).
Early(ish) morning steep climb enroute to the lake and surround.
As confident as Jen is, she's cautious on these edges.
This is a follow on climb we discovered. The earlier picture of Jen looking down on the lake is a highpoint we reached (from another direction).
Enjoyed the coloring not to mention the vastness and height of the mountains (Jen in the distance).
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey