Day 411 - 27/10/2014 : Nuria shrinre snowed

Núria is a popular place of pilgrimage. Sited at an altitude of almost 2000 metres, it provides not just a natural shelter among the high peaks, but also a spiritual oasis whose history can be traced to ancient origins and traditions.

It is the ideal space in which to organize retreats and periods for meditation and prayer.The priests and the team that look after the sanctuary are at your service to provide a haven of spirituality, with a solemn participative liturgy and the added atmosphere of organ music.

The most representative feast around Nuria sanctuary is held by 8 Sep, on the birth date of the Virgin Mary, bringing together a large number of people christened with the name Núria. After the mass, the image of the Virgin is carried to the hermitage of Saint Giles, where hymns are sung to her.

Another way to sightseeing, undoubtedly !

Day 410 - 26/10/2014 : Nuria resort Panorama from Pic l'Aliga hut

We started go down from Pic de L'Aliga to Nuria main area whereas we admired either the church, the frozen lake and above all the ski resort.

The resort has a total of ten alpine ski trails (three green, three blue, two red and two black) and a special track for sleds. In total, seven km of marked trails. In the summer of 2006 there were 18 new snow cannons installed. A total of 73 snow cannons supplement natural snow cover.

About lifts, the resort has a four-seater chairlift fixed-grip (going from the lowest elevation, 1,964 m, to the highest, 2,252),a cable in the Coma del Clot that allows access to the hostel of the Pic de l'Àliga and two lifts that serve the beginners' area.

Probably it isn't the best ski resort in Catalonia but I'm pretty sure is the one with the best landscape, why don't you confirm by yourself?

Day 409 - 25/10/2014 : White and wonderful Nuria

Look at the fantastic view to the North from Pic de l'Aliga hut ! Finestrelles and Eina hills in front of us being the limit with our French neighbors.

White is the uppermost color, we were in early March therefore winter was on fire yet ! What about the location where we took this picture from?

Pic de Aliga hut is located in a spacious lodge in a stunning location overlooking the Núria Valley.

The hostel offers all modern amenities including TV lounge, games room and a bar where all hostel guests can enjoy a good time and relax after a long active day. Breakfast is included in the price and being

in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees, at an altitude of 2,120m, the hostel is a great base for practicing hiking and adventure sports or simply to enjoy relaxing moments and breath-taking scenery.

Believe in me, it's worth it !

Day 408 - 24/10/2014 : Magnificent Nuria Valley from Pic de l'Aliga

Pic de l'Aliga is the most scenic place in Nuria area. You will be able to admire Nuria Valley from any perspective, from the north to the south, from the east to the west.

Looking to the South we see the magnificent Nuria Valley where the railway is coming and the Fontalba range just in the center, on of the most stunning way to get Nuria by foot.

You can reach Pic de l'Aliga by foot in spring and summer stations when there isn't plenty of snow covering the walk path, during winter you've to take the ropeway leaving just in front the rack railway station.

Breathtaking !!!

Day 407 - 23/10/2014 : A couple in Nuria

After our spooky welcome in Nuria, the next day was fantastic !!! Clean skies merged with white sloped creating the magical three color pictures from the ground to the sky.

Here we appear happy after a little excursion from the church surroundings looking for warm sun locations as Coll de la Creu d'en Riba.

The sun was shinning therefore we had to bring our sunglasses. No doubt about that clean winter days are fantastic for scenic excursions, you will continue seeing great Nuria panoramas the following days, you can't get out !!!

Day 406 - 22/10/2014 : Nuria Station

Nuria Station is the last one from Vall de Núria Rack Railway. Located at 2.000 meters above the sea level it's the highest point in Catalonia where any public transport reach.

The dramatic landscape, above all in winters, causes a big people stuck during first hours in the morning, filling all the trains, therefore if you want to avoid the crowd you should set up early your journey.

Because the fantastic weather we are having during our fall station special offers has been raised to climb Nuria during November.

Have a look, it's worth it !

Day 405 - 21/10/2014 : Nuria Lake frozen

If we were skaters we would have been able to enjoy a great journey over Nuria frozen lake. It was so different than we saw in the previous summer !!!

