Driving from A to B through the Pyrenees is rarely an linear experience. For example, Gayle and I…read moreleft one morning from San Sebastian towards Vielha. The most straightforward way is to drive up into France, across of a few (or so) hours and then drop down into Spain near Bagnères-de-Luchon. That's a French Spa Town that unfortunately we didn't have the time to stop. The first Spanish Town we entered was Les (followed by (Bossost) and in the streets it was all French license plates. That could be due to the the local spa facilities, the scenic camping, or more likely the price deferential. And the Guardia Civil was certainly paying attention at the Border Stop. We quickly rolled into Vielha, the Capital of the Vall d'Aran and a lively crossroads. This is the far Northwest Corner of Catalan and that area's only Atlantic Valley. That means sometimes wet and cold weather, historical isolation and switched allegiances across the Border, and the local Aranés language (a dialect of Gascon French) and culture. At the same time, the Vall d'Aran has a sense of well-being, order, and architectural harmony unique to Catalonia. The clusters of iron-gray slate roofs, the lush vegetation, and unique windows (French influence) all makes for a distinct geographic and cultural pocket that happens to have washed up on the Spanish side of the Border. Gayle and I would love to come back here and spend more time, as this area was one of the top highlights of our recent Spain trip. We loved the Vielha Parador, wandering around Town, exploring Arties, and taking a short hike over to Casau. We were here in October and I'm sure this place fills up in the Summer and during Ski Season. We would return to take long scenic hikes and then come back to the Parador to soak at the Spa and then enjoy a delicious dinner. Then we would wake up and do it again. Amen.