Jotown and Wally’s home..for ..???

I was up very early,at my Hotel http://www.premiereclasse.com/hotel/en/france/north-straits-of-dover/pas-de-calais/bethune.htm, far earlier than I needed to, before 6 a.m., so I decided to have breakfast…of 3 Weetabix !, and Orange juice, and set off for the Port early, hoping they would let me on an earlier ferry…

I set off for Calais about a 90 minutes drive, and as I travelled along the French were sad to see us go, and sent us… a lovely Rainbow !

I arrived at Calais just after 9 a.m., and P & O agreed to put me on the 10-30 a.m. sailing, so, I would be an hour in front of myself..great.

We were loaded on at 10 a.m., and set off for Dover….Au Revoir France- no doubt I /we shall return !!….then it was to the Restaurant for….a full English Breakfast….almost £10..but worth every penny, delightful !

As we arrived at Dover,and left the ship,shortly after 11 a.m., I was..stopped by Customs, oh dear…only briefly though as they wished me a pleasant journey, and off I set for up North, the weather being black cloud, and occasional showers, but mainly dry.. I made great progress, only briefly stopping once for a quick ‘comfort break’ ! and food for home, and before I knew it, and 2 hours of Johnnie Walkers…sounds of the 70’s…I was home,almost exactly 5 p.m….

It’s strange to see the house at this time of the year, the garden blooming with lots of colour (and overgrown)…

and now, the washings being done, I’ve had my first bath on 2 months ,and slept in my own bed again…glorious !

I travelled 3,256 miles, hope you enjoyed the journey, and until next time….hang on tight !!

Oh, and thanks for your comments, emails and good wishes, it’s been great to have you all along, you’ve been good company !!

Full Circle amongst the Battlefields

When I say I was up early…I really was, waking around 4-30 a.m., and lying there until 6 a.m., when I thought I may as well get going, so I was up,washed,changed and packed up , ready to move as the site opened the gates at 7 a.m….this is early.

It was a perfect day to travel-overcast ,cloudy, and at the time I set off, little traffic on the road.It would be a long days travel, as I still wanted to travel on the back roads,to see the real France – and it was cheaper..I had just over 420 miles to travel.

Again I continued through lots of differing towns and villages, most of them seemingly sleeping, skirting Fontenbleu, and eventually Paris-I realised as I passed Charles de Gaulle airport ..

I then travelled into the area of the Somme..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Somme and quickly saw several Military cemetery’s from the First World War, most of them seeming to be French, although as I continued towards Arras, I came upon several differing British Commonwealth Cemetery’s , including poignantly  the             ‘Manchester Cemetery’,http://www.greatwar.co.uk/places/somme-cemeteries.htm  full of young men from Manchester, killed far from home. What did surprise me for a time, was out of so many cemetery’s, there didn’t seem to be any German ones, although I did then see one large one, but certainly not the same number as the Allies.

I then called at the French memorial grounds http://www.somme-battlefields.com/battlefields/the_western_front/monument_de_notre_dame_de_lorette_pas_de_calais  a sombre end to my travels,I had started my travels in France on the beaches of Normandy,so famous in the second World War, and now concluded in the Somme,famous in the First World War, again as Edwin Starr sang ‘War, what is it good for ? –Absolutely nothing ,say it again yeah ‘

I soon arrived at a Hotel (yes, Hotel !!) at Bethune for the night, before my morning boat on Sunday, and a gentle drive up North and home..

It’s Serious…this Wine Tasting !

So, having got to Fleurie’, in the rain…I settled down to an afternoons nap, and waited for the rain to clear, which it had done by early evening.

So,it was then to some hard ‘business’- wine tasting at the local ‘Cave’,http://www.cavefleurie.com/en/#/Accueil  the official wine co-operative for the area..

I got my list from them, picked out what I may like, and then settled in to ‘taste’ 6 differing wines, quite pleasant, and at no cost…I said I’d see them Saturday,and left !

Then I had a quick walk around the village, dropping into another ‘Cave’ to taste some more wine, and continued on my travels..

I then returned to the campsite, had a shower, and clean up, changing into lovely clean clothes, and back to the village to one of the two restaurants there, and had a wonderful meal of snails (swimming in garlic etc- no kissing tonight !),peppered steak, nougat glace’,all washed down with more wine !,and back for an early’ish night.