A thick ice block covered the lake but nobody was allowed to skating there because of break danger although we saw some ice figures created on the middle of surface.

We came up with that special panorama in our winter trip to Nuria, would you like to have the chance to life again? It's easy to reach Nuria in any season but in winter it's advisable to book in advance, you know, the ski station behind will be in high season.

Day 404 - 20/10/2014 : Spooky Nuria

Wooowww !!!! What's that?We are going a spend a week looking up in our of most symbolic sights : we are talking about Nuria shinre.


We didn't realize the last track from railway gave us to a spooky scene plenty of fog and snow. But it was fantastic. We didn't spend more time to leaving out and explore the slippery ground, and I was to confirm it was really slippery...

What do you think it was the end of the story? Continue connected !

Day 403 - 19/10/2014 : Tarraco from the air

Have you thought we were flying to Tarraco? Not really to make only 100 kilometers. We took this air panorama from Tarragona when we were flying to the unnamed neighbor country for a flight connection to Punta Cana ;-)

Sometimes we don't realize how amazing should be a short fly with clean sky, you might see known cities from the air and take fantastic pictures. We came up with that beautiful Tarraco panorama and we visited it few months later.

Enjoy the view !

Day 402 - 18/10/2014 : Climbing to Nuria

The rack railway to Nuria is a must visiting Catalonia and Ripollés. After passing the breathtaking views of Ribes Valley just leaving Queralb the track becomes steeped and the mountains start to be cut.

After a left turn on the track we enter into Nuria Valley and the snow starts covering the railway causing all the passenger madness to wake up and take the best possible picture.

We are close to reach Nuria shrine and be impressed by its beauty, you can't get out !

Day 401 - 17/10/2014 : Ribes Valley from Nuria rack railway

The Vall de Núria Rack Railway is a mountain railway line in the Pyrenees mountains in the north of the Catalonia.

The line connects Ribes de Freser with Queralbs and Vall de Núria in Ripollès region. As Queralbs is the highest point in the valley reachable by road, the rack railway is – besides the old footpath / mule track – the only way to reach the shrine and ski resort at Núria.

After leaving from Queralbs the railway starts to be very steeped but allowing admire the beautiful Ribes valley below.

Wonderful !

Day 400 - 16/10/2014 : Vic, Plaça Major

Vic is the capital of Osona's region and one of the most important cities in Central Catalonia. Being only kilometers far from Barcelona and 60 from Girona has become an strategic place for commercial and communication matter.

Vic downtown starts in Plaça Major, the biggest in the city and undoubtedly the most active. Here, the best events in Osona are held, as 'Mercat de la Musica Viva' or the Independence Lipub which was issued on 2010 obtaining the Worlds Records about people being involved.

Every visit in Vic should start or finish in that place, got it and enjoy !

Day 399 - 15/10/2014 : Claiming

Inside the big city, as it has been in Barcelona, it's difficult finding a claim for the Independence. Obviously the cause is the mix culture existing in any cosmopolitan city  and it's fair to recognize people is free to choose their thoughts, symbols and nationalty.

You should travel around Catalonia to observe the movement, specially in Center and North Area. Balconies plenty of Catalan flags, Catalan products sell in every town and people feeling free living in their country.

We saw a building in Vic (Osona region) where the neighbors agreed on the flag to show on his balconies, it was our Catalan flag, our expression of freedom.

Freedom for Catalonia !

Day 398 - 14/10/2014 : Hotel Els Caçadors terrace

After our first visit on Hotel Els Caçadors in Ribes we were impressed by its restaurant and the tasty meals we were able to enjoy.

We came back in winter to discover the magical mountains in Ribes Valley and the amazing rooms in the hotel, as Moon room (in Catalan 'Sala de la Lluna') where you can look for the stars from the room glancing up by the roof window.

Another sight is the fantastic jacuzzi looking up to the mountains, but, will you enough to take a batch in winter? Let's try !!!

Day 397 - 13/10/2014 : Ribes de Fresser

We admit to have been lucky with the weather in all of our trips, either abroad or in Catalonia and one example was when we went to Ribes de Fresser in winter two years ago.

