Grumpy old mountain man living in Spain
RE: https://loops.video/v/gm_ascE5iC
And it all started so nicely 🤣. This day ended with us camping by the lakeside of Ibon de Escalar at 2000m over the border in Spain. A perfect hiking day which finished at the perfect campsite ... until the thunder, lightning, hail and heavy rain hit us for a couple of hours. Don't you just love contrasts!
"Patatas a la Riojana" and a glass (hmmm...OK, bottle) of Rosado! We have moved into an alpine chalet for a couple of days rest and recuperation before we head up on another backpacking trip.
For those interested in the recipe https://www.thespanishchef.com/recipes/patatas-riojana/
Previous post talked about the lake at Ibon de Piedrarafita but I forgot to add an image of the lake itself. Here's a short video showing the stunning cirque of peaks rising above the lake
Early start to visit the Ibon de Piedrarafita today. A laborious forest trail suddenly opened up to alpine meadows, lake scenery with a backdrop of a huge cirque of magnificent peaks. We ate lunch by the lake before continuing our circular hike round to the natural arch of the "Arco Geotectonico" before dropping down to the Mirador Puntal el Baro and Piedrafita village.
So we headed over the Col du Pourtalet into France and did a hike taking in the Refuge du Pombie. This day hike has inspired us come back next week and do a 3 day backpacking trek. Lots of lakes, streams and grassy banks amid wonderful scenery. Should be good. Fingers crossed for the weather holding.
RE: https://loops.video/v/gf6SqP6jql
Crossed over into France today. Much greener scenery. What a view and a fine lunch stop below the mighty Pic du Midi d'Ossau.
Yes, I know its not but we passed this spectacular place today and just had to share. Maybe we should have ? 😀
The Cascada del Argualas at Baños de Panticosa
2/ Above the Embalse de Bachimaña Alto we met snowfields and rising before us was the chain of mountain peaks marking the border with France. Easiest crossing seems to be the Puerto de Marcadeau leading down to the Refuge Wallon. Still lots of snow though and crampons/ice axe are essential for a safe crossing. We relaxed and ate lunch by the lakeside before making the ardous knee jerking descent back to Baños de Panticosa.
1/ Some images from yesterdays hike up to the Embalse de Bachinaña Alto in the Pyrenees. Starts from Baños de Panticosa. This is an interesting and dramatic ascent to the lake alongside tumbling waters and surrounded always by stunning mountain scenery.
RE: https://loops.video/v/gbsL-vvfsF
Glorious hike today up to and beyond the Embalse de Bachimaña Alto. Stunning scenery. This walk up through forests to the waterfalls was just the start of a long but ultimately thoroughly enjoyable mountain day.
RE: https://loops.video/v/g8kiXEbqKP
Day 2 of our backpacking trip was defined by poor visibility and drizzle. Cold, damp night in a makeshift forest bivouac. Ice on the tent next morning. So much snow! Cross border trekking routes closed unless mountaineering gear taken.
RE: https://loops.video/v/g75AY9eitN
A short video from day 1 of our recent 4 day backpacking trip into the mountains of the Central Pyrenees
Early morning view from our campsite alongside a small lake in the Respomuso area of the Central Pyrenees. The mountains shown form the border with France.
Arrived in the lovely town of Panticosa in the Pyrenees this morning. That's the town on the far side of this lake. Done some driving around this afternoon seeking out hike start points and searching for rare orchids. Tomorrow we start a 4 day trek over the mountains into France. Weather going to be a bit mixed.
Tomorrow we head north on the first part of our long 10 hour drive through Spain to the town of Panticosa in the Central Pyrenees. Panticosa will be our base camp for the next 3 weeks. Looking forward to plenty of snow and mountains. Some multi day backpacking trips, some day hikes and maybe even some alpine ascents if conditions allow.
I enjoy discovering new and interesting blogs. Michael Wood's (via Bluesky @michaelwood8.bsky.social) blog documents his travels around China by bike and foot, following in the footsteps of explorer Joseph Rock. Gives a real insight into the fascinating Chinese interior and backcountry.
Congratulations to British mountaineer, Kenton Cool who has quietly and without fuss just made his 20th ascent of Everest. More Everest summits than any non-Sherpa ever.
I remember us rock climbing with Kenton here in southern Spain some years back. Nice guy. Glad we didn't drop him! 🤣 🤣
With all the conflict in the world, big tech takeovers etc, I think I can be forgiven for feeling a bit down at times. My remedy is to take the dogs out for an early morning walk.
The fresh mountain air, nature and beautiful scenery is great for uplifting and rejuvenating a downtrodden spirit. Works for me anyway. Every time!
Morning Fediverse! The sun was just hitting the "acequia" channel this morning and provided some very interesting light