On Friday, I was up and about early to visit the Baker,who came to the campsite for pain au chocolat, and a Baguette for later…which were enjoyed with fresh orange and coffee..

I then set off to try and get to one of the local producers,http://www.bigredwine.co.uk/PP/Madone/Madone.asp  intent on sampling more wine, and ordering some to take home- I found the right one…but no one was at home, I’d have to try later. Then it was up to the top of the village, to the Chapel of ‘La Madonna’ ,looking down on all the vines growing below,and around, a favoured spot of Susan’s.

Then it was back to the campsite,resting before more wine tasting later..

I did intend getting the wine on the Saturday morning, as I left, but decided during Friday afternoon that I should go out in ‘Wally’,fill her up, and be ready for an early start the next day, and so back up the hill to Domaine De La Madone, where fortunately someone was in, I had a ‘small’tasting (I was driving after all!) and purchased some cases of deliciously tasting Domaine Du Niagara http://www.domaine-de-la-madone.com/domaine-niagara.php wine…ready to drink in 3 years !

Then it was back to the Cave in the village,the Cave Des Producteurs http://www.cavefleurie.com/en/#/Accueil …basically the wine supermarket, where I’d sampled lots the night before, and purchased a quantity !..the man who’d given me all the samples the night before was happy to give me several bottles free,a gift, and discount !

All the wine was from a ‘special’ year?.…a prize to the first one to guess the correct year (or how much wine was purchased!)?

So, it was back to the campsite, work out how to sleep when ‘Wally’’s full of wine , and after showering and changing (raining again, and very humid), back to the same restaurant in the village for my final meal in Fleurie,sheltering from the heavy downpours of rain, whilst eating frogs legs ! –another meal heavy on garlic (no kissing again !) ready for an early drive up towards Calais on Saturday.

 

 

Traversing France-on ‘Back Roads’

I set off by 9 a.m. Wednesday from Lourdes, and started my traverse across and up France. I quickly left the Pyrenees in my wake,and they were soon a distant reflection in the mirror, certainly as far as I could see there was far less snow on the high tops, as in previous years –obviously reflecting what I had found in Spain.

The advantage of traversing the country on the ‘normal’ rather than ‘toll’ roads, is that you see so much, although obviously it takes longer to get there, however travelling along a road, only to come across an old Chateau, looming on the hillside above you, or some ancient fort looking down…this you cannot see from any Motorway.

Eventually as I had passed Toulouse, and got further North, I did get on a ‘free’ motorway, and the miles slipped by, quite pleasantly, with the countryside gliding by.

I started to come across more and more people, obviously doing the Camino de Santiago, and when I saw the signs for Le Puy, I realised why.Le Puy http://www.csj.org.uk/route-le-puy.htm is where lots of people start the Camino from, and where the official office is. As I drove into and through Le Puy, I saw 2 huge statues, of what I suspect to be St James, built onto the top of two differing rock pinnacles in the city- which itself was very busy, and the busiest place I’d been in for weeks, a strange sensation.

Eventually ,around 6 p.m. I decided I had travelled enough for the day, and seeing a campsite signposted followed the signs and ended up at a great little ‘municipal’ campsite,at a place called  Choumouroux, Yssingeaux (what a mouthful!)and at  $7 a night, http://en.infocamping.com/campings-Yssingeaux/municipal-de-Choumouroux-Yssingeaux it was great value, and absolutely silent, although when the building site started at 7-30 a.m. it was a bit noisier, but mattered not to me as I was up early and off again.

I continued driving Northwards, towards the Beaujolais region,again passing through great little villages, and sights as I went along, eventually arriving at Fleurie, http://www.terroir-france.com/region/beaujolais-fleurie.htm at 12-30p.m., an early finish for the day – although as I arrived at Camping La Grappe Fleurie’http://www.alanrogers.com/camping/france/rhonevalley/FR69020 …they were closed for lunch, and the rain started ….ah well…some serious wine tasting beckons !

It had been 448 miles drive across France, and quite pleasant, especially as I hadn’t paid any tolls !

Resting Over, now it’s decision time…..go and get some Wine !!