In the evening before a heavy snowfall covered all the mountains and the spectacle when we woke up was really amazing.

White mountains merged with blue sky and green fields, a colorful combination which gave up a fantastic winter journey.

We are looking forward to seeing something similar in the incoming winter, don't take a long time to come !!!!

Day 396 - 12/10/2014 : Looking in the mirror

Sometimes routing with the car offers the chance to take curious pictures from the mirrors as today is shown. We were coming back for our windy journey in Queralbs when we were able to stop on GIV-521 road to take this amazing picture.

Behind us the lovely Queralbs's town and the snowed Pyrenees we found that journey, no better scenario to take a great picture.

Do you think can we opt for an award?

Day 395 - 11/10/2014 : Queralbs from Ribes road

Undoubtedly, the best station to visit Pyrenees is winter, you will feel the cold temperature but it deserves to admire the panorama.

Road GIV-521 starts in Ribes de Fresser crossing the whole valley until put in our eyes a fantastic Queralbs's view and Fontalba mountains.

Specially wonderful is the landscape in winter when the probability to catch snowed pictures is higher.

Loot at the wind moving the snow on top of mountains, it was really fantastic !!!

Day 394 - 10/10/2014 : Windy

We were in Queralbs a weekend when a strong wind was hitting all the Pyrenees area. We came up with an unusual but amazing landscape : mountains snowed, blue sky and the snow being raised by the wind strength.

Queralbs is a very quiet place but we have to admit that morning was different, the wind howl resounded around the valley creating mystic and frightening moments.

We had to pay attention when we were in an open area because we could kiss the ground by a wind hit, it was really funny.

Fear of the wind !!!

Day 393 - 09/10/2014 : Queralbs, Sant Jaume Romanesque church

Queralbs was entirely destroyed in the Catalan earthquake of 1428 whose epicenter was in nearby Camprodon.

Although it takes a while to the town to recover from that disaster, not the town is proud to have one of the most representative Romanesque buildings in the entire area which was saved from the earthquake.

Sant Jaume church came originally from 10th Century but was rebuilt in 12th Century to become the current building. The most relevant element is considered to be the porch covering the south wall, one of the best inside the Catalan Romanesque.


Like a prayer !!!

Day 392 - 08/10/2014 : Queralbs station

Winter is coming !!!

Today we are going to Queralbs a town located in Ripollès area. It is situated in the Pyrenees to the north of Ribes de Freser, close to the peaks of Puigmal (2909 m), Infern (2896 m) and Noufonts (2864 m).

Tourism and hydroelectric generation are the bases of the local economy. The shrine of Núria is situated in the municipality, talking an impressive walk to the north of the village. It houses too a Romanesque Marial image of la Mare de Déu de Núria.

The shrine is reached by a rack railway from Ribes de Freser, which also stop in Queralbs in a panoramic landscape just before leaving the road to Ribes. Specially wonderful become in winter with all the track plenty of snow.

Enjoy your visit !

Day 391 - 07/10/2014 : Santa Barbara d'Ogassa church

Ogassa is a little town located on the slopes of Taga mountain inside Cavallera range. With no more than 250 inhabitants becomes the south entrance to the forest trail coming from Sant Joan de les Abadeses.

The most representative sight is the colorful Santa Barbara church which is plenty of people each 3th of December to celebrate Santa Barbara day, people from Ogassa climbs to the church event the cold weather existing.

Would you like to continue the tour?

Day 390 - 06/10/2014 : Sant Martí Surroca Romanesque church

The parish church of St. Marti Surroca is located on the slopes of Serra Cavallera 1,300 meters above sea level, at the head of the Malatosta torrent under a cliff that has been given its name (Su-roca).

The first news about the church dated on 1090 but it's known that it was rebuilt in the 12th century.



The beautiful Romanesque church surrounded by green fields creates a fantastic panorama which creates the desire to stop the car and have a rest to breath the fresh air coming from the ranges.


A few minutes later we took the picture started to snow and the landscape changed completely.

It was wonderful !

Day 389 - 05/10/2014 : Comuns de Surroca

After passing Ogassa the forest trail start to be stepped and the views become a delightful taste of nature, we guess how much lucky we are by choosing the route.

