Monday Morning Mountaineering

I had promised Line and Benoît a hike up the Rocha da Pena before they head back to Canada and as that happens to be Wednesday, it was today or not at all. As happens, the weather cooperated fully, a sun/cloud kind of day with the temperature hoovering near 18, perfect to hike in!

By the time we arrived at the start of the hike our numbers had grown to seven. I love how that happens, the more the merrier is always my mantra.

Ella, Cori, Debbie,  Andrée-Anne, Benoît, and Line, all ready to start off as Kate Bush would say, “running up that hill”!! Well not literally running but I think you get my drift. Onward and upward mes amis.

The weather really turned out to be perfect for this activity. Jackets came off and were tucked in knap sacks while butterflies, the birds, and all the lovely wild flora kept us entertained throughout. It’s not a challenging hike but it’s not for the faint of heart either. It’s a trail that requires a great deal of attention as you are either climbing over large limestone rocks, some forming a natural “stair cases” but also in other sections, smaller pieces that without warning can slide under your foot sending you airborne. The peak of the “natural monument” (as they love to call it) is reaching 479 m at its highest point, it’s a place we normally stop for a great perspective but also, often, for a lunch break.

Today the flora was spectacular………..I think we saw about 8 or 9 different types of orchids, and the European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), the only spontaneous palm in Europe so I’ve learned.

As we finally arrived in the tiny hamlet of Penina it was surprising to find that other than one little yapper, there wasn’t a dog in sight. I can tell you, after having hiked this many times over the years, that that is a first. One place in particular, where they keep several dogs in a large pound, and have during the many years I’ve hiked here, not a critter. it was kind of spooky in a way.

The last section, from Penina back to the car park is about 2 kms along an old farm road, actually a road that is very much still in use. It’s lovely to look up at the Rocha da Pena and appreciate the perspective from below and feel the pride with having just traversed it. It’s certainly imposing from that view.

All is all, a truly wonderful outing. We all had various “products” measuring our distance, steps, etc.. and in comparing, none of them matched…..LMAO…..and so, I am going to go with my outcome. 6,89 kms, 10,689 steps 2h22m, with loads of stops built in. I can’t wait to go back and do it all over again next year!

And in closing, nothing to with the hike…….Marc has a new friend! He’s been living with us for three days now…..Marc has named him George!! He’s as big as two loonies!!! As he has made his home in our living room, out of reach, we’ll leave him alone till he comes down and I can put him outside, or he eats us, whichever comes first!