Sant Maurici to Portarro d' Espot 2 July 2012
After descending from Portarro peak back to the plateau of Portarro d' Espot, I have taken an hour rest whilst Nero enjoyed swimming in the small alpine lake. Well, it wasn't really much of rest, because each time I tried to sit down and chill on a rock (avoid sitting on the grass, its edges are razor sharp), Nero will spring out from the lake towards me, splashing water all over me, and throwing small stones at me, to get me to play with him. When I tried to ignore him, he wouldn't stop barking his head off. So, for an hour of Nero's pure joy, my arm struggled serving him as a ball thrower! If, I didn't throw far enough, he will retrieve larger and heavier rocks, for me...as a punishment!
He was having so much fun, it wasn't easy to get him to stop. Finally, on the third call he left the lake, let me toweldry him well, and stood still until I geared him up. We left Portarro d' Espot at around 3.00pm and headed down to Espot, following the same trail back. The very first section of descend was hard going for Nero. Not only he was tired from all the swimming, but the sharp large rocks were really hurting his paws, even through the dog boots. It took us longer than estimated, just to get through this particular section. Half way through it, Nero lost one of his front leg shoe. Backtracking in attempt to find it didn't pay off, the shoe was lost. With only 3 boots on, the going became even more difficult for Nero. He heavily relied on the three protected paws, and tried to avoid using the fourth paw. It caused his body imbalance and he stumbled down couple of times. I had to take the load of his back and carry his backpack for him, instead. If he would be a smaller dog, I wouldn't think twice and carry him, but Nero is just so big and heavy, it's truly impossible, unless, I had a "doggie bag". Something to equip myself with next time! It was a relief for both, once we finally set our feet onto grassy path. From here, the going became easier, and we could speed up a bit. Without stopping we walked down to the refuge, where we took a short break. Nero, instead of resting went down to the stream, and kept busy fishing for large rocks. This puppy never seem to get enough of water play!!!! Not long after leaving the refuge we arrived back at the starting point. Nero was now utterly exhausted, and impatiently tried to force the boot open, to get in. Once in, he was asleep!
When we've got back to Rafela, Nero was so broken he could hardly walk. His paws were sore and muscles on his rear legs kept trembling. No matter how fit your dog is, mountain climbs will just suck the entire energy right out of him. Barely making his way upstairs, he crashed on the couch, and slept for two hours before having dinner. Seeing him so exhausted, I thought of something that could be helpful for him. A power shower and a good paw soak! He totally loved it!!!! Half an hour after shower, I found him snoring on his back in his bed!!! With the night settling down slowly in Figols, it was time for bed!!!
P.S. I've added a short video of Nero to show you, how exhausted he still was on the second day after our mountain climb ... he rested in a bed the all Tuesday, and the same day late evening he still pretty sore...however, by Wednesday morning he was back on his feet, feeling good and fit, again!
To be continued.....