We were in that moment at 1300 meters asl close to Sant Martí de Surroca church which is first dated from 11th century.

Whereas we drive quietly to reach the church the green countryside appears below us with Garrotxa mountains in front.

Just below, Sant Joan de les Abadesses.

Amazing !!!

Day 388 - 04/10/2014 : Ogassa countryside

Following the trail inside Cavallera range we will reach Ogassa countryside.

Ogassa was a remarkable mining area in the past and today it's possible to visit the old mines which were dedicated mostly to coal extraction.

But nowadays the countryside is governing the area being agricultural and livestock works the most profitable for the town. Furthermore, some interesting building is well preserved yet.

Pay attention for the next days !

Day 387 - 03/10/2014 : Cavallera range

You didn't realize how amazing was our journey into Cavallera range, we were really glad to choose the forest trail to Ribes instead of the usual paved road.

We can say that Cavallera is the mountain ranges of Monasteries bringing us an historical journey full of history.

The landscape is breathtaking, we guessed how impressive would be doing this route in winter with all the countryside covered by snow.

Enjoy the nature !

Day 386 - 02/10/2014 : Sant Miquel de Cavallera church

The first sight you will find on the forest trail into Cavallera trail is the known Sant Miquel de Cavallera church.

We are talking about an occurrence of modest Romanesque having not all the details that real Romanesque had. It's dated on 12th century although it's known it was built above a previous one from 11th century.


During its first stage it belonged to Urgell diocese until 18th century when it was transferred to Vic bishop.

Anyway, an element coming from Medieval stage is always interesting to know, it deserves your consideration !!!

Day 385 - 01/10/2014 : Colonia Estevanell to Ribes de Fresser route

Leaving Camprodon by C-38 road to Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Ripoll you've the chance to take a panoramic route using a unpaved forest trail which start in Colonia Estevanell, just 3 kilometers after Camprodon.

The trail is suitable for every car therefore it's a question to drive carefully and admire the landscape but it's advisable to bring chain wheels if you're thinking to take it in winter.

The following days we will showing how beautiful panoramas we were able to catch.

Take your seat and be patient !!!

Day 384 - 30/09/2014 : St Feliu de Rocabruna church

Rocabruna is a village located in a beautiful spot to almost 1,000 meters above the sea level.

Entering to the town it's easy to discover what is the best sight, undoubtedly the 12th century church of Sant Feliu.

The ordered and well organized environment which surrounds the church create an special atmosphere and the close graveyard increase the mystic sensation.

The today's picture offers a view of the Church taken from the northeastern vertex that allows us to see the Northern facade, the apse and Bell Tower, erected in the gable facing West.

What do you think about?

Day 383 - 29/09/2014 : GI-5223, Rocabruna

The road connecting Beget with Camprodon and Molló is known as GI-5223. During its 14 kilometers the nature and the Ripollés valleys are governing it, creating beautiful panoramas.

Just in the middle of the road you will find the little village of Rocabruna which owns a beautiful Romanesque church from 12th century, it's called Sant Feliu de Rocabruna.

Before reaching the town from Beget you should stop your car and take a panorama picture, the green countryside will merge with the aligned church.

Great atmosphere !!!!

Day 382 - 28/09/2014 : Beget, Sant Cristofol church

I promised yesterday and here is the Beget jewel : Sant Cristofol church.

This building represents the icon of the town, being built in the 12th century now it's one of the best preserved Romanesque church in Catalonia.

You will reach easily, just entering the town after the parking area. It has been included in the National Heritage of Catalonia according to the architectural characteristics.

The temple is of large proportions, very balanced. It consists of a single nave reinforced by arches and covered by a barrel vault. One of the most striking elements is its Tower of four bodies.

You can't forgot this town in your Catalan trip,noticed on that !!!

Day 381 - 27/09/2014 : Beget panorama

Beget is located at 541 meters asl (above sea level) and its houses are aligned above the river connected by two well preserved medieval bridges.

Mostly built in stone, wood is other used material in the picturesque houses. The main bridge which it is said to have been created in the 14th century connects with the second neighborhood in the village, where the France and Font paths merge in a little square.

