Mt. Perdido is one of 'Las Tres Sorores' along with Marbore and Soum de Ramon. Each of those enormous rock legends towers higher than 3000m and are featured on countless postcards, calendars, book covers and the like.
Mt. Perdido is one of 'Las Tres Sorores' along with Marbore and Soum de Ramon. Each of those enormous rock legends towers higher than 3000m and are featured on countless postcards, calendars, book covers and the like.
0 2025/02/02 10:08:30
The Barraso and Cinqa (seen-kah) rivers were two of the gorgeous rios that we saw. Cinqa is the main course where the annual Navatas is celebrated. Hardy teams of rowers reenact the historic river voyages when lumber was moved towards markets in the era before roads.
The Barraso and Cinqa (seen-kah) rivers were two of the gorgeous rios that we saw. Cinqa is the main course where the annual Navatas is celebrated. Hardy teams of rowers reenact the historic river voyages when lumber was moved towards markets in the era before roads.
0 2025/02/02 10:07:11
In Espierba, we stopped at the embalse/dam. It was a surprisingly beautiful man-made site, with a marsh within a sizable lake.
In Espierba, we stopped at the embalse/dam. It was a surprisingly beautiful man-made site, with a marsh within a sizable lake.
0 2025/02/02 10:07:45
*Later in Belsierre, her high school classmate Oscar drove by in his new one-person vehicle! He owns the modern tourist rental village there. The smell of cow manure was extremely powerful in Puertolas above. But those of who were born on farms feel that a multi-sensory approach is essential to grasp the full experience. And seriously, it'd be a great education for kids.
*Later in Belsierre, her high school classmate Oscar drove by in his new one-person vehicle! He owns the modern tourist rental village there. The smell of cow manure was extremely powerful in Puertolas above. But those of who were born on farms feel that a multi-sensory approach is essential to grasp the full experience. And seriously, it'd be a great education for kids.
0 2025/02/01 12:25:23
Our tourmates hailed from Guadalajara. They were handsome Jorge and...
Our tourmates hailed from Guadalajara. They were handsome Jorge and...
0 2025/02/02 10:05:51
A repeat photo of Mrs Z, shown again so we can ID these high-profile mountains. Far R above her left shoulder: Pico Taillon/Balcon Pineta, which fronts the best hike in all the Pyrenees, the famous Breche de Roland gap. Above her right shoulder going R-L: Mt Marbore, Mt Cilindro, *Mt Perdido ('lost') and Soum de Ramon on the farthest left.
A repeat photo of Mrs Z, shown again so we can ID these high-profile mountains. Far R above her left shoulder: Pico Taillon/Balcon Pineta, which fronts the best hike in all the Pyrenees, the famous Breche de Roland gap. Above her right shoulder going R-L: Mt Marbore, Mt Cilindro, *Mt Perdido ('lost') and Soum de Ramon on the farthest left.
0 2025/02/02 10:06:12
Afterwards we stopped in little Bestue, a sleepy Pyrenees village with outstanding views and much humanized landscape. I mean that it is known for its extensive farm terraces. This charming Bestue corner revealed a traditional bit of local architecture: the truncated stone chimney known as a witch's hat seen above. Those were once created by superstitious Pyrenees builders to ward off the approach of evil witches. The village vista's 'table' was actually a wide chunk of ancient sea fossil!
Afterwards we stopped in little Bestue, a sleepy Pyrenees village with outstanding views and much humanized landscape. I mean that it is known for its extensive farm terraces. This charming Bestue corner revealed a traditional bit of local architecture: the truncated stone chimney known as a witch's hat seen above. Those were once created by superstitious Pyrenees builders to ward off the approach of evil witches. The village vista's 'table' was actually a wide chunk of ancient sea fossil!
0 2025/01/31 13:34:33
Ola Fodorites peoples. My name is Jesus and I am a Spanish mountain guide. You can now see the second installment of Zebec's Spanish Pyrenees TR over in the Spain section. Vamos!
Ola Fodorites peoples. My name is Jesus and I am a Spanish mountain guide. You can now see the second installment of Zebec's Spanish Pyrenees TR over in the Spain section. Vamos!
0 2025/01/31 18:28:18
Anisclo. The sole sounds in the otherwise silent valley, were the whinnying of a few ponies plus the discordant tinkling of cowbells. Mia informed us that locals will say, "LETS GO FOR SOME SAKSIA THERAPY!" Saksia refers to the meditative quality created by that symphony of cowbells so identified with remote mountain hiking here.
