Hiking in The Pyrenees Over Col L'Stany de Mar
Please don't tell me today is an indicator of the entire trip. Rain. Lunch divided in our day packs and raingear on, a short van ride brought us to the trailhead. Today's 10-mile/6.2km hike would go from Pont de Rius (5,610'/1,709m), climb to the Col of L'Stany de Mar (8,145'/2,482m) and then descend to the Hospital de Viella (5,379'/1,639m). By the way, a Col is a pass.
I prefer uphills to start off with because you warm up quickly. The rain kept changing to snow and back again. Put on Goretex...took it off...put it on again...leaned against a rock and took the trousers off. There were mountains (Besiberri and Montardo/Montarto - 9,842'/3,000m ) around us, glacial cirqes and beautiful lakes down on the valley floor. Through forests and meadows. Eight long hours later, we were finished. Everyone survived a very tough first day.
The trails were very well marked but the nicest thing about having a trip leader is that you don't have to worry if you are on the right trail...just follow in the footsteps of the person in front of you...
The mini-bus transferred us back to Arties and we visited the Romanesque San Miguel church with its octagonal 13th century belltower and 12th century wood carvings. Arties is at an altitude of 3,654'/1,114m and situated in a small opening in the High Aran Valley. Inaki doesn't seem pleased with the group's progress on the hike. Thinks we're slow but what can I do. We're all doing the best we can...
Every night, Miguel would bring out the topographical map and show us the hike for the next day along with approximate times and distance. Nice and dry, good dinner, Rioja wine and we're happy.