It’s been a lovely few days here in Lourdes, resting, praying, and trying to get over my recent escapades…!!Which although mainly healed, I think have left me with the inability to do anything too strenuous for a few weeks, and it being near to the ‘High season’, and with things to do at home, I’ve decided to return ….

I’ve booked myself on the Calais –Dover ferry next Sunday morning,so, all I’ve got to do now is ..get to Fleurie, fill Wally up with good wine (she’s always liked that!), and carry on up North with my precious cargo !!

To finish today, I went into the grotto for all day, starting with Rosary at the Grotto at 3-30 p.m., prayers candle lit for everyone’s intentions, Eucharistic procession at 5 p.m.,and blessing of the sick – I must say it’s a humbling sight, to see thousands of sick people, and their helpers, gathered together, all wishing for the miracle to cure them of whatever afflicts them… and all with happy smiling faces.

After which I had a wonderful 3 course meal (and wine!) at La Coupola Hotel Restaurant, before finishing with the Rosary and candlelight procession at 9 p.m. – I just hope I’ve remembered to say a prayer for everyone that either asked,or needed it ! I’m sure God knows who needs what !

So, it’s goodbye from Lourdes, who knows where I’ll pop up next, I know it’s a few days of heavy travelling to cover the length of France, and keeping off the Toll Roads (cheapskate,that I am !)

Bonne Journee’

Resting …in Lourdes

 

I’ve now had a few days of resting in Lourdes,although the 40 minute walk to and from the sanctuary http://www.lourdes-france.org/index.php?contexte=en&id=405has been giving me plenty of exercise,especially as on Saturday I went in and out twice, to take in the Candlelit Rosary procession, which didn’t finish until almost 1030 p.m.  and I had to get back to the campsite, and back to the Sanctuary for 0900 a.m. mass this morning, in English, with an excellent sermon on Pentecost by an American Priest, who’s here for the month of June.

Then it was a little wander round the shops –guess if I bought anything? and back, again through the sanctuary area, where I saw the cross, which I think would have been placed by my niece Rebecca, when she was here last year on Pilgrimage.

It was then back to the campsite, for lunch, afternoon of dozing and reading, before an evening BBQ of steak and salad, washed down with some ….Beaujolais (and at a cheap price)

Also, well done to youngest son Joseph, who’s just completed a Triathlon in USA in 2hr 43mins 13secs 7millisecs…! -beating his previous personal best by 50 minutes, obviously trying to catch up with his Dad (and he had his finger stitched last weekend, after another accident !!,sounds familiar ?)

Stop Hanging around, and get on with it….Oooops !

The day started with great promise, sunshine,peaceful surroundings…after a free nights camping! I was ready for anything …I thought

I set off along the country roads of Arganon, through peculiar landscape, similar to the grounds of the ‘Badlands’ in Canada (where’s that geologist again ?)…and travelling along very quiet roads, with hilltop villages perched on any hills  available,http://www.spain.info/ven/otros-destinos/sos_del_rey_catolico.html%20?l=fr_FR  presumably for protection in ancient times ?

I then travelled over a the Col de Pourtalet,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Col_du_Pourtalet a mountain pass, rising almost to 2,000 mts high, and in between great mountains either side of me, the excitement was building, and then I was up at the top,and crossing into France, Bonjour!

I dropped further into France, intending to go through Eaux Bonnes, and then to a Via Ferrata – De Saila,http://www.laviaferrata.net/topo-via-ferrata-siala.html  as I was passing, ultimately then intending to visit Lourdes, for a restful few days ( I didn’t know then how I would need it !)

So, by midday I was up the Col d’Aubisque at around 1,000mts high, and the start of the Via Ferrata . I was excited ,it being the first that I had done in 2010 (or ever!) and I well remembered the fear as I had crossed the first rope bridge across the stormy torrent of a River below… well it wasn’t much different, very muddy to get down the river bank, and the river was if anything even worse, torrents of water splashing and squirming through the gorge below, as I timidly set off across the river, on a 2 stranded rope bridge (1 above,1 below), but confidence was soon flowing through me, as I quickly crossed that one, and 2 others ,as I crossed and re-crossed the river below me. Then it was onto the rock (or should I say,shale) wall in front of me, and I climbed up,around and over the cliff above me,although water was running down the cliff, I was managing quite well…worse was to come !