Anisclo. The sole sounds in the otherwise silent valley, were the whinnying of a few ponies plus the discordant tinkling of cowbells. Mia informed us that locals will say, "LETS GO FOR SOME SAKSIA THERAPY!" Saksia refers to the meditative quality created by that symphony of cowbells so identified with remote mountain hiking here.
0 2025/01/31 13:25:20
These teen punks were into Drake and Lady Gaga.
These teen punks were into Drake and Lady Gaga.
0 2025/01/31 13:32:54
Back in Solomonte's Escalona HQ basement, Raquel and Juancho operate a climbing wall activity to train kids. One of those children is the daughter of the couple who own Usana's aforementioned Dos Arcos B&B.
Back in Solomonte's Escalona HQ basement, Raquel and Juancho operate a climbing wall activity to train kids. One of those children is the daughter of the couple who own Usana's aforementioned Dos Arcos B&B.
0 2025/02/01 12:29:27
Would this be a safe mushroom for folks to ingest?
Would this be a safe mushroom for folks to ingest?
0 2025/02/01 12:27:27
See the 'witch's hat' chimney? Beware the evil eye. Btw, one could hear the Rio Yaga far below. No doubt it was utilized by locals in the past. Escuain's rare physiognomy means that it is the park's sunniest sector. The hard-working farmers of yesteryear, with their sweaty shirts and weathered faces would've valued a cool respite on hot summer days.
See the 'witch's hat' chimney? Beware the evil eye. Btw, one could hear the Rio Yaga far below. No doubt it was utilized by locals in the past. Escuain's rare physiognomy means that it is the park's sunniest sector. The hard-working farmers of yesteryear, with their sweaty shirts and weathered faces would've valued a cool respite on hot summer days.
0 2025/02/01 12:26:12
Escuain village is now attracting some folks intent on restoring buildings as holiday homes. During each fall season, they will continue to experience (as we did) annual 'transhumance' cow migrations, with sizable herds coming down from the mountains. You could hear their cowbells coming down en mase from Tozal de Raton for miles. Whereas France has laws disallowing dogs off-leash in mountain parks, here we saw local tourists allowing their pets to bark at the bovine migration.
Escuain village is now attracting some folks intent on restoring buildings as holiday homes. During each fall season, they will continue to experience (as we did) annual 'transhumance' cow migrations, with sizable herds coming down from the mountains. You could hear their cowbells coming down en mase from Tozal de Raton for miles. Whereas France has laws disallowing dogs off-leash in mountain parks, here we saw local tourists allowing their pets to bark at the bovine migration.
0 2025/02/01 12:27:01
We four had our bocadillo picnic lunch at the remote and empty Refugio 'Plana Canal'. Julian had supplied the meal. Birds of prey dive-bombed the area from the clouds for their own lunch as they hunted something nearby. Rabbits? Marmots?
We four had our bocadillo picnic lunch at the remote and empty Refugio 'Plana Canal'. Julian had supplied the meal. Birds of prey dive-bombed the area from the clouds for their own lunch as they hunted something nearby. Rabbits? Marmots?
0 2025/01/31 13:34:09
It was the very end of the viniculture season here.
It was the very end of the viniculture season here.
0 2025/01/30 22:47:21
While viewing this holm oak, we were approached by duck hunters. "Seen anything so far?" they asked. "Naw, just some marmots n' chamois tracks," came the reply. The rock bastion Castillo Major (2014m) was in front of us. Beside it were the highly-visible trio of snowcapped peaks known as 'The 3 Marias.' Using Julian's binoculars, we saw cliff faces stained from the white shit of 'bearded' nesting Egyptian/African vultures. Birds of prey were ever-present high in the skies throughout this trip.
While viewing this holm oak, we were approached by duck hunters. "Seen anything so far?" they asked. "Naw, just some marmots n' chamois tracks," came the reply. The rock bastion Castillo Major (2014m) was in front of us. Beside it were the highly-visible trio of snowcapped peaks known as 'The 3 Marias.' Using Julian's binoculars, we saw cliff faces stained from the white shit of 'bearded' nesting Egyptian/African vultures. Birds of prey were ever-present high in the skies throughout this trip.
0 2025/01/31 13:17:07
Anisclo's signature attraction (that word) was an immense, deep gorge gouged out millions of years ago. Eons of sculpted erosion. The gurgling Bellos trout river was just below. Unfortunately, its other key attraction seems nearly-extinct, the rare 'sarria' or 'chamois' goat-antelope, also known as 'capra pierneca.'
