En route to the Pyrenees

Just a stone's throw from France lie the Spanish  Pyrenees and the magnificent Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido where we are heading.  Along with Picos de Europa, this park is the oldest national park in Spain, created in 1918.

A couple of attractive sights along the way.  This azure blue lake is where we had lunch.

An abandoned village that reminded us of the pueblo villages in New Mexico in the US.

A fertile valley between the towering mountains.

And the mighty peaks.

We have arrived in Torla, a pretty alpine-style village of attractive stone houses with slate roofs.  Walkers use it as a gateway to the national park and up Monte Perdido which is the third highest peak in the Pyrenees.   The town's setting is delightful but not much to do and see and most people are up in the mountain during the day, as is Andrew.

We had such a nice meal at the local restaurant La Brecha last night that we are likely going back again tonight once he is safely back down.  We found it on our own and then realised it is featured in Lonely Planet.

In the meantime, we had a coffee at another establishment where we discovered this divine dish of pork belly.  We had to have a plate for afternoon tea.  Andrew at least has the justification of a hard day's walking in the mountains but I have no such excuse.