All the journey in Beget is endorsed in a peaceful atmosphere giving  you a pleasant relax walking on the streets whereas you admire the mountains and the magnificent building.

Tomorrow we will see the most significant sight, you can't get out !!

Day 380 - 26/09/2014 : Beget houses and bridge

Starting at Camprodon and leaving it by C-38 road you will find a crossroad before Molló advising for Beget and Rocabruna, definitely, follow away !!!

In 10 minutes you will reach one of the most stunning towns in Catalan Pyrenees, we are talking about Beget, a village that belongs to Camprodon domain but undoubtedly with a own personality.

The medieval bridges are the most relevant sights besides the magnificent church, but be lost in the stoned streets aligned across the river will give you a peaceful sensation.

Enjoy your visit !

Day 379 - 25/09/2014 : a princess in Beget

Look at these beautiful creatures !!!

We were walking quietly in Beget, a stunning town in Ripollés, when we saw a lovely cat following us. It wasn't an street cat at all, all he looked for was caresses.

We got him from the ground and started playing with such a lovely animal, it was black as our lovely Pisto and fast as the shark Gloriky put him on his shoulders and it was the moment to take a special picture to be shared with all of you.

Now, 3 cats share our space too ;-)

Day 378 - 24/09/2014 : Prats de Molló paintings

Walking on the narrow Prats de Molló streets is a delightful experience. You will be surrounded by a medieval atmosphere filled up with stunning paintings in some houses.

Thousand years of history flood the streets with a glamorous charm between the Vauban walls and Catalan baroque.

The houses appearing today are just behind the Chapelle Saintes Justine and Ruffine, another place to not forget.


You can find additional information about this stunning village on the town website

http://www.pratsdemollolapreste.com/en

Enjoy !

Day 377 - 23/09/2014 : Prats de Molló panorama

Prats de Molló is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and mediaeval architecture. With only 1,100 inhabitants, it boasts numerous hotels, restaurants and cafes, the narrow streets forming terraces linked together by stairways and passages.

A covered walkway leads directly from the town to Fort Lagarde, an impressive fort built by Marshall Vauban in 1683 to strengthen the town's defenses and keep the population under control after the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659) after the revolts of the Angelets de la Terra (1667 to 1675).

Its position also makes it ideal as a starting point for walking and climbing itineraries. Only a few kilometers away lies La Preste, a spa town known for its waters and treatment of urinary infections and related diseases.

It's advisable to visit, don't forget it !

Day 376 - 22/09/2014 : Prats de Molló entrance, three flags

Three flags at the entrance of Prats, three flags to establish the mark.

Prats de Molló- La Preste is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the border with  Catalonia.

The name Prats-de-Mollo comes from Catalan "meadows of Molló". Molló is a town just across the border and the Col d'Ares. La Preste is a spa resort town that was a separate village but is now included as part of the municipality.

Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste is the capital of the eponymous canton. It forms part of the historical shire of Vallespir and is part of Northern Catalonia.

Being only 30 km from Camprodon is a must if you're visiting high Ripollés.

Definitely, try it !

Day 375 - 21/09/2014 : Coll d'Ares

Coll d'Ares (1513 asl) is a mountain pass in the Pyrenees on the border between France and Catalonia connecting Prats-de-Mollo in France with Molló in Catalonia, linking Ripollés and Vallespir shires and splitting Ter and Tec valleys.

Few years ago it was a custom point at the top but it was removed with the creation of European community. As a relevant reference, it's located 18 km from Camprodon where you will be able to start an enjoyable journey inside high Ripollés.

Enjoy !

Day 374 - 20/09/2014 : C-38 to Coll d'Ares

The road between Molló in high Ripollés and Prats de Molló in our French neighbor is a sight to consider to discover magnificent landscape. Leaving Molló you start a soft climb giving you fantastic views from the town, definitely you will stop the car.

After that the road becomes steeped until reach Coll d'Ares having to put in wheel chains in winter when it's plenty of snow. If you are lucky you would be able to see Canigó, the holy Catalan mountain.

Set up early for this journey !