Day 531 - 25/02/2015 : Pont d'Escalera

On route to Balaguer, after passing Camarasa we change the road to enter into LV-9407. The first sight we come up with is a known bridge which is the start point of a race boat to Camarasa, we are talking about Pont d'Escalera.

From here Sant Llorenç reservoir is starting and having been in a clear day as we had, fantastic reflections can be seen from the mountains which surround Sant Llorenç de Montbai, a tiny and nice town before Balaguer.

If we hadn't brought our camera, we couldn't have taken this fantastic picture.

Would you like to experience?

Day 530 - 24/02/2015 : Segre river

The Segre is a river tributary to the Ebre  with a basin comprising territories across three states: France, Andorra and Catalonia.
The river Segre, known to Romans and Greeks as Sicoris, has its sources on the north face of the Pic del Segre or Puigmal de Segre ("Segre's Peak") in the French department Pyrénées-Orientales (historically the comarca of Alta Cerdanya), in the Catalan Pyrenees.

It follows a western direction all along the Cerdanya (Cerdagne) Valley, and crosses the town Saillagouse, the Catalan isolate of Llívia and Bourg-Madame.

Being in La Noguera shire, the landscape is dramatic when the shore's trees start changing colors in autumn, will you miss such a fantastic sight?

Day 529 - 23/02/2015 : Pont del Pastor coming back to Balaguer

We caught again the beauty of Pastor Bridge coming back from C-13 on the way to Balaguer. White stones are merged with brown rock and green pines on the north, but also with yellow leaves, autumn is coming.

If we won the lottery, we would think to buy a piece of land and live here, what do you think? Look at the nature colors, they are amazing !

In the morning we were able to caught Segre river reflecting color autumn, now at midday clear waters and natural colors invaded our eyes.

Day 528 - 22/02/2015 : Reflection

Coming back to Camarasa dam we were able to caught an impressive reflection in the reservoir : the east Montsec range mountains drawing up its shape into the water.

It was amazing, definitely we had to park the car outside the road because it was the moment to take a fantastic pictures, as it were.

There are special tours organized with a 4x4 vehicle to enjoy Camarasa's nature from the natural trail which are on the reservoir's shore, definitely it's the best option to know this wonderful Catalan area.

Would you like to try one of these tours?

Day 527 - 21/02/2015 : Montsec range

As we said yesterday, one of the sights we can admire from Camarasa area is the Montsec range. The 'Serra del Montsec' consists of a series of calcareous mountain ranges.

Runs from east to west, it is about 40 km long and 186.96 square kilometres in area and it's located in the Catalonian province of Lleida and the Spanish province of Huesca.

It is divided into three main massifs by 3 of the most important rivers in Catalonia: the eastern massif, El Montsec de Rúbies which is the one we can see from Camarasa viewpoint, is separated by the river Segre in the east and the Noguera Pallaresa in the middle.

Enjoy your visit !

Day 526 - 20/02/2015 : Camarasa viewpoint

Undoubtedly C-13 road might be called Camarasa road because after the dam we can find different and amazing viewpoints to stop and admire reservoir's immensity.

With its 113 hm3 it's one of the biggest reservoir in Catalonia, besides to be one of the most panoramic because the surroundings. From the viewpoint we stopped we were able to see Montsec range with its special cliffs.

Breathtaking !!!

Day 525 - 19/02/2015 : Towards Camarassa dam

Being driving into C-13 road and just passed Camarassa dam the first area of the reservoir can be seen. It's easy to park the car and cross the road until the shore.

Camarassa dam is located in Noguera Pallaresa river and was built between 1927 and 1931. It's an gravity-arch concrete structure, 92 m high, with a crest elevation of 337m.

Despite the special geological features existing in Camarasa area there are a few viewpoints where it's possible to admire the whole reservoir and Montsec range.

You will be seeing during the following days, please pay attention !

Day 524 - 18/02/2015 : Pont del Pastor, Noguera shire's

We are moving today until Noguera shire's, inside Lleida province. Climbing up C-13 road to Camarassa reservoir you may droll over by stopping in 'Pont del Pastor' (translated to Shepherd Bridge).

This bridge is a fantastic lookout viewpoint to Segre river and the gorge before Camarassa and during autumn you will receive a shot of beauty due to reflection in the river and colors in the shore.

We stopped our car in the middle of the bridge, after being shocked by the breathtaking view, we couldn't give up to take picture.

Definitely, a hidden place !

Day 523 - 17/02/2015 : Turó de l'Home in the early autumn

Visiting Montseny a must is take a look to the magnificent Turo de L'Homé. Even the autumn colors weren't relevant at all some shades were appearing.

