Welcome to a slightly different blog… From now on Ali will be writing a purely climbing blog and I’ll be covering the “other stuff”. So if you want the beta on his latest crushes click HERE, or read on for the more fluffy stuff from our travels and non climbing life...

Monday, October 14, 2013

Return to Santa Engracia!

Having been impressed by its position and cosy accommodation, we returned to Casa Mauri in the tiny village of Santa Engracia, this time with Ali's parents. Great weather, good walks and lots of wildlife to see made for a lovely few days...



20 minutes from the main road up super steep and windy roads leads you to the village... not a bad location as long as you don't run out of milk!



Houses built into the rocks, our cottage about half way down...



Up on the "skyline" ridge walk above the village, with views over grand canyon-esque rock formations


At the "Pleta Verda" or summit meadows - an alpine feel and lots of vultures!



The fire lookout at the summit - according to the sign you need a harness and safety equipment to enter!



Summit plaque...



Evil looking nibbly insect... no idea what it is - can anyone identify it?! 



Graham admiring the view...




Madly dramatic skies on the terrace - no photoshop here! 



Firey clouds above Talarn...



A crisp start to our walk up to Sant Maurici Lake in the Aiguestortes... 



Berries lining the Ratera Lakes.



Mooooo!



View from our lunch spot from just above the Amitges Refuge. Last time we were here it was frozen and Ali was walking out on the ice! 







Ali and Graham head up to the Port de Ratera...



Admiring the view...



...before heading back down.


Autumn colours beginning to show through...



The quintessential Pyrenean scene.



The St Maurici Lake from the Mirador d'Estany.



The medieval village of Montanyana






Crossing the lumpy bridge into the heart of the village...



 Working our way up through the village... A Health and Safety nightmare of uneven cobbles and paving!









The fortified Monastery at the top of the hill - the monks must have been pretty fit! 


Decorative details in the buildings around the Monastery, this one by the medieval bread oven!










Cheeky chappies guarding the door... a key part of the fortifications!



Suspension bridge leading to the mighty Mont Rebei Gorge...



Walking the exposed path at mid-height through the gorge. There was originally a mule track lower down but this more impressive and exposed higher path was built to maintain the route when the gorge was flooded during hydro development. Not many mules today though!










Standing on a very exposed picnic bench. Don't fall off!
.

















Bright little butterfly - when they open their wings they are fluorescent orange and yellow!



Stick insect. Ali used to keep these as pets. 



Sunrise over Santa Engracia Church



Walking the mule track down (then up) to the village of Gurp, Santa Engracia's closest neighbour. 


Heading up to the caves and houses above Gurp


One of many many many vultures... hard to snap, with or without 20X zoom ;-)


Exploring the houses built under the overhanging rocks



Another vulture soaring, Santa Engracia behind.



A well ventilated property with original stone features and extensive views...





A drink on the terrace in the last of the afternoon sun - who'd have thought it was October?!



More moody skies above the church. 

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