The Hikers

They don’t let camper vans park in the cul-de-sac by my apartments anymore, but there are still a lot of people who hike around the area, following the paths or “camins” first created by fishermen. Some of the camins are more difficult than others, through dense brush or on rocky paths or steep inclines. Others have been improved by the local government and are easy to navigate. There is a promontory just next to my apartment that seems to draw a lot of hikers to climb to the top for the view…my view! So, it’s not unusual for me to look out my window and see some strangers poking around on the point not far from me.

The other morning, I woke up and was laying in bed contemplating the sky and the day’s weather, when I saw (without my glasses) a very weird bird flying past my window. When I sat up, I saw it was a drone!! I was wearing my nightgown, but it was very disconcerting. I don’t have curtains and I like it that way. I wake up with the sun.

I didn’t capture a photo of the drone, but I snapped one of these guys right out my window. I guess it’s no different than having people walk past your house on the sidewalk, but it feels more invasive and weird.

Ever since I came here, I’ve observed in the distance the three mountains just across the water, before the Serra del Cadí, the range of mountains that leads to the Pyrennees. The middle mountain bears what I refer to as a square nipple, because that is what it resembles from a distance, but it is actually a 13th century castle. A long time ago, I climbed flights of stairs during lunch with a friend (up to 50), and ever since, I’ve wanted to climb things – the Eiffel Tower (never have) and other castles and lighthouses, which I have, and now the Massif de Montgri where the Montgri Castle stands. I had yet to find anyone willing to take the challenge with me and I was a little nervous to try it alone (at my age, you know). A younger and very fit woman in my Yoga class who has climbed it many times said she would go with me when the weather improves. The 360-degree view of the mountains and ocean from the castle are supposed to be spectacular. I’ll let you know if I make it. Until then, below are photos of (1) the view of the Massif from my balcony, (2) a closer-up view of the Massif and its castle, (3) and the castle itself. I climb a fair amount in my daily walks, but they are for the most part paved. This is steep and rocky. Wish me luck.