Anisclo's signature attraction (that word) was an immense, deep gorge gouged out millions of years ago. Eons of sculpted erosion. The gurgling Bellos trout river was just below. Unfortunately, its other key attraction seems nearly-extinct, the rare 'sarria' or 'chamois' goat-antelope, also known as 'capra pierneca.'
0 2025/01/31 13:33:07
Usana beans.
Usana beans.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:23
We were up among the clouds. It got cooler.
We were up among the clouds. It got cooler.
0 2025/02/02 20:18:01
There were two pine species, black plus orange or Scot. Each preferred its own altitude. During our brief stop at this mirador, we asked Raquel to clarify various Spanish accents. She explained that Andalucians drop the final letter; Northeners (inc. Toledo) are proper and pronounce all letters; Zaragosans 'sing' sentences while the Euskadi do a hard 'K' as their language is not a Latin-based one. Her explanation was fun!
There were two pine species, black plus orange or Scot. Each preferred its own altitude. During our brief stop at this mirador, we asked Raquel to clarify various Spanish accents. She explained that Andalucians drop the final letter; Northeners (inc. Toledo) are proper and pronounce all letters; Zaragosans 'sing' sentences while the Euskadi do a hard 'K' as their language is not a Latin-based one. Her explanation was fun!
0 2025/01/31 00:26:13
Same location.The forested escarpment scenery just did not quit.
Same location.The forested escarpment scenery just did not quit.
0 2025/02/02 20:18:30
One enters sleepy Usana from this tiny chapel shown on the left. In the distance, we see the tunnel that is the hamlet's key feature. Usana has a pair of historic vaulted tunnels, apparently the longest in Spain. They are authentic and the cobblestone footing is both gnarly and uneven. In other words, the real deal. Casa Blas is found at the very end of the tunnel shown here. On Solstice days, locals gather for a celebration as they watch the sun rise to fill the entire length of that tunnel!
One enters sleepy Usana from this tiny chapel shown on the left. In the distance, we see the tunnel that is the hamlet's key feature. Usana has a pair of historic vaulted tunnels, apparently the longest in Spain. They are authentic and the cobblestone footing is both gnarly and uneven. In other words, the real deal. Casa Blas is found at the very end of the tunnel shown here. On Solstice days, locals gather for a celebration as they watch the sun rise to fill the entire length of that tunnel!
0 2025/01/30 21:08:34
There on the outskirts, we shopped at Queso del Artesano de Saravillo. If I caught their family name correct, these folks were Andres Miro and wife (shown here). They make their own varieties of goat cheese, plus 'arandanos' or Pineta blueberry jam, honey, yogurt and eggs. We bought a wide variety. It was amusing to hear their unseen goats bleating in their nearby pen.
There on the outskirts, we shopped at Queso del Artesano de Saravillo. If I caught their family name correct, these folks were Andres Miro and wife (shown here). They make their own varieties of goat cheese, plus 'arandanos' or Pineta blueberry jam, honey, yogurt and eggs. We bought a wide variety. It was amusing to hear their unseen goats bleating in their nearby pen.
0 2025/01/30 23:49:21
Below one saw the curiously-named village of Sin. Its neighbor there in this Feixon Ziego area was Gistain. Clearly audible far below was the Paso Inclusa d'Escun man-made hydro embalse/dam.
Below one saw the curiously-named village of Sin. Its neighbor there in this Feixon Ziego area was Gistain. Clearly audible far below was the Paso Inclusa d'Escun man-made hydro embalse/dam.
0 2025/01/30 23:48:34
Same spot seen from opposite direction. This is Casa Blas. For us it was indeed 'Basa Bliss!' Property manager Jayne Calvert had described this house to us as being cozy and having a prime location and she was right.
Same spot seen from opposite direction. This is Casa Blas. For us it was indeed 'Basa Bliss!' Property manager Jayne Calvert had described this house to us as being cozy and having a prime location and she was right.
0 2025/01/30 21:21:21
Escuain village is a ghost town right by the gorge. It was once a well-known butter-producing village. Folks would once barter butter for wine. A scattered collection of crumbling old buildings still exist, like the one shown below. Shown here is Escuain's historic church/mausoleum, its empty hutches the result of expensive rates that apparently drove historic farm families to bury and inter elsewhere.
Escuain village is a ghost town right by the gorge. It was once a well-known butter-producing village. Folks would once barter butter for wine. A scattered collection of crumbling old buildings still exist, like the one shown below. Shown here is Escuain's historic church/mausoleum, its empty hutches the result of expensive rates that apparently drove historic farm families to bury and inter elsewhere.