With its elevation of elevation 1,712 m (5,617 ft) above sea level, it is the highest peak of the Montseny Massif.

The top of the mountain is a triangulation station which can be seen on the left peak. Only due the perspective the right peak seems higher. On the right peak some telecommunication infrastructures are installed).

A paved road leads almost up to peak. The state of the pavement is partly very poor (as of January 2015). While some parts are renovated, others contain large potholes and are covered by loose gravel. The last 1,500 metres of the road are closed for motorized traffic but open for cyclists and hikers.

The final ascent to the triangulation station, some 50 metres above the endpoint of the road, is a step trail.

Here is one of the Catalonia's mythical mountain !

Day 522 - 16/02/2015 : Montseny true colors

As we said the previous day, walking inside the forest we were able to catch true autumn colors in Montseny, the brown merging with the green and the blue sky, creating a magical scenario.

Not for one minute had we imagined what would happen the same time next year, you can't get out to see it, but I've to advise the autumn pictures from 2014 will take some time to come.

Specifically, we took this picture in Riera de Passavets area which is know to have high beech trees, undoubtedly the best one to admire and be shocked in Autumn.

Welcome to the most colorful forest in the world !

Day 521 - 15/02/2015 : Montseny in the early autumn

With the pass of time, it is increasingly difficult to see autumn colors during October in our forest and we've began to call 'early autumn' the time including October and middle November, because it is from half November when we can see the true autumn colors.

Anyway, we spent an amazing morning walking around Santa Fe dam looking for beautiful autumn pictures and even when we started we were a bit disappointed, finally not only were we able to caught the colors, but also we collected some chestnuts.

We strongly recommend to visit Montseny Natural Park during November, you will see how much fantastic nature is.

Enjoy !

Day 520 - 14/02/2015 : Manlleu, Guillem Agulló remainder

Walking on the Ter river path in Manlleu a big sign brought us back Guillem Agullo's infamous murder. Guillem was a young Valencian active in the independentist and revolutionary political organization Maulets.

In the early morning of April 11, 1993, Guillem Agulló was stabbed to death in Montanejos, Alto Mijares, by a group of youngsters involved in far right organizations (Extrema dreta). A number of political parties claimed that it was a political murder. With the sole exceptions of People's Party and Valencian Union, the crime was condemned by all Valencian political parties.

The trial in the murder case was held in Castelló de la Plana in 1995. The judge condemned one of the accused, Pedro Cuevas, who had confessed to the stabbing, to 14 years in prison, and acquitted the rest of the defendants. Pedro Cuevas was released after 4 years in prison and during the 2007 Spanish municipal elections was a candidate for city council for the far right political party Alianza Nacional in Xiva de Bunyo
They killed him for being an Indenpendence follower, remember fascist people, Guillem Agulló ni oblit ni perdó !

Day 519 - 13/02/2015 : Manlleu, Fra Bernadí square

And here a beautiful view from the place where this special event based on pig and beer is held. Fra Bernadí square we could say as the main square in Manlleu.

It is one of the arcaded squares more spacious in Catalonia, being the best metric from Manlleu growth because the industrialization occurred during last century.

Because of his large amount of space it's the common place to held events as the 'Fira del Porc i la Cervessa' or the large ice ring during Christmas time.

Would you like to open a new business here?

Day 518 - 12/02/2015 : Manlleu, Trinxat in the morning

Being in Osona, what's hell does a Trinxat here???

You know, we were on the 'Fira del Porc i la Cervessa' and we found a delicious 'Trixat' (a typical dish from la Cerdanya) filled with lots of black pudding (morcilla), which it provided from the pig, therefore we couldn't wait to taste it and we were eating it at 10:00 AM, definitely a hard breakfast !!!

After finishing our Trinxat we continued our gastronomical journey around the pig, bringing back to that times when we met friend and went together to eat and drink until we were exhausted !

Enjoy your party !!!

Day 517 - 11/02/2015 : Manlleu, Santa Maria Church

Just above the square where 'Fira del Porc i la Cervessa' is held, a remarkable building appears: Santa Maria Church.

Being consecrated in 906 it was the core of the old Manlleu town and the place from started to grow up, besides to be a religious reference.

Having had a relevant importance in their initial time, it started to decay in the 14th Century but recover its importance during 17th Century.

Definitely, a place to take a rest during your gastronomical gang bang !

Day 516 - 10/02/2015 : Manlleu, fira del porc i la cervessa (Pig and beer party)

I think Manlleu isn't a very relevant town to visit but at the end of September they held a special party : la Fira del Porc i la Cervessa (translated to the journey of pig and beer).

You should eat pig in different ways : grilled, stew, inside a Trinxat, in every moment with a cold beer near you, it's a really amazing journey to close the summer season.