I then came to that crucial point ,do I go left,on the difficult route, or right on the really difficult, overhanging route…I could see most of the right hand route,and looking at it, thought I should be able to manage it..so, off I went up, and around to the right, which was quickly above me, not just vertically, but overhanging,so I was having to climb,up and out –surprisingly this relatively mild overhang quickly sapped the strength from my arms, and I was having difficulty holding on, my soaking gloved hands were really struggling to hold onto the protection, as I tried to make upward progress and soon ground to a halt. I couldn’t manage to get up, and neither could I easily go down…so, I went the quick way (not really meaning to !) and fell ! I hadn’t fell far, as my protection devices held me well, and I was left dangling over a drop, several hundred feet off the ground, with no clear idea of how to get out of it. Phew,at least I was safe, and rested on my equipment for a while trying to get some strength back, and putting in another sling and crabs (another mistake,later abandoned !) as secondary protection.

I again tried to get up and over,couldn’t and then decided to retreat as best as I could as there was no one in sight who would be able to help…and I couldn’t remain where I was, and whilst trying to get out my secondary protection slipped, and fell again, but a bigger distance this time, falling against the rock and ironwork and injuring my side/ribs !

There I was,again dangling,hundreds of feet up, only now I was injured, but, I had the advantage of adrenalin pumping through my body ! Abandoning my secondary equipment which I now couldn’t reach, I then did manage to retreat down the route,not easily, but I managed it ! Descending back to the hard/harder choice point, and relatively safety,with a sore side, which was getting worse, and still a difficult climb to do to get out of it ! No point hanging (!) about, up I went, and managed to get up and over this cliff, to an escape route, which I gladly took (caution eventually appearing!) out through the forest,and limped back downhill,feeling sorry for myself,and hurting –a sorry state ! This is a diagram of the bit that undid me…undeterred, I posed for the obligatory ‘happy snap’

  Now, how was I to survive ? I managed to drive to Lourdes, got some supplies, and checked into a campsite,http://www.lourdes-camping.com/  ready for a few days healing…I’ll need it !

On my Way Home…

A lovely start to the day, particularly as the sun was shining on my ‘free camp’ in the hills ,and the birds were singing,and nothing else could be heard, oh and the water flowing from the nearby stream, unfortunately although I’d been up several times in the night checking, no stars were visible due to the cloud, what a shame, it would have been a spectacular view from this location, still mustn’t grumble, it’s been a great spot.

I was off and on the road by 8-15 a.m.! and drove back through the Hermida gorge, and then left at Panes, and along the other side of the valley through Arenas de Cabrales, and into Covadonga http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covadonga  by before 10 a.m.

Firstly I called at the great Cathedral Santa Maria de Covadonga ,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Covadonga no doubt later in the year it’s packed as there were loads of car parks, and prohibition notices everywhere….so I ignored them, and parked almost at the front door to the Church !,there was hardly anyone in the great Cathedral, with a large incense burner behind the Cantabrian cross on the altar, reflecting onto the ceiling…quite effective, unfortunately I couldn’t take pictures inside, so can’t show you.

 

Then it was up the hills to almost 1,000mts high, to the Covadonga lakes, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakes_of_Covadonga and information centre, on the way having to negotiate…several herds of goats,  sheep, cattle …and a Japanese camera crew doing some sort of Photoshoot for a new car…with the hills as the backdrop.. the road was very twisty, but got there safely, and out for a wander round. Amazing as I had got there hardly any people were there, the guide books always say it gets packed, it was certainly busier by early afternoon, but still comfortable, perhaps the poor weather was keeping people away, yes, it was cloudy cool,  and overcast again , so I had to decide what to do… remain in Spain, or continue back to France…so, after debating it with me,myself,and I…I decided to turn around and head for home !….sort of, driving across towards France, and eventually stopping at the side of a Lake (freecamping again!) in Aragon,(still Spain)  just in time for a brilliant sunset…

Hope the stars are visible tonight, there’s nothing for miles around ,so should be great, Buenos Nochas 

It’s Not the Getting Up that’s the Problem…it’s the Getting Down…!

I set off from La Isla campsite early, and by 11 a.m. I was in La Hermida,ready to tackle the Via Ferrata which was there..firstly I found the office/reception closed, however,undaunted, I found my way round the back of the office, and the start of the route.