0 2025/02/01 12:25:53
0 2025/02/02 20:18:59
That same southerly view shows the sheep farm in the foreground and the Embalse de Mediano dammed lake in the distance.
That same southerly view shows the sheep farm in the foreground and the Embalse de Mediano dammed lake in the distance.
0 2025/01/30 22:19:29
A corral was nearby. Cowboys have ranching rights throughout certain park domains, and this has led to some controversy.
A corral was nearby. Cowboys have ranching rights throughout certain park domains, and this has led to some controversy.
0 2025/01/31 13:32:30
On the long, rocky entry trail, we drove past waterfalls with rainbows and also some landslide damage. The latter was the result of recent rainfall. It was a comfy 12 degrees in the sun, paired with exhilarating fresh air. One can see the route in this photo, as it appears horizontally three-quarters of the way down.
On the long, rocky entry trail, we drove past waterfalls with rainbows and also some landslide damage. The latter was the result of recent rainfall. It was a comfy 12 degrees in the sun, paired with exhilarating fresh air. One can see the route in this photo, as it appears horizontally three-quarters of the way down.
0 2025/01/31 13:33:56
Pretty sure that this mirador Ziarazils along the Faixa pelai. It had a muddy-floored, well-defined stone perimeter. Its sign read: 'Don't throw stones down into the valley because you could hit those below.'
Pretty sure that this mirador Ziarazils along the Faixa pelai. It had a muddy-floored, well-defined stone perimeter. Its sign read: 'Don't throw stones down into the valley because you could hit those below.'
0 2025/02/02 20:18:39
0 2020/03/19 12:14:16
It was fantastic. Here we see the mirador with two names: Bacarizuala by the Brecha(finger) de Azares/Tito Basta. Just across was the Roland gap, Taillon and Marbore mountains.The geology reminded me of Yosemite and also the Canadian Rockies. the heights gave most of us mild headaches so we took Tylenol.
It was fantastic. Here we see the mirador with two names: Bacarizuala by the Brecha(finger) de Azares/Tito Basta. Just across was the Roland gap, Taillon and Marbore mountains.The geology reminded me of Yosemite and also the Canadian Rockies. the heights gave most of us mild headaches so we took Tylenol.
0 2025/02/02 20:18:10
After the rocky entry hike and its tiny brook, we finally made it to the lake: Ibon de Plan. Only a handful of other folks were there on this weekday, whereas weekends can be much more crowded. Mrs Z and I saw clear evidence of this being a glacial valley. Mother Nature and her moraine had gouged and carved the terrain of Cotiella Mountain (2912 m) into artistic stony striations. The legend: a Moorish princess from long ago will dance above the water at sunrise for any who sleep shoreside.
After the rocky entry hike and its tiny brook, we finally made it to the lake: Ibon de Plan. Only a handful of other folks were there on this weekday, whereas weekends can be much more crowded. Mrs Z and I saw clear evidence of this being a glacial valley. Mother Nature and her moraine had gouged and carved the terrain of Cotiella Mountain (2912 m) into artistic stony striations. The legend: a Moorish princess from long ago will dance above the water at sunrise for any who sleep shoreside.
0 2025/01/30 23:50:43
We used our newly-purchased Barcelona glasses in our historic Usana rental 'Casa Blas.'
We used our newly-purchased Barcelona glasses in our historic Usana rental 'Casa Blas.'
0 2025/01/30 15:54:06
A sunset view from our terrace. Such an endless expanse of sky. Perfect for drinks, be they a sunrise coffee or a sunset Rioja. And a great place to dry wet laundry!
A sunset view from our terrace. Such an endless expanse of sky. Perfect for drinks, be they a sunrise coffee or a sunset Rioja. And a great place to dry wet laundry!
0 2025/01/30 21:25:43
This painting is of her husband. Pepita owns other rental properties within the tunnel. We met one of her other vacation renters, a couple from the States now living in Panama.
This painting is of her husband. Pepita owns other rental properties within the tunnel. We met one of her other vacation renters, a couple from the States now living in Panama.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:58
0 2025/02/02 20:18:18
Raquel pointed out this unique site: an ancient collapsed cave roof. Next: the Conclusion, with Ordesa Park proper, the Parador, Ainsa town and music.
Raquel pointed out this unique site: an ancient collapsed cave roof. Next: the Conclusion, with Ordesa Park proper, the Parador, Ainsa town and music.
0 2025/02/02 10:08:40
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