There are many ways to tell one’s life story. One way to tell mine is in two chapters. Chapter 1: I Hated Hiking, Chapter 2: I Loved Hiking. Unfortunately for my parents (who loved hiking) the first chapter spanned from the time I could walk until my late teens. Though in my defense I’ve never really met a kid that loves hiking. I think it’s a marketing problem. We should be calling it “Adventuring in Wild Forests” or something better. I have really enjoyed Adventuring in Wild Forests in the Pyrenees. You can cover amazing ground on foot. You can go places that would be impossible to reach on bike. You notice so much given the slow pace of travel. In the past week I did three very different hikes, each of which filled my heart.
The first was one a mega solo up-and-over the mountain range behind our house. Justin drove me to the trailhead in Bagà and I walked home. It was a point-to-point route which was super fun. The weather was ideal. I was alone for hours and hours. Much of it was in the forest, often next to creeks. For a while the trail followed a massive rock trench with waterfalls and many creek criss-crossings. Stunning. So different than the terrain I traveled with Will for five days back in September but all of it the Pyrenees.
Views in both directions along the ridge from the summit of Moixeró which was my high point.
Coming down our side of the range was a peaceful, gorgeous return home. The last few miles were through flat farmland. Justin, Will and Hazel biked up to meet me and cheer me on. Love!! The views in all directions are full of memories of prior Adventures in Wild Forests and it fills my heart.
The second Adventure in Wild Forests was a sweet little loop that Justin picked out. It was such a gem! We went up and back both sides of a creek. It felt like we were walking on trails of the ancients. Not a soul to be seen. Misty overcast day. Vibes of the Shire.
The third Adventure in Wild Forests was a vertical ascent into the clouds up to Tossa d’Alp. Late afternoon. Again no other souls. Views of our town, our beloved valley, our mystical Creperie in Meranges. No views in the other directions from the summit because … clouds!! It was chilly on the peak, Hazel questioned if we’re actually Chasing Summer ;) Proud of the kids for … for Adventuring in Wild Forests!! Sunset delight when we got home.
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