This would be my first Via Ferrata of 2011, and also the first I’d done in Spain, so I had no real idea as to what grade it would be,nor what the conditions would be like, I did translate some of the route description which said it would either be a 700 mts climb, or reach 700 mts, either way, I thought it should be a good route, looking down into the valley of La Hermida, and a rather ‘posh’ spa complex which was there, no doubt in summer it will be heaving . As I set off up the lower stretches, immediately there was a lot of difficulty, as because of the recent rain, everything was slippy, and I had to make my way along the lower faces, through trees,and slopes….so, inevitably I suppose, I soon slipped, cutting several of the cuts on my arms again…woe is me ,bleeding again.

Thankfully I soon came to the first real rock climb,and I soon lifted myself out of the mud, and up the dry limestone above,this was more like it, almost brand new equipment which was well placed,and spaced.

Up I continued, around several features, which had name plaques on them, I didn’t have a clue, just kept going upwards…twisting backwards and forwards along the rock faces, and quickly climbing above, with great views of the valley below, and the traffic wending it’s way along the road.As you can see,some of the route was quite strenuous,and overhanging, but I managed it, keeping up a good momentum, although the time was whizzing by, as it does…’time flies when you’re having fun’..and then, whizzo…2 hours and….

I’d done it, and was at the top of the Via Ferrata, or at least the protected areas , so which ways down ?

I (you can guess what’s coming next…!) couldn’t work out which was the route down, and so,mistakenly thought it was over the top of the hill, and to the right…so I kept climbing, climbing, and climbing, seemingly never ending, I climbed about an extra 400 mts to get to the top of the hill, and still no real path available….funny, they’re usually well marked on these Via Ferrata’s I thought !

I then had the usual navigation exercise (no map) and had to traverse some quite steep limestone pavements and rocks, until eventually I made my way down to some hill villages, and followed a road all the way back down into La Hermida, arriving there four hours later !…phew, it should have been a stroll down, I’d climbed 1110 mts in 6 1/4 hours,I should have actually just gone right, when the protection ended, and worked my way down from there,although I’d seen some great countryside, and spotted a good patch of land to camp for the night , I wasn’t going to drive far !

Having got some clean gear on, and picked up Wally, we went back up the road I’d come down, to where I’d spotted, a remote spot, about 1,000 ft up, with nothing nearby…hope the stars are out, although it’s cloudy, and now, time to relax….I’m rather tired having done twice what I expected to do (again)!Buenos Nochas….Covadonga tomorrow..

Drip,drip,drip….who’s a drip ?

 

The weather is still overcast, and intermittent rain, however I don’t think it’s improving very soon….so I’m off !

La Hermida via Feratta en route to Covadonga, I think, and I’ll see what the other side of the mountain range is like…if it’s still poor on that side I’ll move across into France.

I don’t think I’ll be on t’internet for a few days,maybe even not before I move into France,so until then Adios…and maybe even Bonjour !

A Real Damp squib !

Well, I was up bright and early- as planned…the rain was belting down, so as I settled back into bed, looking out to the black rain bearing skies…decided to remain where I was for the day, and try to carry out Mondays plan….on Tuesday !

I didn’t remain in bed all day, there was a brief respite in the middle of the day, although as the afternoon wore on the rains returned…

So, here’s hoping for a better day tomorrow – it is forecast, and then I’ll be off again, and probably out of touch for a while !

Keep having fun…I will

Keeping Moving…..

I’d seen plenty around Fuente De, so, even though the campsite El Redondo seemed to be coming to life – even the bar/restaurant looked as though it may be opening soon, and the grass had been cut !, I decided to move back into Potes for the night (unless the weather changed), catch up with all the news, and then move on Monday to the other side of the Picos de Europa…and whilst passsing climb a Via Ferratta in La Hermida http://www.ferratalahermida.com/ which I’d found out about, and which I would pass on my way through !

I managed to get to 12 noon at Santa Toribio monastery again, and had a lazy, although informative afternoon on t’internet…

and an early night ready for a bright early start on Monday….adios

Another Helter Skelter Procession

Today I had decided would be my last day staying at El Redondo,Fuente De and area, so I had decided to try to make things a little easier for myself, even superfit Grandads need to ease up now and then (or do they?)

