Boutx (Occitanie, France)
The peak we are climbing today - the Pic de l’Escalette - is about as far from the Atlantic as it is from the Mediterranean. At an altitude of 1856m, it is not particularly high compared to the really big ones. But what the heck. It was high enough for us and well worth the trip. True greatness lies in other, mostly very personal experiences. We had to show our true greatness today, because this hike demanded everything from us.
It wasn’t the summit of this mountain that challenged us, although the ascent was anything but a walk in the park. It was the six kilometers that followed that put us under extreme strain. On the passage from the Pic de l’Escalette to the Pas de l’Ãne. Narrow, almost unrecognizable paths. Covered with sharp rocks and muddy. Steep and without any protection. A mental as well as a physical challenge.
Not only the view from the Pic de l’Escalette was the reward, but also the view along the entire path, if a thick fog had not obscured our view for a long time. Also the leafy forest floor covered in autumnal colors on the descent from the Pas de l’Ãne, a kind of magical enchanted forest. All of this touched me deeply and made me happy.
The feeling of happiness was not always present in the moment. Often I was simply concerned with not slipping and falling into the abyss, or so I feared. At one point, I even had a real fear that I wouldn’t leave this place alive. Fortunately, things turned out differently. And that’s not the only thing I’m happy about. I am more than happy about the whole experience.
That’s exactly what we’re here for. To experience, to learn, to grow. This route made me grow. Not only did I have to face my fear, I had to keep a clear head and do the right thing in tricky situations. Step by step, we returned to our starting point safe and sound. What a hike.
Activity: Walk to the Pic de l’Escalette.
Distance: 9,7 km
Elevation: 580 m
Total Time: 4 h 42 min
Start/End: 42°55’09.5”N 0°45’42.8”E