Mountain Goats

We decided to walk to Lac (Lake) Melu which is at about 1500 m altitude. I was unsure about it but in the end decided to join in. It was a 16 km drive along very narrow mountain roads. They are always a squeeze when another vehicle is coming at you.

We arrived at the carpark after paying 6 Euros for all of us. We started walking and from the first step I knew I was in for a horrendous time. Firstly, I didn’t have any hiking boots, just a pair of sneakers which was great for walking around town but totally inadequate for the broken rocky terrain. The synthetic soles of the sneakers were very thin and offered no protection against the rocks and gravel. It was very slippery and hard work just walking. Thank goodness, Leonie found a walking stick without which I knowI wouldn’t be able to make it.

It was a fairly gentle incline for a couple of Kms but then it was pretty uphill for the rest of the walk. The trail was only suitable for mountain goats. It was actually easier trekking in Peru except for the altitude. The tourist office said it was OK walk of 1 hour to the lake. Bullshit! It was a full blown commando forced march. I reckon we could all qualify in the SAS course! Every step was a twisted ankle in the making. There were river crossings.

To get to the lake, the final 300 m involved scaling a rock wall then up some rickety ion ladders and more broken rock trail. Got there in the end. Great view and nice lake. We had a picnic of baguette, cheese and ham. Cooled off and more photos before setting back. If you thought that the journey to the lake was bad enough, the journey back was even worse. Although it was mainly downhill, because of the broken terrain, it was even more dangerous. I had to take it slow as my feet were killing me. Although I was walking, my mind was sent to a “deep blue sea”. It was with immense relief when I finally go to the carpark. Every one said it was a great walk (BULLSHIT!!). I am glad that I managed it without killing myself. It’s a pity I didn’t bring my hiking thongs.

Back tot the room for a much need shower and sleep. We then headed into town and had another great meal at La Trattoria, an Italian restaurant.

We are heading for the coast tomorrow.