Finally you will discover some wonderful monument and you will be enjoying with a pleasant walk on the Ter's shore therefore the visit is justified.

The plan for 2015 is to be held between 25 and 27 of September, noted it in your agenda !

Day 515 - 09/02/2015 : Roda de Ter

Roda de Ter  is a tiny town in Osona shire,  on the Ter River above Sau Reservoir. Being near to Vic his population is about 6.000 inhabitant and its church, which can be observed in the picture, is dedicated to St. Peter.

The Pont Vell ("Old Bridge") is the entrance to the village crossing Ter river and giving a wonderful view of the environment with Pyrenees on the North.

The Catalan fighters against the French forces of the Bourbon Philip V of Spain are an easily overlooked local part of the European War of the Spanish Succession, but Roda was a hotbed of partisans for the unsuccessful Habsburg claimant. One of them, Francesc Macià i Ambert (died 1713), who came from Roda de Ter, is memorialized in Barcelona by a street and a metro station that bear his nom de guerre Bac de Roda.

Would you like to visit? On the way to Manlleu, when you should enjoy a special event we will be describing during the following days.

Day 514 - 08/02/2015 : Esmortzar de forquilla

The Catalan concept or definition of 'Esmorzar de Forquilla' may be compared with the English or American brunch.

We usually have a big meal on weekend's breakfast consisting in pig dishes as 'peus de porc (pig feet stew)', 'orella (pig ears)', 'galtes (pig cheeks)' or 'callos (pig stomach)'  all of this with red wine, a delicious way to start the journey before a pleasant mountain walk.

This kind of breakfast is becoming very popular in Catalonia and lots of restaurants are offering it due to the increasing demand.

Enjoy your meal !

Day 513 - 07/02/2015 : Vic old train station

The old Vic train station is an impressive building dated on 1865 when the first train came to Vic from Granollers.

The building was the main station until 2000 when a new reorganization started with the aim to cover the railways which in that moment were crossing the city from South to North.

A new station was created but the old building remains due to historical value. We were able to caught it with a balloon on the horizon.

Amazing view !

Day 512 - 06/02/2015 : Via Catalana, Riera de Cabrils in Vilassar de Mar

Never before had we walked into NII road as Via Catalana's day, it was really amazing. After being involved in our 410 track we came back home walking and taking pictures of the different kind of flags and elements used to claim our Independence.

Finally we reached the crossroad between NII and Riera de Cabrils and saw that all the ground was covered by a giant Catalan's flag which was stretched out almost to the Council.

We ended the journey cheering together for a peaceful day and to continue working for our future.

Visca Catalunya Lliure !

Day 511 - 05/02/2015 : Via Catalana, track 410 in Vilassar de Mar

The Catalan Way (Catalan: Via Catalana), also known as the Catalan Way towards Independence , was a 480-kilometre  human chain in support of Catalan independence from Spain.

It was organized by the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC), and took place in Catalonia on 11 September 2013, which is the National Day of Catalonia.

Catalonia's Department of the Interior estimated the number of participants at about 1.6 million who followed the ancient Via Augusta, from Le Perthus (France, Vallespir) up to Alcanar (Spain, Montsià). According to Carme Forcadell, president of the ANC, it was "a symbol of the unity of Catalan people to achieve national sovereignty".


Specifically in our town, Vilassar de Mar, we were involved within track 410 which was deployed into NII road which was diverted to traffic that day.

Go ahead Catalan people !!!

Day 510 - 04/02/2015 : Our flag, our country

One of the big houses located in Carrer Sant Pau owned a big Catalan flag during the Via Catalana's day. The flag could be seen from the Council and it was covering almost the entire house.

Never before had Vilassar lived such a wonderful journey, with almost all the town's balconies covered by an 'Estelada', only when I left home to look into the road did I realize we were involved in a special event.

Visca Catalunya Lliure !

Day 509 - 03/02/2015 : The beauty of Vilassar in Via Catalana

When I started this blog almost one year and a half ago it was Via Catalana's day. That event marked a turning point in the Catalan people's claim for our Independence, a fact that it will be achieved  in the following years.

Not only did we were involved in a protest day, but also we were able to admire how beautiful was our little town with lots of Catalan flag decorating the balconies.

 
The Pursuit of the Catalans won't never give up !

Day 508 - 02/02/2015 : Santes Creus Monastery

Monastery of Santa Maria de Santes Creus is a Cistercian monastery in the municipality of Aiguamúrcia, in Alt Camp shire.

The monastery's origins date to 1158, when the Lords of Montagut y de Albá donated the village of Santes Creus to the monks of Valdaura. The papal decree that was required to establish a monastery was made by Pope Alexander II, and construction of the monastery began in 1174. The complex was completed in 1225.

