Blog >> Frozen Man

Frozen Man

Yesterday’s blizzard seems to have blown through to be replaced with freezing fog.  No excuse for not venturing out then.  A five minute drive took us to the picturesque medieval  walled-town of Antoñana which shelters under the prow of Soila (990m)

Soila is an impressive mountain on a clear day.  Today it was shrouded in mist.

 

 

 

 

This photo by ketari shows Soila in fairer weather.

It’s an imposing mountain but is an easy ascent.  The round trip takes around 45 minutes.

 

 

 

 

The intense cold and thick mist covered everything in rime ice.

 

 

 

Soila is situated in the Izki National Park.  Izki represents one of Europes largest oak forests.  The forest is diverse and here we can see an ancient yew (Hegina in Euskera).  By my estimation this tree will be around 700 years old.  That would take us back to 1312!

 

On the summit of Soila, as with other Basque mountains, there is a mail box.  Typically these have unusual forms and in this case it takes the shape of a stick figure.  Members of mountaineering clubs leave a card with their personal details as a way of registering their ascent.  A bit like Scottish Munro bagging.

 

For more photos of this excursion click here