A step in the wrong direction - a lesson learned by phil_howcroft

A step in the wrong direction - a lesson learned

The weather in Mallorca was pretty good, but it was always a bit nippy first thing in the morning, so we would always go for a walk after breakfast.

This is Jane following the cliff top walk westwards out of Cala Mesquida.

We are about to walk over a really big cliff. The options ahead are a 'well trodden path' over the top of the cliff or a 'less trodden path' around the outside. (the less trodden path can be seen exiting the frame on the right hand side).

We took the 'over the top option'..a steep climb, but we were rewarded on the other side by a beautiful, quite lush landscape (well as lush as it can be for a cliff top) of wild flowers (wafting too fast to photograph) and lots of butterflies (wafting too fast to photograph)

On the way back Jane suggested we try the less trodden path around the edge. A big clue there....."less trodden" .......the path was hard to follow and at one point we were walking along a narrow ledge ...literally a step away from an almost sheer drop into the sea !! Eventually the path just stopped ....I told Jane we had to 'go back'..she said she was too scared to go back !!! The only other option was to go up...scrambling up steep rocks, hoping you didn't loose your step or hand grip. It was really scary and the worst bit was we hadn't seen anybody else on our walk, so we were in effect on our own ! We did make it to the top but I was being shouted at as we literally crawled on all fours up the cliff face......."put that damn camera in your pocket"....I did not take any pictures !!

I'd looked on google maps before we went to research the walk ...and the lesson learned is use a bit of sense..."well trodden path" .."less trodden path" ...use the sensible option !

I like the monochrome conversion here.

A link to google maps - we got stuck on the bit sticking out on the right hand side.

http://maps.google.co.uk/?ll=39.75105,3.427053&spn=0.002037,0.005284&t=h&z=18

BTW: Is it lesson learned or lesson learnt ?
Great shot
June 3rd, 2013  
I shouldn't laugh but must remember that, well trodden means go that way!!!
I like your take on this photo, an unusual POV!!
Take care!!
June 3rd, 2013  
Gosh that sounds pretty scary, That happened to me a a friend from Canada in Derbyshire one year. She was very nervous and we walked ourselves to a standstill on a fairly steep path. We couldn't contact the fellas as there was no phone signal. The only option was to go back.
June 3rd, 2013  
That is scary! I did have to laugh at "put that damn camera away!" Haha glad you guys got out unharmed and the photo is terrific!
June 3rd, 2013  
Blimey mate! Yikes. I think we've all done something like that, phew when it's all over. And now relax for the rest of your holidays ...
June 3rd, 2013  
@sleepdozer57 thanks Peter...I'm home now ...first day back at work today ....yes we all do some daft things I suppose !
June 3rd, 2013  
@espyetta Mary Beth...yes i did i was told to the 'camera in pocket' comment !!!
June 3rd, 2013  
@happypat thanks Pat...I used my zoom on my compact camera for this as it emphasises the landscape and gives a bit of idea of scale
June 3rd, 2013  
@busylady thanks judith.....I did think the landscape on the cliffs had a bit of a 'peak district by the sea feel to it...Curbar Edge sprung to mind !
June 3rd, 2013  
@kerristephens thanks kerri :)
June 3rd, 2013  
I appreciated your description of your adventure! My husband always wants to do these sorts of things and I don't want to be left behind so I come too and get really wild when I'm so scared! It looks a high place!
June 3rd, 2013  
Sue
Oh, but you never know what you might find on the less trodden! Great shot Phil ... and I shouldn't laugh either, lol. ; P
June 4th, 2013  
Oh Phil! What an adventure you have had. This will make a great pub story. Terrific shot here too.
June 4th, 2013  
LOL - that's our sort of walk - only Nigel usually choses the daft route and I have to do extra loud shouting! Makes a lovely shot at this point though.
June 4th, 2013  
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