European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 31, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The spectacular alleys amid the w pyrenees Peak by Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer just North of Pamplona the Spanish Countryside begins rising to the High country of the pyrenees. It is a Region of thick forests craggy peaks and sparkling Rivers. The most intriguing Corner of the Region is Northeast of Pamplona roughly from the Roncesvalles pass to the Sierra Longa mountains. Cut by three valleys a the Aez Coa the Salazar and the Roncal a this tiny Corner of Navarre province is especially Rich in history and natural Beauty. The Best Way to explore it is by following a circular route through the valleys. Geographical climatic and cultural factors have Given each a distinct identity. The westernmost and most Beautiful of the three valleys is the Aez Coa Valley also called the Roncesvalles Valley. This is the country of Ernest Hemingway ancient Beech forests Remote villages farms and pastures. The Nobel prize winning novelist went there often in the 1920s to fish hike and relax in the unspoiled Countryside. Part of the attraction of the Region is As a Refuge from the searing heat of the Plains and lowlands. Even in summer mists and Rains Roll in from the Atlantic to spill Over the mountaintops in great rolling Billows. The moisture sustains the Meadows and Lush forests and feeds the Valley s two Rivers the iraqi and the Urr Obi. It was in the upper reaches of this Green Valley in the eighth Century that basques attacking Charlemagne s rear guard killed the Knight Roland. Later for several centuries religious pilgrims traversed the Valley on their Way to the shrine at Santiago de Compostella. The monastery at Roncesvalles a onetime Haven for the faithful today is one of the Valley s main tourist attractions. Just below Roncesvalles is Burguete an attractive town with a number of hotels pensions and guest houses. The most spectacular part of the Valley is the iraqi Gorge which winds past Gray Cliffs Meadows and villages. There is a Lovely Waterfall near Oroz Betelu continued on Page 4