After last weekend's foray into the western side of Els Ports National Park I said I was keen to explore the eastern side as it looked pretty dramatic. Well, having just returned from a two-day circuit there, I can confirm it was! We slogged up from the valley onto an incredible ridge line, where we pitched our tent in a fantastic (though slightly blowy!) spot.
It was an amazing walk from the start, walking along the valley bottom past farms and olive groves with the ridge towering above us. A long sweaty slog up the steep hillside led us past caves and cliffs out onto the ridge, a geologist's paradise of limestone formations and shed-loads of fossils. The only slight downside, and important consideration for anyone walking around here, is the lack of water. We forced down ridiculous amounts in the valley and then humped 6 litres up with us and were very thankful we didn't rely on finding a font or tap en route as there wasn't a drop! Shame we didn't hump up a bit more gas though - our canister died as we were finishing cooking dinner meaning a TEA-LESS morning and breakfast of raisins!!! Thankfully the beautiful sunrise and stunning scenery throughout the day more than made up for this - and those of you who are aware of my total tea addiction and general grumpiness the mornings will know that is really saying something ;-)
Anyway, the pictures! As always, courtesy of Ali. There are rather a lot, but it was such a photogenic place with amazing light and I think Ali has surpassed himself with some more arty shots too! Stats for the geeks here:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1319975
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| Starting off along the valley, the ridge line looking very far away and rather high! |
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| Up up up through the rocks and forest |
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| Relaxing upon arrival on the ridge. Very much needed after 1000m of ascent in 30 degree heat! |
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| Out in the open... no escape from the sun or stunning views |
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| The quaint little shelter of the Refugi de les Clotes. Equipped with wood-burning stove, bunk-beds and picnic tables but unfortunately NO WATER! |
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| Views out West towards where we camped last weekend. |
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| Spotting the perfect camp site in the distance! |
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| Where we started and where we camped! Can you spot the green tent and me in pink fleece?! |
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| Not a bad little spot to pitch up :-) |
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| On the menu tonight: cous cous and meatballs! We're experimenting with a more varied camping diet at the moment, and despite looking suspiciously like dog food they were actually pretty good with a bit of sauce and salt and pepper! |
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| The soon-to-be Mr and Mrs Kennedy! Proof also that I don't actually spend every weekend on my own... |
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| Jumping for joy in the sunset (and trying not to sprain my ankle landing on rocky ground in flip flops)!!! |
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| 6am sunrise and cloud inversion - happy days despite the lack of tea and hot breakfast ;-) |
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| More jumping - quite a feat for me at 6am. |
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| Shame it's only a mug of water :-( |
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| Who needs a 5* hotel? |
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| Starting the long descent with the rock towers of Roques del Benet below us |
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After a steep descent through the forests we were greeted by a huge cherry orchard - trees groaning
under the weight of succulent ripe cherries :-) |
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| It would have been quite frankly ungrateful if we hadn't picked a few! A welcome second breakfast! |
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| More posing as we reached the final coll... |
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| A grand design possibility? Full marks for outlook, not so sure about access and utilities though... |
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| Back to the valley where we found this handsome chap - I thought it was a toy at first! |
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