It’s Not A Hill, It’s A Mountain!

voltee ♦ December 27, 2010 ♦ 4 Comments

Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Grey, rayon/silk Designer: ? Where Purchased: Anthropologie Years Owned: 0.5

Today I am feeling a little jealous of my New York and New Jersey-ers who are snowed into a Winter Wonderland. here in Ohio we got just a dusting of snow. I’m not looking forward to digging out our driveway late tomorrow night after the long drive home. Or rather, I’m looking forward to looking out of the window with a nice cup of cocoa, and watching Nate dig out the driveway…
It seems like a good time to flash back to the shining turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The very best thing about the resort we stayed in on the coast in Calpe (well, the second best, behind the fabulous spa) was our balcony. Besides our very first night there, which was filled with the clack of pacing stilettos and many a loud “Pedro!” shout well into the wee hours of the morning, the resort was deserted and absolutely peaceful.
I loved the quiet, sunshine-drenched mornings on the balcony the best, but the sunsets were pretty gorgeous as well. Here’s our view:

Every day we admired that giant rock, the Penyon D’Ifac. Then one day we said, “Let’s climb it!”
It is actually a National Park in Spain. So I did not think it would be that daunting of a climb. I wore this blouse over my swimsuit, since it was yet another gorgeous, cloudless day. I didn’t really expect to sweat. Or to cry.
The initial climb was wide gravel paths, sloping gently upwards. Easy. Then, there was a tunnel. The sign outside the tunnel stated that the path beyond became very dangerous. To demonstrate this, it was illustrated with a stick figure falling over the sign of a cliff.
Slightly alarmed, I expressed doubt as to whether we should continue.
Nate, of course, was determined to press on.
There were portions where I was as terrified as I’ve ever been in my life. The “trail” was not clearly marked, and often did not even exist. Sometimes, there was just a sheer cliff face a narrow ledge, and a rope to pull yourself along. Oh, and an 800 foot and climbing drop straight to the sea.
Here is a visualization of the terror:

Finding footholds was very precarious. Nate made a joke about bringing a cooler and some beers up next time we climbed it. I laughed- it was absolutely the last place in the world I would ever want to be intoxicated. The height alone made me dizzy enough!
Then, when we were almost to the top, we passed a group of four English tourists, carrying about 12 empty Heineken cans out with them. Middle aged, out of shape, and drunk. Then I knew that if they could survive, I could, too!
And it was also quite beautiful. It was the home base of all the seabirds in Calpe. They were absolutely everywhere. Hopping on rocks next to the trail, eying us suspiciously. Spiraling tightly above our heads. Soaring languidly hundreds of feet below us, along the sea. I think I will always be able hear their voices, laughing, screaming, squaking, crying, squealing.
The path to the summit was just rocks, no trail. But once we got there, it was spectacular! Here’s part of the panoramic view:

At the top, there was another group of brave hikers, and they all had rock climbing equipment. Probably much smarter than us…
The smartest of all, though, were two little cats. Hanging out at the top of an 1800 ft rock. And scrambling around like it’s flat ground. Begging for picnic scraps, and so very adorable. They made me feel a little sheepish for being so scared.
The way down was much less frightening for me- because there were no more surprises, and I knew just how bad it would get. And that it wouldn’t get worse.
Here is the tunnel, and the blouse, and me, tired and proud:

It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip, and I am ever so glad that I did not plummet to my death.
The blouse was purchased on kind of a whim. It has some very cute pleating in the back, and it’s soft and comfy, but I’m not sure that I’m in love with it. I do think I need some help.

**Still haven’t made my mind up about this one. Help!