Flora in the Central Pyrenees

By Ignatius de Bidegain

The Central Pyrenees host a diverse flora including a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants, and as one rises in altitude the vegetation changes together with the climate in a gradual transition towards the top, where the famous snow flower Edelweiss grows.

Amongst the most typical trees we should list the black pine, the beech and the fir tree. Mountain elms, holly bushes and others complete the picture, including some more “productive” species like hazelnut trees and the occasional walnut tree.

The blackthorn or sloe is typical of the Pyrenees and also grows in different parts of Europe and the rest of the world. As the Pyrenees move west, in Navarra, the deep blue berries of the sloe are used to produce a traditional liqueur called Pacharan (sloe gin) which is very popular in the area.

In the middle of the abundant vegetation of a temperate forest, getting lost and running out of food may not seem like such a predicament, since a basic nutritional intake can always be sourced from the environment. However, one must be cautious.

Monkshood is a herbaceous perennial plant with striking dark purple flowers. It grows wild in the area and is often used to embellish private gardens. Though it may look harmless, it contains several poisonous compounds, including enough cardiac poison that it was used on spears and arrows for hunting and battle in ancient times.

Yew trees must also be treated with caution. All parts of the tree contain toxins, with the sole exception of the flesh from the rich bright-red berries. The seeds contained within are also poisonous, so make sure you extract this part of the berry if you wish to eat it. The Ancient Cantabrians and Celts used yew poison to commit suicide if they faced capture by their enemies, so watch out or you will get more than an unsettled stomach!

About Cabernet Sauvignon

By Alexander Turcan

The "king" of the world’s red wine grapes, cabernet sauvignon originated in the Bordeaux region of France, but also produces superlative wines around the globe, including California, Washington State, South America, Eastern Europe, and Australia. In California, the finest renditions generally come from the Napa Valley.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a late-ripening variety, with small, deeply colored, thick-skinned berries that yield dark, intensely flavored, tannic, long-lived wines that often require years of aging to soften and become drinkable.

Like chardonnay, the grape can be grown in a multitude of different growing regions and conditions (although it prefers warmer climates) and yet reliably impart characteristic varietal aromas and flavors, which most often are compared to black currant, cherry, bell pepper and green olive.

Despite its prominence in the industry, the grape is a relatively new variety, the product of a chance crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon blanc during the 17^th century in southwestern France. Its popularity is often attributed to its ease of cultivation—the grapes have thick skins and the vines are hardy and naturally low yielding, budding late to avoid frost and resistant to viticultural hazards such as rot and insects — and to its consistent presentation of structure and flavours which express the typical character of the variety.

Cabernet Sauvignon profits from blending with other complementary grape types, such as the softer, fruitier merlot and the highly perfumed cabernet franc (with which it is customarily blended in Bordeaux), and also from extended wood aging, most notably in French oak barrels. Often hard and monochromatic when young, cabernet sauvignon, with extended bottle aging, can develop fine, complex aromas and flavors.

The widespread popularity of Bordeaux has contributed to criticism of the grape variety for its role as a "colonizer" grape, being planted in new and emerging wine regions at the expense of focus on the unique local grape varieties. Some regions, such as Portugal with its abundance of native grape varieties, have largely ignored Cabernet Sauvignon as it seeks to rejuvenate its wine industry.

Cabernet is an excellent accompaniment to red meats, especially steak and roast beef.  

How to deal with a Charging Bull

Image provided By Alastair

Our Charging Bull Correspondent.

Donetsk is British? Ukrainians vote in mock referendum to join UK

Sourced by Alexander Turcan

Ukrainians in the eastern city of Donetsk have voted in an online spoof referendum to secede from Ukraine and join the UK. Residents wrote that their hometown was founded by a Briton, so the UK should seize this “decisive moment” and take them in.

"Donetsk is a British city! God Save the Queen," they wrote on social networks in an appeal to “reunite” their hometown with Britain, local media reported. The mock appeal follows the March 16 Crimean referendum that resulted in Crimea seceding Ukraine and joining Russia.

The link with Britain comes from the first ironworks in Donetsk, which were founded by a Welshman, John Hughes, at the end in the 19^th century. The town was subsequently named Yuzovka, or Hughesovka.

According to local media, the online poll attracted about 7,000 people, while over 950,000 call Donetsk their home, according to a 2012 census.

A some point, the poll showed that 61 percent of respondents favored joining Britain, while another 16 percent favored "broad regional autonomy" with English as an official language. 

