Jánovas

On our way home from Asín de Broto, we stopped in Jánovas which is also in Huesca.  It is a ghost town of sorts that was largely abandoned in the 50's.  The government was trying to build a damn in the area and forced the inhabitants out, then never ended up building the damn.  This article is very interesting regarding the history of Jánovas.  The people are still fighting to regain their property and rebuild the town.  

The bridge into town

The Church

Three Arches

This is the very top magic fountain with a view of the MNAC: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya on Montjuic.

Facing the other direction, you can see Plaza Espanya and Las Arenas.

Flight of Stairs

Tracy and I took off for a long walk to Montjuic and back, in search of a tunnel with free rock climbing.  We'd been to Montjuic many times before, but had never encountered this stairway.  In the end, we found the climbing tunnel and a few other new areas of the park.  It began raining as we started walking home, so we were quite wet by the end of the day.

Gates

As we hiked through Asín de Broto, we came across property used for cattle that was guarded by these gates.  They looked like old box springs repurposed.  

The Evening Sky

When we arrived in Asín de Broto, it was after a rain storm.  The evening sky was inspirational.

Trees of Huesca

The trees in Huesca were beginning to change for Autumn.  

Ermita de San Mames (Asin de Broto)

We took a hike up from the village of Asin de Broto, in the Pyrenees mountains, to a distant peak.  Edgar explained to us that, as history goes, many years ago, people were bringing a statue of Christ through the mountains and the donkey carrying the statue stopped at this point and would not go further.  The people built this small church here.  Now, the Christ statue inside is under lock and key.  The government wants to remove it to restore it because it is one of the few where Jesus' feet aren't crossed, but the people of Asin de Broto want the restoration done on the spot for fear of the government never returning the statue.  Here is a picture of it, although we were not able to enter.

The Approach from a Distance

Walking Up To It

A View From the Top

Arinsal

We needed a weekend away, and Tracy's birthday was the perfect excuse.  Our trip took us to the small country of Andorra in a town called Arinsal almost at the end of the road.  The air was crisp and cool, and the water tasted amazing.  It was my first time driving in another country, and aside from it taking an hour to find our way out of Barcelona, everything went smoothly.

The stream that ran through town.

Tracy choosing a walking route for us.

A small street in town

Found a birthday pinecone...then smuggled it out of the country!

Mountain Stream

Living in the middle of the city, one rarely gets to see a free flowing mountain stream.  Andorra is the perfect location to unwind and be in nature.  The water here is beautiful.

Man Down

We got out of the car near a small brook in Andorra where these beautiful purple flowers were growing, many of which had become to heavy and fallen down.

To Tracy

This is the last Friday before your birthday and I won't be posting on your birthday because we're in Andorra without computers.  I'm so excited to be in Barcelona with you.  It is an amazing adventure learning a new language and culture and meeting so many new people.  I'm so incredibly thankful for your life.  You are a beautiful person and you completely inspire me.  I love you so much.  Happy Birthday!

We found this wall on a walk with Tracy's parents and Tracy jumped in as I was taking the shot!

My Beautiful Wife

The Wall by Itself

El Parc Joan Miró

This is a view of el Parc Joan Miró from the top of Las Arenas.  A spectacular view!

Man Loves ???

I love to see what people are posting on the doors in Barcelona.  I can't figure out if this was a man giving his heart to the environment instead of a woman or something else entirely.

I like the overall messiness of this.