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 village of stone and...
A village of stone and...
0 2025/01/30 21:30:00
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
Julian Garcia ('Excursiones 4x4') was our guide at Anisclo canyon, the daytrip we completed before meeting Raquel and Juancho. He is also a trained masseur based in Boltana. Julian brought his ESL tutor pal gal (see next) to serve as interpreter.
Julian Garcia ('Excursiones 4x4') was our guide at Anisclo canyon, the daytrip we completed before meeting Raquel and Juancho. He is also a trained masseur based in Boltana. Julian brought his ESL tutor pal gal (see next) to serve as interpreter.
0 2025/01/30 16:04:36
This is Isabel, one of the local sheep. She begged us not to tell her parents that she was pregnant. "Oh, no need to worry about that Izzy," we assured her. "We ate them last night."
This is Isabel, one of the local sheep. She begged us not to tell her parents that she was pregnant. "Oh, no need to worry about that Izzy," we assured her. "We ate them last night."
0 2025/01/30 16:06:36
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
The sun kept making the mountain brighter.
The sun kept making the mountain brighter.
0 2025/01/30 23:51:01
The corner of that same garden. Once during our 9-day stay, a hiking teen couple obsessed with the perfect Insta image posed while standing directly atop those beautiful flowers shown to the right!
The corner of that same garden. Once during our 9-day stay, a hiking teen couple obsessed with the perfect Insta image posed while standing directly atop those beautiful flowers shown to the right!
0 2025/01/30 21:25:51
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
Mrs Z likes to paint.
Mrs Z likes to paint.
0 2025/01/30 22:25:05
Our lunch picnic was at the remote Plana Canal hut. More than once, large birds of prey dived from the clouds with force, hunting after something close by. Rabbits? Marmots?
Our lunch picnic was at the remote Plana Canal hut. More than once, large birds of prey dived from the clouds with force, hunting after something close by. Rabbits? Marmots?
0 2025/01/31 13:32:04
Lotsa' trees about. A lumber industry was evident, in addition to varied agriculture. Barbastro's 'pink' tomatoes are favored by some over the more-hyped ones from Murcia.
Lotsa' trees about. A lumber industry was evident, in addition to varied agriculture. Barbastro's 'pink' tomatoes are favored by some over the more-hyped ones from Murcia.
0 2025/01/30 16:03:14
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
*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
Timeless icon of Iberia.
Timeless icon of Iberia.
0 2025/01/30 15:59:44
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
Usana eggplant.
Usana eggplant.
0 2025/01/30 22:28:34
...also wood.
...also wood.
0 2025/01/30 21:28:41
*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
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
In the center, one can see the distinctive twin peaks of Los Astuzas (love that name). The leftmost twin is Gran Astuzas, which is 3080m. Its little brother Pequeno Astuzas is 'only' 3012. I mention these measurements to add some perspective. These are Tall mountains. Behind those twins is the popular ice climb 'Couloir Swan,' plus a tarn mountain lake.
In the center, one can see the distinctive twin peaks of Los Astuzas (love that name). The leftmost twin is Gran Astuzas, which is 3080m. Its little brother Pequeno Astuzas is 'only' 3012. I mention these measurements to add some perspective. These are Tall mountains. Behind those twins is the popular ice climb 'Couloir Swan,' plus a tarn mountain lake.
0 2025/02/02 10:09:29
This was a particularly floral area, with substantial pasture. Shown here is violet saffron crocus, but there was also 'oreja de osos' (bear ears') a primrose that survived the tropical prehistory and grows near karst cracks and fractures. Also seen: gentian, saxifrage, lilies, houseleek, cinquefoil, , alpenrose, rododendrum, silverbirch and fake cannabis that is toxic. Here, beech is called 'fresno.'
This was a particularly floral area, with substantial pasture. Shown here is violet saffron crocus, but there was also 'oreja de osos' (bear ears') a primrose that survived the tropical prehistory and grows near karst cracks and fractures. Also seen: gentian, saxifrage, lilies, houseleek, cinquefoil, , alpenrose, rododendrum, silverbirch and fake cannabis that is toxic. Here, beech is called 'fresno.'