I had decided to take my bike up in the cable car, so that I would be riding up in the Picos mountains at 1842 mts high when I started (higher than Ben Nevis, Britain’s biggest) –however it being a Saturday, the cable car started earlier, and only took bikes on the first 2 runs (whilst on test), so I was up early, and down to the cable car station, on a lovely morning by 8-30 a.m…..already there was a long line of bikes, with other people having the same idea – a great day in prospect, and the bike was soon loaded, and went up without me whilst I was still buying my ticket !

As I arrived at the top station, and collected my bike, I wandered up on to the summit plateau, with clear skies overhead, and a ride to anywhere…particularly downhill !

I set off across the top, being left in the wake of the other bikers, who seemed to be groups of blokes out for a ‘daredevil’ day ! I hoped for a quieter day, although my ticket was No 13 ! I soon got to the junction I had passed on Thursday, rather that going left towards the infamous ridge, I turned slightly right, and immediately plunged downhill towards Villa Real, and Refuge Aliva.. passing the other groups of bikers as I went..they were more circumspect, and so should I, as I soon had a slight tumble,as I slowed on a very steep part for some hikers coming up ! Undeterred, and blushing I leapt back on my steed and carried on to Refuge Aliva,at 1620 mts. http://www.cantabrico.com/refug_cant.php I then had a choice to go left across the top of a terminal moraine ( I do know some geology !), or start my plunge to Espinama, which would shorten the day somewhat.

So, I turned across the moraine bank, and rode slightly down and across towards Sotres, passing large herds of cattle,sheep,horses…all hanging about on and around the track, maybe waiting for something ? I kept plunging down, until around the top of the valley, and another steep descent in front of me (which I would have to climb back up) I decided that at 1400 mts I had dropped enough, as I would have to climb almost back to Refuge Aliva, before descending to Espinama…so back I went, grinding up past the same bemused herds of cattle, and as I looked below me on the pastures, there seemed a great gathering of animals, and seemingly lots of 4x4 vehicles, congregating near to what appeared to be a chapel below me.As i dropped even further, I came across an even bigger gathering of animals,people and vehicles, so, being a great detective…I decided something must be happening, and so sat on a rock, conducting surveillance !

Eventually from the distance I could see a large procession wending its way up the hillside, and as they neared I could see a church banner at the front,and in the midst of the procession a statue of the Madonna being carried on a bier-this was some doing as we were up at 1400 mts +.I presume they were making their way to the chapel , I had read last year something about them taking statues up to the summer pasture chapels, and bringing them down in the winter, must be what I had come across ?

It was then time to hurtle back down to Espinama at 877 mts http://espinama.es/  (the story of the procession is there !), and then climb 200 mts back up to Fuente De, and the end of my days ride, all in all a pleasant morning, and just beat the rain, and treated myself to a slap up meal at the Fuente De restaurant before it closed for the night !

A 420 mts climb, and 1170 mts descent,in 3hrs 30 mins.

I was then able to ring my daughter Anna, and sing her ‘Happy Birthday’ on this her special day !- she obviously takes after her Dad,as she was just being strapped in to a scary ride at Blackpool !!

 

 

A ‘gentle’ afternoon Ride !

I couldn’t decide whether to get up, and go for a big ride…or lie in bed, licking my wounds from yesterday…and bed won !well, at least until 9-30 a.m., and a pleasant breakfast of boiled eggs, lemon and lime marmalade, and freshly brewed coffee (made ‘cowboy’ style – thanks Jack !)

Then, as the sun was blasting it’s way down from the heavens, I thought it’s a shame to waste it…so I did loads of washing…everything sparkly clean by the end of the day, including towels and bed liners !

So, what to do now ? I know, a pleasant ‘gentle’ ride up the track towards Vega de Liordes, which I went up earlier in the week…so by 3-30 p.m. I thought the sun would have cooled a little…and off I set -the track was quite a lot steeper than I remembered, or was it that I had the bike also ? The sweat was soon dripping down into my eyes, stinging them, as ever upwards I pedalled and pushed…finally passing the point where the trail to Vega de Liordes veered off, and upwards I continued into  the Vega de Valcavao, towards the territory of Leon, it was a hard ‘gentle’ climb !with views opening up all around me..Bit by bit I continued up towards the head of the pass, however at 1600 mts I decided,enough was enough, turned around and whooped downwards..very quickly, and a rocky descent, didn’t remember as many rocks on the way up.. 28 minutes of descent, and 2 hours of climbing 615 mts!

