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 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
Spectacular is the only word to describe the Freda Mirador. It was worth the by-now bumpier ride on dirt trails. What far-reaching views! We were most of the way up to the lake by this point and the fresh smell of pine was wonderful. Base-jumpers sometimes utilize the area.
Spectacular is the only word to describe the Freda Mirador. It was worth the by-now bumpier ride on dirt trails. What far-reaching views! We were most of the way up to the lake by this point and the fresh smell of pine was wonderful. Base-jumpers sometimes utilize the area.
0 2025/01/30 23:48:21
A die-hard American mountain bike couple and their local guide navigating through the immediate Ibon de Plan periphery. Upon our earlier arrival at the parking lot terminus, we had just seen the 'Comlet' megalithic stone circle. That'd been unexpected. So had the filthy condition of the attached Refuge Labasar. Trash had been left uncollected. This had embarrassed Raquel. She was rightly disgusted. We carried on past the massive scree of avalanche-prone Mt. Punta es Litas (2623m).
A die-hard American mountain bike couple and their local guide navigating through the immediate Ibon de Plan periphery. Upon our earlier arrival at the parking lot terminus, we had just seen the 'Comlet' megalithic stone circle. That'd been unexpected. So had the filthy condition of the attached Refuge Labasar. Trash had been left uncollected. This had embarrassed Raquel. She was rightly disgusted. We carried on past the massive scree of avalanche-prone Mt. Punta es Litas (2623m).
0 2025/01/30 23:50:30
We found more than one variety of grapes on the outskirts of the village.
We found more than one variety of grapes on the outskirts of the village.
0 2025/01/30 22:47:11
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
Mountain flora. Also seen were the Edelweiss species 'Leontopodium Alpinum.'
Mountain flora. Also seen were the Edelweiss species 'Leontopodium Alpinum.'
0 2025/01/30 16:00:16
Our landlady Pepita was incredibly spry for someone her age, let alone while recovering after recent surgery to mend a broken leg! That hospital stay had been near her son's home up in St. Lary just across the French Pyrenees border. She was a citizen of both countries. Mrs. Z is totally bilingual and carried the conversation during our visit to her home next door to Casa Blas. She grasped some of my clumsy Spanish and French. I think.
Our landlady Pepita was incredibly spry for someone her age, let alone while recovering after recent surgery to mend a broken leg! That hospital stay had been near her son's home up in St. Lary just across the French Pyrenees border. She was a citizen of both countries. Mrs. Z is totally bilingual and carried the conversation during our visit to her home next door to Casa Blas. She grasped some of my clumsy Spanish and French. I think.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:49
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
Hikers and mountain fans will love Aragon.
Hikers and mountain fans will love Aragon.
0 2025/01/30 15:57:12
Usana pomegranates.
Usana pomegranates.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:14
An antique coffee grinder.
An antique coffee grinder.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:02
The knocker on that same door.
The knocker on that same door.
0 2025/01/30 21:23:11
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
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 2025/02/02 20:18:59
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
0 2025/02/02 20:18:18
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
The Soaso steps looking west towards Punta Munesma aka Tobacor. This was the final spectacular lookout. It came with the most strenuous hike. One member of our troupe went up anyway, despite her recent surgery! If you visit the Pyrenees, put this tour top of your list. Trust me. *next: Ainsa conclusion.
The Soaso steps looking west towards Punta Munesma aka Tobacor. This was the final spectacular lookout. It came with the most strenuous hike. One member of our troupe went up anyway, despite her recent surgery! If you visit the Pyrenees, put this tour top of your list. Trust me. *next: Ainsa conclusion.
0 2025/02/02 20:19:28
0 2025/02/02 19:52:51
Dots of colour. Fall was just beginning to show its true colours. On this slope we spotted a resting brown male 'sarrio' goat-antelope. Jesus had brought a telescope. We also saw vultures, marmots and one chamois.
Dots of colour. Fall was just beginning to show its true colours. On this slope we spotted a resting brown male 'sarrio' goat-antelope. Jesus had brought a telescope. We also saw vultures, marmots and one chamois.
0 2025/02/02 20:19:16
Spanish wine has a looooong history, just like Usana.
Spanish wine has a looooong history, just like Usana.
0 2025/01/30 22:47:00
Heavy rainfall a month earlier had resulted in serious flooding within the Circo di Pineta. This was the valley that we looked down onto from the Estiva refugio on the previous daytrip. The Ermita di Pineta chapel beside the parador was unharmed and the Visitor Center still stood. But the riverbed was littered with tons of flood refuse.
Heavy rainfall a month earlier had resulted in serious flooding within the Circo di Pineta. This was the valley that we looked down onto from the Estiva refugio on the previous daytrip. The Ermita di Pineta chapel beside the parador was unharmed and the Visitor Center still stood. But the riverbed was littered with tons of flood refuse.
0 2025/02/02 19:51:29
0 2025/02/02 19:52:42
Here is but one example, branches stripped of their bark. The cows and their calves had the run of the valley floor. Cue the (for us) humorous sign without words, just a cow symbol with a red line across it. that meant 'Por favor Parador guests: please keep the gate closed.'
Here is but one example, branches stripped of their bark. The cows and their calves had the run of the valley floor. Cue the (for us) humorous sign without words, just a cow symbol with a red line across it. that meant 'Por favor Parador guests: please keep the gate closed.'