Linguistic Imperialism: The New World According to Putin

Sourced by Alexander Turcan from: http://www.economist.com/

Why should the Russian president’s innovative attitude towards borders be restricted to Eastern Europe?

When Vladimir Putin justified his annexation of Crimea on the ground that he owed protection to Russian speakers everywhere, the Economist had redrawn the world’s boundaries according to Mr Putin’s principles, and suggests that the resulting map has considerable appeal.

Under Mr Putin’s dispensation, things look up for the old colonial powers.

·      Portugal gets to reclaim Brazil.

·      Spain most of the rest of Central and South America.

·      France – most of west Africa, which would probably be fine by the locals, since many of their current governments are not much cop.

·      A mighty Scandinavian kingdom comes into being—including Finland, although Finnish is very different from the Scandinavian tongues. Since Swedish is Finland’s second language, the Vikings would have strong grounds for bringing about the sort of peaceful merger based on shared cultural values for which they are famous.

·      A unified Arabia would stretch from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. There might be the odd squabble between Sunnis, Shias, Christians and adherents of archaic notions of nation; but united by a common tongue, the Arabs would be sure to get along fine, especially if they teamed up to smite the Persian-speakers on the other side of the Gulf. The two Koreas would become one, which might be a good thing—or not, depending on which system prevailed.

·      Since Hindi and Urdu are both a mutually intelligible mixture of Sanskrit and Persian, India could make a claim for Pakistan—and vice versa. The existence of nuclear weapons on either side would bring added spark to the debate over linguistic precedence.

·      Best of all, Britain would regain its empire, including—since it spoke English first—the United States. It would, obviously, give Barack Obama a prestigious position—Keeper of the Woolsack, say—and a nice uniform. Britain might, however, have to surrender some of London’s oligarch-dominated streets, as well as Chelsea Football Club, to Russia. A sizeable minority of The Economist’s staff also speaks Russian and would like to claim Mr Putin’s protection in advance of the next pay negotiations.

There is, however a hitch. Consolidation would be undermined by linguistic independence movements:

·      Dozens of segments would peel away from Mandarin-speaking China.

·      Mayaland would agitate for autonomy in Central America.

·      Swahililand would demand independence in Africa.

The world’s 7 billion people speak more than 7,000 languages; in Russia alone there are more than 100. Perhaps, on second thoughts, Mr Putin should quit while he is ahead.

Spas in the Pyrenees

By Rafael Salas

Abundant, natural, and healing mountain waters make for many wonderful spas in the Pyrenees. Used here for centuries, these therapeutic waters are perfect for resting weary muscles after long days of skiing, sports, or site-seeing.

PANTICOSA SPA

This area is in the amazing valley of Tena, in the Aragon Pyrenees mountains.

The glacial formed valley is surrounded by high mountain peaks, reaching up to almost 3,000 meters. Collarada (2,888m) is the highest.

There is also an old volcanic chimney in the range of Tendeñera and Anayet, plus vast pastures, wild and black pine forests, and the remains of an old oak and beech grove.

The cirque of Piedrafita in Sallent de Gallego, and the stunning limestone formations of Peña Telera and Peña Foratata are also worth a visit.

Some of the more famous peaks are: Balaitus, the Picos Moros, and Picos del Infierno (peaks of hell).

The excellent Spa of Panticosa is fed by the thermal spring waters that come from these mountains.

This is a most unique enclave situated about 8km from the village. It is at 1,636metres above sea level and was formed by glaciers which carved a bowl shaped valley with a shallow lake in the centre. The valley is surrounded almost completely by 3,000-metre peaks including, the Garmo Negro, Argualas, Pondiellos, Serrato, Batanes, Bacías and Brazato. In addition, the mountains are dotted with a multitude of corries (natural lakes) called “ibones” in the Pyrenees.

Panticosa spa achieved acclaim in the heyday of the 19th century when visitors, many of whom from Spanish aristocracy, travelled long distances from the cities to drink from the springs and bathe in the thermal water which gushes out from the bedrock at 60º C.

We can in fact trace the history of the Balneario back to roman times making it a truly timeless experience.

Types of bees in Pyrenees

By Bruno Martinez

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. They are known for producing honey and beeswax and for the important role they play in pollinating flowering plants. One third of our food needs to be pollinated by insects, and bees are responsible for most of it. It is commonly said that if all bees disappeared, it would be catastrophic for agriculture, as we know it, and we would certainly suffer grievously.

