European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 31, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse The spectacular valleys continued from Page 3 though a nearby hydroelectric station detracts somewhat from the scene. A tourist information is available at Garralda though nearly All of it is in Spanish. Nearby arive with its medieval Bridge spanning the iraqi is one of the prettiest towns in the pyrenees. A Short Detour away in the Hills above arive is Orbaiceta with its 18th-Century armaments factory. From arive local Road na-202 leads through the mountains past the towns of Abaurrea Baja with its 15th-Century gothic Church and Abaurrea Alta before descending into the second Valley the Salazar at Escarz. This Crossroads town on the Salazar River is a perfect spot for a Brief Stopover. It is a picture postcard setting with the River tumbling through its Center and the town itself climbing the slopes of the Valley. Just South along the River is Esparza with its restored triple arched roman Bridge. A couple of Miles farther downstream lies us Carres with its Centrepiece Church and medieval Palace. One of the oldest religious buildings in the Region is the 12th-Century Church of St. Vincente the Martyr in Igal a tiny Mountain Village five minutes off the main Valley Road na-212. But the most interesting route from Escarz leads up through the mountains alone the na-201. It passes through Ochagavia largest town in the Salazar Valley and with its Cobblestone streets and Stone houses one of the most attractive. From i Zazzu to Isaba the Countryside undergoes a change As the Road winds through the High country toward the final Valley a the Roncal Valley. Though the distance is Short Only six or seven Miles the transformation is remarkable. Soil and Forest floor take on a parched look and the dominant hardwoods give Way More and More to evergreens. Within a few Miles most of the beeches and Oaks have disappeared surviving Only singly or As isolated patches within forests of feisty Black Pines. The change in vegetation denotes the transition from the moist coastal zone to the More arid climate of Interior Spain. In the summer temperatures in the Roncal Valley can be 10 degrees or More higher than the Salazar Valley. It is not Only hotter but also drier and duster. Compared to the Lush Green Countryside to the West the landscape seems harsh and Barren. Route c-137, which follows the Esca River up the Roncal Valley is wider and More heavily travelled than corresponding routes in the Aez Coa and Salazar valleys. Subsequently the Region is not As wild and untouched. Towns Are bigger with More activity. The Countryside shows More evidence of human alteration and less care for the land. Above the town of us Arroz in the upper Roncal Valley. Right the Village of aria overlooks the Aez Coa Valley. A amps photos by Dave Didi tips the Aez Coa Salazar and Roncal valleys Are located in Northwestern Spain North of Pamplona and just South of the French Border. From Zaragoza take Highway a-68 North and West to Contr Senigo then a-15 North to Pamplona. From Pamplona take c-135 North. An alternate route from Zaragoza is c-123/330 North to Huesca and then n-240 North and West. From Spain s Northwest coast take a-68 South from Bilbao to Logrono then n-111 North to Pamplona. There Are Many Good places for food and accommodations throughout the Region. Pensions and guest houses Are the most common places to find rooms but there Are also a few hotels. There Are campgrounds South of Burguete in the Aez Coa Valley and near Isaba in the Roncal Valley. Expect to pay Between $20 and $35 for a double room. Campgrounds Cost $10-$12 a night for two people with a tent or Van. For More information about the City Contact of Cinas de Turisco Calle Duque de Ahumada 3, 31002 Pamplona Spain Telephone 948-220741 or Comerio y Turisco Del Goberno de Navarra Calle Arrieta 11-5 31002 Pamplona Spain Telephone 948-228578. Both numbers Are for Calls in Spain if calling from outside the country be sure to add the proper country code. A Norm Zeigler stripes Magazine october 31, 1991