The complex, built in accordance with Cistercian principles, included a church, a cloister, chapter house and dormitory. There were also a refectory, parlor, and scriptorium (writing hall). The complex is built in honey coloured stone, and the main buildings, including the church, have rooflines finished with crenellations.

It represents along with Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges the Cistercian route within Catalonia and a way to discover historical monuments in the country, you shouldn't leave without visiting them !

Day 507 - 01/02/2015 : Port d'Armentera

Port d'Armentera is a tiny town located in Alt Camp shire which it's surrounded by vineyards and other agricultural lands.

Being not a very known town the most remarkable fact about Port is to be the closest to Santes Creus Monastery, one of three big Cistercian in Catalonia, and of course, to be the closest to Mazinger monument.

It's known its Roman origin, reaching a relevant growth during the XIV century due to the Santes Creus Monastery influence.

We were able to take a beautiful picture from the slope existing in C-37 road in our route to Santes Creus.

Day 505 - 30/01/2015 : S.Jordi beach

Just below the thirteenth century castle, which has now been restored and It was the headquarters for the Order of Sant Jordi d'Alfama during the middle ages, we will find a fantastic beach.

Surrounded by Vidre Cove and Forn Cove, Sant Jordi beach is the main attraction for those spending holiday time in summer. Having 70m width and 100m length is enough to offers fun to everyone.

The chances are having first of all a visit to the castle to spend the rest of day laying on the beach, don't you?

Day 504 - 29/01/2015 : S.Jordi d'Alfama castle panorama

Sant Jordi d'Alfama Castle is right in front of the beach and cliffs on the coast of l'Ametlla de Mar. The origin of this fortification dates to 1201, as the first home to the Order of Sant Jordi d'Alfama, created with the aim of defending the area from pirates.

The castle was besieged on various occasions, but it was finally completely destroyed in 1650 when it was bombarded from the sea.

This defense building was constructed in the eighteenth century which is why a good part of it still remains. Although the interior has not been adapted for visits, a walk around the building is a great way to feel the history and admire the coves and rocky coastline of l'Ametlla de Mar.

Definitely, it deserves a visit !

Day 503 - 28/01/2015 : Red Tune

One of the aims to visit L'Ametlla, but probably the biggest one, was to taste a delicious course of red tune. This appreciated dish is cooked in several ways in L'Ametlla restaurant but the most common is grilled with some vegetable.

You shouldn't expect a cheap dinner, red tune has a control fish by the government to avoid death out the specie, therefore it is considered as a gourmet dish and you've have to pay for it.

Enjoy your meal !

Day 506 - 31/01/2015 : Catalan Mazinger

Are Catalan people freak? Definitely yes !!!! Not only people liked Mazinger Z in their childhood, but there has be people capable of built a model and place it in the middle of a square.

That's incredible, but exists in Catalonia, therefore if you're a fan of Mazinger you might visit this strange place. We notice that it isn't easy to find, you should look for Port D'Armentera town in Alt Camp shire (Tarragona), then follow C-37 to Mas del Plata area.

Once inside Mas del Plata is an adventure to drive into the rough streets, but finally you will be facing with our saviour.

Maziiingeeeeer !!!!!

Day 502 - 27/01/2015 : L'Ametlla de Mar

L'Ametlla de Mar, also called la Cala ("the bay" or "the beach"), is a municipality within Baix Ebre's shire, situated in the coastal region between the "Cap de Terme" (to the North) and the "barranc de l'Àliga" (to the south).

It is limited to the south by the boundary with El Perelló, to the north-west with that of Tivissa, the Ebro riviera, and to the north-east with that of Vandellós and l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, (Baix Camp)

Fishing continues to be one of the principal activities of the town. The port area of Ametlla has a large fleet of fishing boats which utilize various methods to fish, such as trawling ... and also has the principal fleet of tuna fishing boats in Catalonia being red tune the most appreciate for gourmets.

Would you like to taste red tune? We couldn't wait !!!

Day 501 - 26/01/2015 : Santes Creus and La Llenya caves panorama

Undoubtedly, during our journey in L'Ametlla and Tarragona beaches we were aware of regarding coastal areas, not only Costa Brava should be taken into account.

Coastal path (Cami de Ronda) in Tarragona isn't probably as panoramic as Costa Brava is but you should come across with spectacular landscapes as Santes Creus and La LLenya caves area, when you will be able to caught a picture from both beaches.

We've already talked about La Llenya but Santes Creus is the cave just before on the North which it's a protected area to avoid big occupation in peak seasons.

Enjoy !!!