At the end of Canal Roya, in the Rinconada, the path zigzags a rock wall where they drain the mountain lakes of Anayet, not even intuit. So much, the mountaineer has traveled the valley, from the circus Rioseta, gradually gaining height by the endless corridor between the hills back of the ski area Astún and the steep slopes of Las Negras. The site invites you to stay and enjoy the tranquility of the streams winding through the meadow, the beauty of this glacial amphitheater, reconciling over time without handles your routine grazing cows, insignificant sound magnificent echo of this imposing stone circus where a shadow is a treasure.
But do not run both. We arrived here from the small car park, to the right of the road up from Jaca to Candanchú, a little before reaching Rioseta. It is not indicated, so passing the turnoff to Santa Cristina hotel (refurbished, alone justifies a visit) you must pay attention. The track comes across the river Aragon-Subordán, which is crossed by a bridge. Initially, runs through a forest to the facilities of a summer camp and the source of the Cherry (a good place to fill the canteen), open when we walked to our left flanked by a lavish earrings in landslides that have left their mark on the mountain. Precisely landslides have forced to divert to the other side of the river the usual way, extending a little approaching a shepherd's hut from where to save a small gap to keep going up the channel. Shared path, and depositions, with a group of pastors French horse returning home satisfied their saddlebags on nearby Canfranc.
La Rinconada invited to stay to enjoy the tranquility of the streams winding through the meadow, the beauty of this glacial amphitheater
The tour is overflowing with water at every step, so we have to overcome many small streams that cross the path and fill it with mud. In normal, takes no more than two hours to reach the Rinconada, but with a six year old boy, time is elastic and, often, eternal. Regular stops are almost a necessity and infant wiles to throw in the towel, A seed seedbed -«I can't anymore, I have left the strength of everything I have eaten for the Pis »- and wisdom mountaineer. Nothing I can not remedy a stone on which to lay the backside, some nuts and a few ounces of chocolate and a drink of water.
I have traveled many times this channel always makes me long (especially around). This time, at times I have the feeling that my memory has betrayed when, behind a hill that presume the latter never appears Rinconada. It costs us three hours to reach the end of the valley. Arguments for quitting, everyone. Under a good shade (I harbored the same to me, as a child, when my father ran with these landscapes always close to the heart) at the foot of a huge mass of stone that looks like a gift from a loving God, lunch to pluck the daisy with a full stomach, always favors the good judgment and self-defeating thoughts away.
At times I have the feeling that my memory has betrayed when, behind a hill that never ends I presume the last valley
It's late and look up discourages, but went ahead with the intent to turn around if the forces of Gonzalo dwindle. We went reeling family stories, dusting childhood stories that blur the effort. And 50 minutes we finally reached the mountain lakes and glimpse, the bottom of the lacustrine plain, Anayet peak, with its characteristic red walls. But the most spectacular is the photo that frames this mountain lake at the foot of peak Aspe (the snapshot is an optical illusion, since the peak is in the foreground but the other side of the valley, but gives the impression that the water layer extends to their feet). The land surrounding the water is impregnated ibón and boots sink into the ground like walking on a sponge. A herd of horses carefree paste a few meters from us through the meanders of water lit by the sun. The scene could not be more bucolic. Almost makes you want to be reincarnated into a cow.
Five hours and a half ago we started walking (rising from the nearby station Formigal is much faster) and there is still back on the same path (normally, and to avoid the tedious back, I generally carry down Las Negras to Canal Roya, but the slopes are very steep and end the trail is lost and you have to go down to the downhill brava, inadvisable for a child of six years). For those not accustomed to mountain, should be noted that the declines are more dangerous than the increases. A sprained ankle is always lurking and steps should ensure not to tempt fate (course, boots without the danger of injury triggers).
A herd of horses carefree paste a few feet of us. The scene could not be more bucolic
It's half past three p.m. when, and below, started to turn Canal Roya in reverse, giving back to the Rinconada. In a half hour, and after a brief stop to give the last bites to provisions, we reached the hut of shepherds us to the track, devoured by the sun at this time. There is nothing more frustrating for tired legs that endless dirt track. This, fortunately, is quite short and after six in the afternoon we arrived at the parking lot where we left the car almost nine hours before.
