There was a full-on rural quality to the village. We just loved it.
There was a full-on rural quality to the village. We just loved it.
0 2025/01/30 21:28:50
There, one finds the excellent four-bedroom Dos Arcos B&B. Owners Emma and Yiftach had agreed to be available for assistance if we'd needed any upon our arrival. Mrs Z and I appreciated their gesture, even though we eventually found the secret location of our hidden door key aided by the actual owner lady. Yiftach also operates a Bike Workshop with tours. Their impossibly-clever children are trilingual and will be quick to tell you that!!!
There, one finds the excellent four-bedroom Dos Arcos B&B. Owners Emma and Yiftach had agreed to be available for assistance if we'd needed any upon our arrival. Mrs Z and I appreciated their gesture, even though we eventually found the secret location of our hidden door key aided by the actual owner lady. Yiftach also operates a Bike Workshop with tours. Their impossibly-clever children are trilingual and will be quick to tell you that!!!
0 2025/01/30 21:28:29
...to enthrall us.
...to enthrall us.
0 2025/01/30 22:24:54
Some outdoors decor speaks to the arty steak of Dos Arcos.
Some outdoors decor speaks to the arty steak of Dos Arcos.
0 2025/01/30 22:07:50
The latter flowed into a stretch of quasi-submerged trees lining its banks.
The latter flowed into a stretch of quasi-submerged trees lining its banks.
0 2025/01/30 22:24:36
...the mind delights.
...the mind delights.
0 2025/01/30 22:29:28
The second historic tunnel, which was located one lane below us. Usana was a paradise for both shutterbugs and painters.
The second historic tunnel, which was located one lane below us. Usana was a paradise for both shutterbugs and painters.
0 2025/01/30 21:28:20
Ethereal sunrises never ceased...
Ethereal sunrises never ceased...
0 2025/01/30 22:24:44
These hikers were excited to have just seen a nearby ostrich fossil on one particular rockface. They may have been German. Raquel's clients tend to be French, Belgian, Dutch and Spanish. *next: Julian and Mia's tour of the wild Anisclo canyon.
These hikers were excited to have just seen a nearby ostrich fossil on one particular rockface. They may have been German. Raquel's clients tend to be French, Belgian, Dutch and Spanish. *next: Julian and Mia's tour of the wild Anisclo canyon.
0 2025/01/30 23:51:31
Usana eggplant.
Usana eggplant.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:34
In flowered fields...
In flowered fields...
0 2025/01/30 22:29:21
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
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
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
Timeless icon of Iberia.
Timeless icon of Iberia.
0 2025/01/30 15:59:44
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
More of same.
More of same.
0 2025/01/30 22:07:37
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
In addition to old rakes, ropes and tools, these dried flowers decorated the tunnel. One day there in the tunnel, I learned that I'd been calling Pepita's dog by the wrong name. Whereas I'd called him 'Charcoal' in fact he was actually named 'Choco(late)' for his brown fur.
In addition to old rakes, ropes and tools, these dried flowers decorated the tunnel. One day there in the tunnel, I learned that I'd been calling Pepita's dog by the wrong name. Whereas I'd called him 'Charcoal' in fact he was actually named 'Choco(late)' for his brown fur.
0 2025/01/30 22:29:43
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
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
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
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
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
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
Next: our first daytrip with Raquel (Solomonte): the Ibon de Plan lake.
Next: our first daytrip with Raquel (Solomonte): the Ibon de Plan lake.
0 2025/01/30 22:47:33
*Ibon de Plan is a pristine lake with an entry hike. Raquel picked us up. Juancho had earlier been busy transferring some cyclists to a mountaintop for sunrise. Those riders had been part of a major international cycle fest centered up at Bielsa. Raquel brought the Solomonte jeep, not the van. Note that she and Juancho speak good English. In addition, they guide various adventure water sports popular in the area e.g. canyoning. *image above shows elsewhere SOLOMONTE phone +34 617 99 5434
*Ibon de Plan is a pristine lake with an entry hike. Raquel picked us up. Juancho had earlier been busy transferring some cyclists to a mountaintop for sunrise. Those riders had been part of a major international cycle fest centered up at Bielsa. Raquel brought the Solomonte jeep, not the van. Note that she and Juancho speak good English. In addition, they guide various adventure water sports popular in the area e.g. canyoning. *image above shows elsewhere SOLOMONTE phone +34 617 99 5434
0 2025/01/30 23:50:03
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
0 2025/02/02 19:52:51
An antique coffee grinder.
An antique coffee grinder.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:02
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
0 2025/02/02 19:52:31
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
Dramatic, heart-stopping views are but one advantage of staying here. The above manager Jayne Calvert lives not far off and will take care of all your concerns.
Dramatic, heart-stopping views are but one advantage of staying here. The above manager Jayne Calvert lives not far off and will take care of all your concerns.
0 2025/01/30 21:25:37
0 2025/02/02 20:18:59
0 2025/02/02 20:18:18
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
Cotiella's Clump Massif had a neighbor, the 2427m high Penu del Mediodia. The latter had intriguing patches of gold-coloured scree high above.
Cotiella's Clump Massif had a neighbor, the 2427m high Penu del Mediodia. The latter had intriguing patches of gold-coloured scree high above.
0 2025/01/30 23:51:18
Bucolic landscape was never far away.
Bucolic landscape was never far away.
0 2025/01/30 22:25:14
Advertising | Cookie Policy | Privacy Statement | Terms of Service | Manage Preferences - Your Privacy Choices