Canal Roya: rackets, avalanches and a leak

For: Ricardo Coarasa (text and photos)
Previous Image
Next Image

info heading

info content

With the ski season about to close down, Winter snowfall numerous allow this year still enjoy beautiful snowshoe hiking mountain. And Canal Roya, eg, a glacial valley located near the Somport, in the Pyrenees in Huesca. After leaving the town of Canfranc and his monumental season, we always spend long hurts, just before the N-330 that goes to the ski resorts Candanchú and Astún to move into the Rioseta Circus, a small lot next to a bridge over the Aragón River (km.186) marks the spot where our trek begins. Hence part of a track, parallel to the river, Roya Canal enters, a valley running through the mountains which is the usual route to ascend the mountain lakes and Anayet peak (2.545 meters).

We put the rackets just start walking, because the track is full of spring snow (characteristic of late season, also known as "snow soup") and is much more comfortable to walk with them than with the boots. And that, occasionally, somewhere sunny land and water make an appearance and that forces us to continue on this field with snowshoes set to entertain not a tiresome Slip.

We aim to reach a shepherd's hut by the river where many years ago I turned to the inevitable teenage rebellion fee

We want to reach, this morning disconcerting late March (as soon drops a fine snow as the sun timidly), a shepherd's hut by the river, from where the trail begins to gain altitude toward the bottom of the channel. Right there for many years turned (so many that I perish contarlos) share with the inevitable rebellion that it presupposes a teenager.

We had decided, my good friend David and I, we had to go home. Do not even remember the reason, but it soon filled two backpacks of supplies to put land in between. We did not want to see the world and end up stumbling around in a big city. Just looking for some silence and excitement of an adventure without tutelage. We decided that we would climb to Canfranero (the train that covers the old rail line and Canfranc Jaca, above, came to the French town of Pau) and would walk by Canal Roya to find a place to plant the tent (had not been invented then the Decathlon and weighed hell).

But, few hours before the flight, someone found our backpacks full of food in the storage room in the garage. We heard no why, nor how one. Our parents, worn soles mountaineers, were sympathetic. Only asked where. That afternoon, the father of my fellow approached us drive away to Canal Roya. And there we left. No mobile, that had not been invented, no money.

The hillsides are dotted with remains of avalanches. One, the boldest, has come to the track on which we walk

I think of those days of solitude in the mountains while wet snow tread up the valley. To our left, the slopes are dotted with remains of avalanches. One, the boldest, has come to the track on which we walk, dragging stones and branches that mark his travel and worry us somewhat. A cartel Avisa: "Track cut. Rockfall hazard ". We went ahead with caution. I count up to six languages ​​avalanche on the south side of The Rack, the mountain where he died the same name chairlift station Astún. The valley is narrow from here, when the track passes the token to a path that runs along the hillside on the right bank of the river. It is a very exposed which, also, recently has been swept away by an avalanche.

The road crossing the river again a little later, accessible in the shelter. In front of it there is still a huge mass of stone by the stream that protects a natural terrace on the left of the path. Right there we decided to pitch the tent in that adolescent break.

We had a few days alone with our nonconformity, with our grievances against the world

We had a few days alone with our nonconformity, with our grievances against the world. We slept listening to the murmur of the river. I do not remember how we killed hours, there were many and very long. A later, the poco of dusk, a cow plunged down the mountain and the sky was full of vultures a few hundred yards from where we were. It was an awesome sight while contemplating the busy evening banquet was gradually blurring the prey.

We were just minutes away from the place. Not worth the risk to an avalanche fall on us. We crossed shaky ground, a layer of snow stuck to the river that threatens to collapse at any moment by the rainfall in the last hours. If we would cede a scare, so the fragile glacier surrounded wading through thickets.

Suddenly, startles us the sound of the mountain. Three hundred feet above our heads, low a small avalanche by a narrow cut

Return along the track full of snow when we startled the rumor of the mountain. Three hundred feet above our heads, is taking a small avalanche in a narrow cut. Since the distance, seems a harmless waterfall. For a few seconds, the snow montonera downhill wheel until it stops well before reaching the valley. We came out of the danger zone and the sun, soothing, glistening seconds is displayed on top of Collarada.

Lasted a week and our getaway when our parents were presented at camp. Then, we survived and heated sausages base to match. They brought some food. We asked if we return home. Said no, that is what is expected to answer any teenager to his parents. We were alone again and, the next day, after a brief meeting unanimously resolved, picked up the tent and we walked down to Canfranc, where we intended to camp on the outskirts of town. We tried it in a clear, but someone caught our attention. It was forbidden, apparently. Then, suddenly, all our desire for adventure, all that revolt tempered by the immensity of the mountain, vanished like a soup down the drain. We approached the train station and started our way back, with the damn tent vertebrae descoyuntándonos.

After two hours of walking, Snowshoe crossing over. What better to top it with a beer in a bar Canfranc (where I drink a beer always feel a certain orphan since the demise of the longed House Marraco), opposite the venerable railway station Gold saw Hitler spend, providing for that teenage rebellion already searched the mountain then a school of life.

 

  • Share

Comments (2)

  • Lydia

    |

    I really liked the story, how have you been linking the walk with snowshoes, with your teen adventure.
    Still do not know the area. It is one of the trips that I have on my list.

    Every time I see pictures of the station Canfranc, I imagine a lot of stories.

    Answer

  • ricardo

    |

    Thanks Lidia. As we grow older, and frequenting the places they occupy a place in our hearts, we are forced to walk with our memories. Be sure to get close to know the area and if you decide to do it let me know and I'll give some guidelines to make the most of the trip. Greetings

    Answer

Write a comment