population six: pyrenean notes: January 2008
Copyright Population Six 2004

Summer & Autumn fill in

Last summer was filled week days with mountain walking and wild raspberry and strawberry picking and of course the week ends with the departure and arrival of guests in the rural accommodations. It's been a while since the last blog hence a quick fill in on summer and autumn period before starting anew this month.

The highlight was climbing Monte Perdido (3355m) start September. Bus from Nerin to mirador, then near 2 hour "paseo" to Goriz and from there a 3 hour trek to top. The infamous "escupidero" was one step forward two steps back but much easier on the way down. From the top: Pineta valley, Cotiella, the huge crack in landscape that is Cañon de Anisclo...

My other highlight was an excellent raspeberry picking season-10 kilos. I have been making delicious crushed raspberry, melon and orange juice drinks ever since, though supplies are running low now.

Autumn brought a bit if caving in the form of the 15th August in the Cotiella range. Starting point was the refugio de Santa Isabel near Saravillo. A short walk to cave entrance and then an incredibily tight squeeze as you slide your way through 4/5 metre long narrow entrance before standing upright in 1km long cave. Stunning one million year old stalagmites among many other wonderful formations. A minute of dark silence at the end of the cave made me glad I was one of seven. We also made the Aragon news!

The mushroom picking season was practically non existant: just an excuse for a dander in the forest and enough for a one person "revuelto" or mushroom omelette.

And the clients in the guest houses... Australians, Americans, French, Italians, Belgians, Dutch, Brits, Spanish...It's always reassuring to know despite the ups and downs of living in the Aragonese Pyrenees that the majority of our guests, many from other stunning playgrounds such as Colorado left totally enamoured of this region. The Era was as always a great hit with couples, especially the hammock on the terrace and the great birdlife shows. The Manse and Blas impressed the Americans among other things due to their age: 17th century. Hopefully, we will have a some more properties to offer you in 2008 along the same traditional lines.








Posted by Jayne at 17:46 · 0 comments