October 4, 2012

"Magic Mountain" is not in Disney World...

It's in Spain...and it's called Montserrat.



"One method of getting loved ones to look more fondly on your mountain climbing
is to tell them that since you started climbing...
you hardly do drugs anymore."

--David Harles



Montserrat, Spain.  A multi-peaked mountain outside of Barcelona in the Catalonia region. "Montserrat" translated from Catalan means "jagged mountain".  The perfect domain for mountain goats (altho I saw NONE, but was informed there are wild boar in residence.  Do wild boars even climb mountains????), hardy tourists, and....mountain climbers.  This isn't your Disney World "Magic Mountain" folks.  Hmmmm, we were actually told by a woman from Croatia "I'm so glad you aren't some of those lazy Americans."  Seriously?  I'm not only climbing this sucker, I'm hauling "James Dean" along for the trek...and he needs to go on a diet.  I am woman, hear me roar. 

Montserrat is one of the most important religious sites in Spain and is the residence for the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat.  Some have even identified it as the location of the Holy Grail in Arthurian myth.  





People come from near and far seeking spiritual rewards AND the most spectacular view of Catalonia.  You start your ascent via cable car to the first way station.  From there?  Well...we have options.  Some walk the long, winding and increasingly steep path up the mountain, on the lookout for the wild boars grunting in a Catalan dialect...






And some wild boar fearing cowards, take the more direct route...



"This Mountain Isn't Big Enough for the Two of Us"
Montserrat, Spain





"Which Way to the Top?"
Montserrat, Spain
(linked to: Nurture Photography Challenge)




"The  Climb"
Montserrat, Spain
(linked to: Photo Perspectives ChallengeFavorite Photo Friday)



Hmmmm, did you notice how high these guys are?  Did you notice that I am even HIGHER than the crazy people????  My mountain is bigger than your mountain!!!!  No boar could survive on the thin air up here, just sayin'.



"My Mountain or Yours?
Montserrat, Spain



Totally worth the workout to ascend to the summit of Montserrat.  Some do it the hard way...some do it the even harder way.  Stay tuned, and I will show you some of our "hard way".  And no wild boars were hurt in the process.


--Kathy

17 comments:

  1. Uh uh, no way, not ever would you find me in this situation. Happy climbing!!

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  2. I like the tram way up thank u very much! Gorgeous view tho!

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  3. Wow! What a crazy way to get to the top! I think I'd take my chances with the wild boars!

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  4. I am getting Vertigo just looking at these crazy people! How do they get down? I wouldn't do that for anything!!

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  5. don't think I'll ever do that.. I can imagine the thrill though..

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  6. I'm not fond of heights, and quite like Kelly's idea of a tram ride, haha! Really spectacular shots and look forward to "your hard way"!!

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  7. Wow!! What fantastic photos...I can't wait to see more!

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  8. You one crazy lady to get up there. What the hell? Amazing Race?
    Love that close up of the climber. I'm going to hope that was you snapping from a long lens rather than foolishly climbing said "hill" in fabulous shoes toting James Dean. All that is just too overwhelming.
    It does look like the views were totally worth it though. Happy day Kathy.

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  9. Those took my breath away. And this time not because you take great pictures. Whew!

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  10. Wow, that must have been awesome to say the least. Alas, my climbing days are over; it's all downhill from here. :) Bless you!

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  11. These are incredible!!!!! Absolutely incredible!!! When I first read Magic Mountain I thought maybe you took a trip to the theme park Magic Mountain in CA.

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  12. WOW! nuff said, congrats on the climb!

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  13. I am so totally impressed......geez.
    my palms are a little sweaty!
    really, really nice shots
    and job well done
    (i think i'd have to start taking drugs
    to DO it!)
    -Jennifer

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  14. Wow, I'm absolutely jealous. I haven't climbed in a long time. My arms are twitching with want, just thinking about it ;-)

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  15. Oh my goodness!Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to stop by and say thank you. xo

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  16. Oh I ADORE these! I have never been rock climbing and I would love to one day :)

    Thanks so much for linking up with the Nurture Photography Challenge!

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