That was in northern Catalunya, somewhere in the southern Pyrenees mountain range, around 65 kilometers north of Barcelona. I couldn't tell you the specific name of that mountain, except to say it was probably around 4,300 feet tall, or 1,300 meters. I started out in a hiking trail outside town at an altitude of 200 meters, and it took me several hours to get to the top, and several more to get down (ie. the better part of an entire day.) I saw some mountain goats around 100 meters ahead of me at one point, which was kind of cool. I also hiked from the bottom of Monserrat to the top, which also took the better part of a day. I think that one was 1200 meters in height, and the trails were much better and full of people. Even saw some mountain climbers making a go at the summit through a rock face rather than the easy way that I took, which was through the hiking trails.
Not that afraid. I figured from that altitude a free fall was 39 seconds to the bottom of the valley, though if I slipped it would probably be over in less than 8 seconds when I smacked into a rock face below, so not much time to regret my decision. And hey, wouldn't it be nice for once to do something different with my life? Something I could look back on and remember fondly, or at least go out with a bang trying to accomplish. Not that I took stupid risks...I tried to minimize any risks by carefully studying trail maps for both mountains for weeks in advance, and picking out the trails I thought were less risky (even if it meant a longer hike). I also brought adequate supplies and had an emergency GPS unit I could activate if I got into trouble in case I got into an accident and couldn't move or make my way down.
Hmmmm. I climbed this local volcano (Mt. Lassen, active). Its about 10,400 feet (10,457, but who is counting). I own a cabin in the area, its uber cool, any listmembers who want to stop by please do so. But.....many years ago when I was young (1980's to 90's) I snapped this photo. Yea, it was uber cool....my feet hanging thousands of feet above...yes, I climbed that volcando, several times, wearing mocasins. Now, in my old age, I suppsose it would not work out.
That is cool. How long did the round trip take? Looks like a straight up climb, which is different from the mountains I climbed as they had many twists and turns around many peaks and ridges until you got to the highest peak. I prefer that volcano, as it looks like a fairly straight forwards task to tackle....though probably a far more physically challenging task than any of the stuff I've done so far. But hey, baby steps. Next year I'm hitting hiking trails through northern Florida, and the year after that I think I want to tackle some Appalachian mountain trails. Northern Florida has great hiking parks. No mountains, but very physically challenging and visually stunning trails nonetheless.
That’s beautiful but terrifying, @Ken Dorney ! And I thought I was a death defying cliff climber because I hang Christmas lights over our front door every year
I dont remember, it was many years ago when I was young and healthy! I want to say it was about an hour, loads of switchbacks to get to the top.
I've also done the Lassen trail, plus as I mentioned before Whitney and the Steps of Repentance, Mt. Sinai. The latter is 3,750 steps... At the summit is a chapel dating back to the 4th century A.D. At the foot of the peak is St. Catherine's Monastery supposedly founded by Helena. The museum holds many objects such as 4th century manuscripts of the Bible and an original hand-written letter from Muhammad allowing the monks of the Byzantine era to practice their faith without interference. And here's a recent pic of me at home.
I’m back from vacations. No internet for ten days....the only thing I missed was COIN TALK ! Here is a little riddle : What is better than the sun, the sand, the see and a sex on the beach ( for all the twisted minds it is a drink made with vodka, schnapps and orange juice...) ? The answer is in the next picture.
..i took this pic the other day of Black Kee...he's resting in box of 3rd century emperors on "the table"...where i spend a lot of time these days...
LOL, that is why I am a dog man. They dont crap in their litter box, cover it, then walk all over your table and counters! Yum yum! LOL, I am gonna call out and challenge any “grunge” on your coins that you post in the future!
..he don't use a litter box..he goes outside...now Kababa...she's a box gal...but my dog Rocko...he chased cars...and has been buried in the yard for about 20 years now...