0 2025/01/31 00:26:29
Higher elevations are often home to thorny plants, ones which result in excellent local honey. Bees must love these cliffs and canyons.
Higher elevations are often home to thorny plants, ones which result in excellent local honey. Bees must love these cliffs and canyons.
0 2025/02/01 12:26:29
After driving past Zapatierna, we kept going up and up. It was our windiest, and coldest daytrip yet. It was also the one with the most tricky driving. I tried to reduce my chirpiness to a minimum so that Raquel could concentrate behind the wheel. In this very stretch, an alert Mrs Z began to notice patches of dying/dead pines. An invasive species of butterfly had been nesting throughout. The firs and beeches seemed resistant so far. the poor pines not so much. A problem for forestry personnel.
After driving past Zapatierna, we kept going up and up. It was our windiest, and coldest daytrip yet. It was also the one with the most tricky driving. I tried to reduce my chirpiness to a minimum so that Raquel could concentrate behind the wheel. In this very stretch, an alert Mrs Z began to notice patches of dying/dead pines. An invasive species of butterfly had been nesting throughout. The firs and beeches seemed resistant so far. the poor pines not so much. A problem for forestry personnel.
0 2025/02/02 10:08:16
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
Such moody clouds.
Such moody clouds.
0 2025/01/30 22:25:45
...to enthrall us.
...to enthrall us.
0 2025/01/30 22:24:54
The steep and deep ravine is popular with hardy hikers. We only lasted part way. *A coincidence. We actually saw the above-pictured guide Raquel leading a troupe of 20 senior hikers there, not realizing whom she was! We'd not yet met her and did not know what she looked like. We finally met her for the first time a couple of days later, along with her husband Juancho.
The steep and deep ravine is popular with hardy hikers. We only lasted part way. *A coincidence. We actually saw the above-pictured guide Raquel leading a troupe of 20 senior hikers there, not realizing whom she was! We'd not yet met her and did not know what she looked like. We finally met her for the first time a couple of days later, along with her husband Juancho.
0 2025/01/31 13:33:35
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
0 2025/02/02 20:18:18
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
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
We felt sorry for this Canuck bum traveler and gave him a lift.
We felt sorry for this Canuck bum traveler and gave him a lift.
0 2025/01/30 16:03:42
This is the secluded village of Usana (oo-Sa-nah), nestled 600m up a hilltop in the heart of the Pyrenees. Our rental Casa Blas is located smack dab in the middle where you can see white shutters. The site is directly along the Camino di Santiago Compostela GR19 route. It is one of nine hamlets that compose the Banaston municipality.
This is the secluded village of Usana (oo-Sa-nah), nestled 600m up a hilltop in the heart of the Pyrenees. Our rental Casa Blas is located smack dab in the middle where you can see white shutters. The site is directly along the Camino di Santiago Compostela GR19 route. It is one of nine hamlets that compose the Banaston municipality.
0 2025/01/30 20:58:19
Ethereal sunrises never ceased...
Ethereal sunrises never ceased...
0 2025/01/30 22:24:44
The view from the end of the aforementioned tunnel is wonderful. An effort has been made to decorate both tunnels with some artifacts. Shown here was our rental's garden, with its nocturnal jasmine and more.
The view from the end of the aforementioned tunnel is wonderful. An effort has been made to decorate both tunnels with some artifacts. Shown here was our rental's garden, with its nocturnal jasmine and more.
0 2025/01/30 21:12:10
We'd never seen this rare species before. Any ideas?
We'd never seen this rare species before. Any ideas?
0 2025/02/01 12:26:47
Our goal was La Estiva Refugio hut, seen here in the distance. The mountain the distance is half in Spain and half in France.
Our goal was La Estiva Refugio hut, seen here in the distance. The mountain the distance is half in Spain and half in France.
0 2025/02/02 10:09:56
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
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
Advertising | Cookie Policy | Privacy Statement | Terms of Service | Manage Preferences - Your Privacy Choices