0 2025/02/02 19:52:15
The rustic door to Casa Blas. Note the symbolic scallop shell, so meaningful to those along the Camino trail.
The rustic door to Casa Blas. Note the symbolic scallop shell, so meaningful to those along the Camino trail.
0 2025/01/30 21:22:41
This is Torla, a town with a peerless location with Mt. Mondaruego looming above. Just as I took this shot, a young Chinese tourist couple tried to squeeze their rental between two tightly parked cars. There was an audible SMACK!! There'd been plenty of open spaces elsewhere in that parking lot, so the local owner of the most damaged car came running with a WTF?! look on his face! Btw, just west of Torla was the site of that recent ski lift accident.
This is Torla, a town with a peerless location with Mt. Mondaruego looming above. Just as I took this shot, a young Chinese tourist couple tried to squeeze their rental between two tightly parked cars. There was an audible SMACK!! There'd been plenty of open spaces elsewhere in that parking lot, so the local owner of the most damaged car came running with a WTF?! look on his face! Btw, just west of Torla was the site of that recent ski lift accident.
0 2025/02/02 19:51:07
0 2025/02/02 19:52:31
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
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
Btw, this is the Bielsa parador. We enjoyed our three nights there, with VG food, excellent service and a fine fireplace in the lobby common area. The latter came in handy as it rained 90% of the time. Waterfalls such as Cascada Cinqa streamed down the cliff face of Mt Perdido and company.
Btw, this is the Bielsa parador. We enjoyed our three nights there, with VG food, excellent service and a fine fireplace in the lobby common area. The latter came in handy as it rained 90% of the time. Waterfalls such as Cascada Cinqa streamed down the cliff face of Mt Perdido and company.
0 2025/02/02 19:50:52
0 2020/03/19 12:14:16
Our drive across to Torla took us through Ainsa. Juancho took the time to clarify Bielsa's past tragedy. Franco had forbidden any further carnival celebrations, but the stubborn residents of Bielsa were justly proud of their own annual Carnavale. They went ahead anyway. Franco sent in his troops as a reprisal. Many women took their kids across the border to safety in France, but the males of Bielsa paid a heavy price. After Ainsa: the N260/rio Ara with Boltana, Fiscal, Servise then Broto.
Our drive across to Torla took us through Ainsa. Juancho took the time to clarify Bielsa's past tragedy. Franco had forbidden any further carnival celebrations, but the stubborn residents of Bielsa were justly proud of their own annual Carnavale. They went ahead anyway. Franco sent in his troops as a reprisal. Many women took their kids across the border to safety in France, but the males of Bielsa paid a heavy price. After Ainsa: the N260/rio Ara with Boltana, Fiscal, Servise then Broto.
0 2025/02/02 19:55:30
This map shows the heart of Ordesa-Perdido park proper. It receives the most visitors and those visitors are tightly controlled. To the best of my knowledge, no private vehicles have ever been allowed and there have been but three van tour companies allowed to operate inside the park. My Torla connection was one of them and an outfit with the same name also was in nearby Broto. The third van company was in Fanlo, but it seems out of business now.
This map shows the heart of Ordesa-Perdido park proper. It receives the most visitors and those visitors are tightly controlled. To the best of my knowledge, no private vehicles have ever been allowed and there have been but three van tour companies allowed to operate inside the park. My Torla connection was one of them and an outfit with the same name also was in nearby Broto. The third van company was in Fanlo, but it seems out of business now.
0 2025/02/02 19:41:28
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
A shot taken early morn from the gas station at Salinas village. Juancho (Juan Jose) had just fetched me from our new lodgings up at the Bielsa parador and he and I were en route to Torla. Torla was the location of the sole van-tour outfit authorized to take visitors to Ordesa-Perdido park proper. Mrs Z wasn't interested in either the loooong two hour drive from Bielsa to Torla (around the entire bottom half of the park) nor the actual hiking ahead.
A shot taken early morn from the gas station at Salinas village. Juancho (Juan Jose) had just fetched me from our new lodgings up at the Bielsa parador and he and I were en route to Torla. Torla was the location of the sole van-tour outfit authorized to take visitors to Ordesa-Perdido park proper. Mrs Z wasn't interested in either the loooong two hour drive from Bielsa to Torla (around the entire bottom half of the park) nor the actual hiking ahead.
0 2025/02/02 19:41:15
This park is gorgeous (heh heh). There were nine of us in the tour van, including Jesus the guide. The 45 euros fee was very reasonable. The were four or five stops and the views just kept getting better with each one! We began by crossing the Romanesque Glera bridge. Soon we were in an ascent through the Llanos plains (Diazas) with the Sta Ana chapel. Cruceta-Herradura was the first stop, followed by Molar with its view over St. Elena's gorge. Then as seen here: Punta Acuta Cuta (Vio valley).
This park is gorgeous (heh heh). There were nine of us in the tour van, including Jesus the guide. The 45 euros fee was very reasonable. The were four or five stops and the views just kept getting better with each one! We began by crossing the Romanesque Glera bridge. Soon we were in an ascent through the Llanos plains (Diazas) with the Sta Ana chapel. Cruceta-Herradura was the first stop, followed by Molar with its view over St. Elena's gorge. Then as seen here: Punta Acuta Cuta (Vio valley).
0 2025/02/02 19:51:52
Usana beans.
Usana beans.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:23
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
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