So, that was the gentle day, ready for the big ride tomorrow !…hold on to your helmets !!

Not forgetting…Big Sis Kathleen…60 today…

Happy Birthday Kath…sorry I missed the big ‘do’

 

Ballet Dancing,and nimble feet -above the clouds at 7,000+ feet !

It had been a wonderful starry night, although very cold, and I had managed to see three differing shooting stars ,whilst lay in bed, looking out the window, so it was going to be a great day!

I was up bright and early, having decided that as long as the weather was favourable I was going to climb the mountain the ‘easy way ‘ (by cable car),and then attempt the Hdos Rios ridge – I wasn’t sure whether a route existed on it, but looking at the map it seemed like it should be a reasonable proposition.

So, I was at the cable car ready to go at 9 –15 a.m.although it didn’t start until 10 a.m.- I wanted to beat the traffic, and I knew I would be short of time, as the cable car finished at 6 p.m., otherwise I would have to walk down …

I was first on the cable car, up to the top station at 1832 mts, and ready to go by 10-15 a.m. The weather was clear, sun shining, and hardly a cloud in the sky as I looked up to the mountains above, which I expected to climb.

No one else was coming on this route, so ,once again, Jotown was on his own, leading the way – although no one was following !

I kept climbing up to the finish of the track that was well marked, and at 2401 mts, I ascended the pass of Hdos Rios, and as I looked to the North East , could see in the distance Naranjo de Bulnes (which I may be climbing next week ?)

But for today, my path was to the right, with the appearance of a faint track, up onto what I hoped would be a climbable ridge, and I would be able to traverse it.I made quick progress ,up and onto the first top at 2502 mts, at which point the track disappeared…but undaunted I continued, and the ridge became exactly that ! a very thin crest of rock, which was shattered and falling off, to both sides, with steep drops on either side… so,nimble footed ballet dancer that I am -I kept going, deciding that I would climb anything, as long as I could go back the same way (should have remembered that later !), down along more shattered rock, and along spires in the rock, some of which I had to climb, others I avoided .  I soon made it to the second marked top at 2506mts, then down and along a really narrow ridge ! to the third top at 2518 mts…at which point I had the bulk of Picos Santa Anna 2602 mts in front of me, and the clock ticking on.  I decided that I should stop on the ridge traverse, and start to make my way back…..what I should have done (and didn’t !) was just reverse the route, back up and down across the tops , where I knew I could safely go. However, I dropped to my left, onto the North face of the ridge and quickly ended up on rotten rock, treacherous snowfields, with long dangerous run outs below them…..Oooops ! this is a picture of just one of the gulleys I ended up going down rather quicker than I wanted to !

There then passed 2 very dangerous hours, where I was constantly battling to stay either on rock, which fell to pieces,in quite large lumps, or traversing snow fields, several times sliding several hundred feet downwards, although fortunately I always managed to avoid the rocks, well at least the ‘big bangs’, although both my arms were ‘shredded’ by the end of the day…. and I’ve got lots of it on video ,whether anyone’s got time to watch!

After 2 harrowing hours of death defying (well I’m still here !) ballet dancing I managed to get back on to my ascent track, and quickly, and thankfully scurried back down to the pass,and on to reasonable ground…..phew !

I had 2 hours to get back to the cable car station, so made haste to get there, although very soon I bumped into a Mountain Chamoix          ( I think ), who kindly stood still whilst I took their picture !, and carried on descending…

I managed to get back to the cable car for 5-40 p.m., and the attendant seeing the state of my arms didn’t bother with my ticket…and took me down below. I staggered into the campsite for a painful hot shower (grazes sting!)..and some cold beer !

1055 mts ascended (and back)in 7 hrs 40 mins- a great challenging day..although maybe a bit more dangerous than it should have been….but still here to tell the tale !

  Sad news when I arrived back at the campsite, the old boy who I’ve had several conversations with, neither of us really knowing what the other said, had fallen during the ,very cold night, and lain freezing on the stone floor, until discovered late afternoon,by some new arrivals, probably broken his hip and been whipped to Hospital,another day he’d have been OK as the people that run the site arrived this afternoon, so things may be starting to get busier !