José Manuel is one of our members of the Yumping Community, who has offered to answer some questions about his favorite sport. He goes hiking whenever he can, although lately he has had less time for it given his busy professional life, which does not leave him the free time he would like.
Even so, whenever there is a space, he takes advantage of it to take a little getaway. Today he tells us his experiences and advises our readers.
Yumping.- First of all, welcome to the Yumping.com Community José.
José Manuel López.- Thank you very much, the truth is that it is a pleasure because you are very complete.
Y.- I'm going to start by asking you what the daily life of a person interested in adventure sports is like.
J.M.L.- Well, everyday life is normal, working like everyone else (laughs).
Y.- Do you spend a lot of time practicing this hobby?
J.M.L.- As much as I can, although less than I would like.
And.- Exactly, what practice do you prefer?
J.M.L.- What I like the most is hiking, because I like to be able to do things that only depend on me.
Y.- What routes have you done?
J.M.L.- Especially in the Picos de Europa - 6 years spending holidays there walking and walking goes a long way. And also through the mountains of Madrid.
Y.- What is the best adventure you have had doing it?
J.M.L.- I don't know if the best, but certainly the most exciting. I have tried to reach Torre Cerredo - the highest peak of the Picos de Europa - on 2 occasions. The first one we had to leave due to time and the second one we stayed about 20 meters from the top. A shame, but those who know him know that he is tough. Also one year we had our base in Sotres and we walked with all our luggage from the Fuente De cable car - a good beating to start the vacation - (laughs).
Y.- Teamwork is important in an activity like the one you have carried out for so many years. Have you ever had any problems?
J.M.L.- Well yes, it is important, especially in terms of orientation and the speed of walking, because not everyone walks equally fast. You have to try to adapt to each other to reach a speed at which you can stay together. I remember one time I I sprained my ankle - one of many - and all my companions had to help me to finish the descent, it was exhausting for everyone.
And.- Anecdotes would be the order of the day, right?
J.M.L.- Of course, every time you take a walk something comes up. For example, one year when we were near the Covadonga Lakes, on the last day we were late and we missed the bus, so we decided to stay at the monastery to sleep under a porch. Apparently it can't be done, so we were a little disappointed and didn't know what to do. It occurred to us to ask at the picnic areas and they let us sleep between the tables, under the awnings. It was lucky, because we didn't have to sleep outdoors.
And.- What do you recommend to those who want to start hiking?
J.M.L.- Above all, be careful not to get lost or fall down a slope that may seem like a path - another of the anecdotes from which we miraculously came out alive. Do not venture into a difficult route if you do not have experience or do not know it. And that they buy the best equipment within their reach.
Y.- Comfortable clothing is the main thing, but what do you do if you find yourself in a situation where there are setbacks due to the weather?
J.M.L.- Well, it is always advisable to consult the weather report and find out about the particularities of the area (fog, sudden changes, etc.), but if we are still surprised by some setback, we should not lose sight. calm. If we can follow a path, follow it. If we meet other people, they may be able to help us. Trying to find shelter and not move can also be a good idea if we are not in an extreme situation and we know that they will look for us.