Within the palearctic region, one of the richest in bees’ types in the world, the Iberian Peninsula is located in a privileged situation regarding the diversity of this kind of insects. This is due to many facts, such as, its antiquity and relative isolation since the formation of the Pyrenees, its geographical position between Northern Africa and Europe, with its constant flow of insects from and to both continents, its environmental, topographic, climatic and landscape diversity. It is not ridiculous to think that there might exist more than 1,000 different species of bees in the Iberian Peninsula.

The bees that can be found in the Iberian Peninsula are related to the following families: Colletidae, Andrenidae, Halictidae, Melittidae, Megachilidae, Anthophoridae and Apidae.

Due to its strategic situation within the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees have always been a major region of bees’ diversity within the Iberian Peninsula. The most common are:

Colletes Floralis:

This species belongs to the Colletidae family. It is widely spread along the palearctic region and within the Iberian Peninsula it can be seen in "Picos de Europa", "Sierra Nevada" and the Pyrenees. It flies only in July and August and at an altitude of around 2800-2900 meters. This species is categorized as a "near threaten" species.

Duforea Paradoxa:

The Duforea Paradoxa species, which belong to the Halictidae family, is divided into four subspecies that live in the main mountain ranges of Europe, plus another subspecies that live in Asia. Of these subspecies, the Dufourea Paradoxa Mesembria is endemic of the Pyrenees. It can be found in Gavarnie (France) and in Puerto de la Bonaigua (Spain). Although it is yet uncertain, it is believed that this bee flies from July to August.

Meachile Analis Nylander:

Belongs to the Megachilidae family. Species distributed all over Europe. It can be found in the Pyrenees, "Picos de Europa" and "Sierra Nevada". It is very common bee which can always be found over 2500 meters and below 3100 meters. Its flying period is limited to July and August.

Hoptilis ochraceicornis:

Belonging to the Megachilidae family, this species has been seen in the Alps, the Pyrenees, South of France, Iberian Peninsula, Italy and Macedonia. Its flying period is limited to July.

Osmia Labialis:

The origin of this species it is believed to be in the Alps, and from there it was spread to Central Europe, Russia, Yugoslavia and to the high mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula, including the Pyrenees. Belongs to the Megachilidae family and its flying period is limited to June.

Anthidium Montanum:

Belongs to the Megachilidae family. Is a very rare species in the Iberian fauna which can be seen in the Pyrinees, the Alps, the Carpathians and the Tatra Mountains.

Stelis minuta:

Small bee belonging to the Megachilidae family. Lives in the European Mountains (between latitude 43º and 60º), in the Pyrenees, Northern Italy, Greece, Macedonia, Turkey, Armenia and Northern Africa (mountain ranges of Algeria and Morocco). Its flying period is limited to July.

Bombus vestalis:

Of the Apidae family.  Two subspecies of this bee can be found in the Iberian fauna. The nominal one lives in the Pyrinees Mountains, up to 1700 meters of altitude. Its flying period goes from March to October, although it can be found sporadically in February and November. It is categorized as a "near threatened" species. The main threat that this species is suffering is the human influence over the environment and the fragmentation of its population.

Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption CathedraCathedral of St Mary of the Assumption Cathedra Plaza del Palacio, 1, 22300 Barbastro (Huesca) By Fernando de Zuniga Barbastro is the place of the host town of the survival dinner of the Lions of the Pyrenees. Barbastro’s cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic Renaissance architecture in Aragon. Built as a collegiate church in the 16th century (1517-1533) on the site of an ancient mosque, it achieved the status of cathedral a few years later. Three different architects took part in its design: Luis de Santa Cruz, Juan de Sariñena and Juan de Segura. Although its structural elements are Gothic, the interior is closer to the Renaissance style. An outstanding feature on the exterior is the bell tower, which was built in three phases: the two lower sections were begun in the Middle Ages; it was reformed in a second phase; and the capital on the top was built in the 18th century. The main altarpiece is a key feature of the cathedral. Made of alabaster, it was designed by Damian Forment, who is credited with bringing the Renaissance style sculpture to Aragon. The main body of the altarpiece was finished after the death of Damian Forment by three of his followers. Carved polychrome wood was used to give the appearance of alabaster with the aim of maintaining unity in the overall design. Also of interest is the altarpiece of San Victorian, which came from the monastery of the same name in the La Fueva valley, one of the most important medieval monasteries in Aragon in its day. The bell tower was built on the site of the old minaret of Barbastro’s main mosque and for this reason it is set apart from the main cathedral building. The plan is octagonal and the external wall that can be seen today hides an interior wall that once belonged to the original minaret. Due to damage suffered over the years, renovations were carried out in 1610 by the architect Pedro de Ruesta. These involved the addition of three new sections separated by lines of ashlars, which were then finished off with the addition of a pyramidal spire to achieve the desired height. These changes gave the tower its current day appearance.

Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption Cathedra

Plaza del Palacio, 1, 22300 Barbastro (Huesca)

By Fernando de Zuniga

Barbastro is the place of the host town of the survival dinner of the Lions of the Pyrenees.  Barbastro’s cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic Renaissance architecture in Aragon. Built as a collegiate church in the 16th century (1517-1533) on the site of an ancient mosque, it achieved the status of cathedral a few years later. Three different architects took part in its design: Luis de Santa Cruz, Juan de Sariñena and Juan de Segura.

Although its structural elements are Gothic, the interior is closer to the Renaissance style. An outstanding feature on the exterior is the bell tower, which was built in three phases: the two lower sections were begun in the Middle Ages; it was reformed in a second phase; and the capital on the top was built in the 18th century.

The main altarpiece is a key feature of the cathedral. Made of alabaster, it was designed by Damian Forment, who is credited with bringing the Renaissance style sculpture to Aragon. The main body of the altarpiece was finished after the death of Damian Forment by three of his followers. Carved polychrome wood was used to give the appearance of alabaster with the aim of maintaining unity in the overall design.

Also of interest is the altarpiece of San Victorian, which came from the monastery of the same name in the La Fueva valley, one of the most important medieval monasteries in Aragon in its day.

The bell tower was built on the site of the old minaret of Barbastro’s main mosque and for this reason it is set apart from the main cathedral building. The plan is octagonal and the external wall that can be seen today hides an interior wall that once belonged to the original minaret. Due to damage suffered over the years, renovations were carried out in 1610 by the architect Pedro de Ruesta. These involved the addition of three new sections separated by lines of ashlars, which were then finished off with the addition of a pyramidal spire to achieve the desired height. These changes gave the tower its current day appearance.

It is opened from 10 to 11.30 and 19.00 to 20.30 h. 
Monday to Sunday.

Introduction to Canyoning

By Juan Manuel Ruigomez Gomez

Let me introduce canyoning to those of you who have still not had the opportunity to try this fantastic activity. I am sure that canyoning will be for many of us one of the high points of our adventure at the Pyrenees.

What is a Canyon?

A canyon is a deep gorge with steep sides, cut through rock by a river. In Sierra de Guara where we will do canyoning, some of the gorges are more than 1,500 meters deep. It is probably the best place in Europe for canyoning.

What does canyoning involve?

Canyons require a great variety of skills, the primary one being physical fitness (not a problem for the Lions of the Pyrenees!) However, navigation, swimming, jumping, team work, wading… and appreciation of the environment all help to ensure a good time.

What makes a good canyoning trip is a combination of all the above, plus a group a good friends ready for challenges.

What do you take into a canyon?

All we need is a tee shirt, light quick drying shorts, long socks (that stay up) and a pair of old tennis shoes. On top of that we will put on wetsuits, since water will be cold and canyons are mostly shadowy. Ropes, helmets and bolts will be provided by our guides.

The wines of Somantano (antiquity to nowadays)

By Francois du Reau

According to documents of this period, wine was already cultivated in the valley of the River Ebra in 500 BC. In the second century before Christ there was a significant production of wine in the area. Romans settling in el Somanto has been an important factor of development of the trading and cultivation of the wine. Romans brought their advanced techniques and helped to develop wine trading companies. During the middle age the wine culture extended to all the Huesca Province under the impulsion of monastery who developed new vineyards. During the 19 century the filoxera epidemic in the French vignard has implied an increase of the Production and exportation of wine.

The Somantano was awarded D.O. status in 1984. Hence in the 90’s strong investment has been done in the sector and brought the Somantano among the best wines of Spain. While many styles of wine can be found in the region, it is making a name for itself for some significant modern innovations in wine-making.

The name Somontono means “under the mountain,” as it is located right at the foothills of the Pyrenees. The wines in this region tend to have excellent balance due to hot, dry summers, with winds from the mountains cooling off the vineyards in the cold winters. Local indigenous varietals were the initial plantings in the area, such as Parraleta and Moristel for reds, Macabeo and Alcanon for whites. However, much of these have been uprooted to make way for modern vinification using international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah as well as Spain’s noble grape, Tempranillo, for reds. Whites include Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Garnacha Blanca. Garnacha Tinta is also employed as the main grape for local rosado.

Local vintners have become known for their technologically advanced wineries. Many functions at the vineyards are computer-controlled, allowing for a good deal of experimentation in the wine process, as well as top of the line storage facilities and shipping centers.