population six: pyrenean notes: February 2009
Copyright Population Six 2004

Carnaval 22 de febrero Bielsa

Having heard that Sunday was the best day for Carnaval in Bielsa: fewer crowds, just people from village and nearby villages... , I made it for 5.0pm. They were right; a much pleasanter experience than my previous visit a few years back on a Saturday. Next time round, a bonus would be to go in gancy dress as well.

Posted by Jayne at 16:21 · 0 comments

Bielsa Carnival

Carnival time has arrived. If you happen to be in area this weekend 19-22 February, then it is worth checking out the following webpage for the schedule and a description of all the figures that play a part. The web site is a delight to view with some excellent photographs that give a real feeling for the spirit of the Bielsa carnival.

http://www.carnavaldebielsa.com/index.php

Posted by Jayne at 17:31 · 0 comments



More ski touring on French side of Tunel de Bielsa below Pic de Bataillance. Superb weather and scenery made for an incredible day out in the mountains. Once again amazed by the extent this sport opens up mountains to you in winter. Avisable though to go with somebody that has a bit of experience in this sport, especially as a few days prior to this outing the heaviest snowfall of winter fell. We all had our avalanche alarm devices, and praticed localizing rucksacks buried in snow with alarm inside. We finished day all on a high: 600m ascent, magnificent scenery, mountains all to ourselves apart from a few ice climbers, and a slightly improved descent from previous weekend! Look forward to more ski tours...






Posted by Jayne at 17:08 · 0 comments

Esqui de Travesia (ski-touring)


First time out today. Really enjoyed the tour from Cruz de Puyadase in Gistain to Tozals de Iguerra. Learnt how to do "vueltas amarillas" turns ascending. The descent needs alot of practice though. The great bit is the accessibility this activity gives to the mountains in winter. More excursions to follow...

Posted by Jayne at 18:21 · 0 comments

Raquetas

6 hour round trip starting from Puyarruego along the forest track to Plan de l'Abet refuge and then back to San Juan de Plan via the Selva. Saw loads of animal tracks: wild boar, deer, fox...but no animals, too much chat going on. Snow conditions were good for "raquetas". Fantastic scenery and lots of virgin snow to trek through.


Posted by Jayne at 20:06 · 0 comments