Casa Allué

To say our time at Albella with Aragon Active was a memorable is an understatement. Live in owners and hosts, Lucy and Simon, laid on good old fashion Spanish country hospitality and attention to detail in keeping with the local setting. We were treated to exceptional food and home cooked treats from mostly in season and preserved home grown and locally sourced food supplies. All sittings trumping our mumma’s and nona’s family spreads. Our favourite culinary treat was the Albella salad roll for lunch. Enjoyed amidst the summer wildflowers surrounded by the striking landscape. Very Special. The highlight of our time there was the daily excursions into some very special places in the Ordesa region. World heritage listed natural, cultural and landscapes beckoned us every day. Every daily excursion started off the night before with a good briefing, outlining the plans and of what to expect. All this underselling what was in store for us after short commutes through the mountain lowlands, historic small villages and rural settings to some very special places in the mountains. Our hosts know their stuff and are passionate about their place in the Pyrenees. They combine their lifestyle and business in everything there and are so keen to share it all. A big shout out to the high-class local guides who led us on many of the days. So impressed with their depth of knowledge, presentation skills and their patience and ability to share all this with us. We got the natural history and geological stories of the mountains. We experienced their place and connection to the local community with the local history, good news conservation stories and current issues impacting the areas values. On each daily adventure there was flexibility in the itinerary for our small group, working around the conditions, shared interests and our expectations. On many occasions, ideas and alternative options were negotiated and plans adjusted on the run, whether it was adding a potential wildlife experience following recent sightings, extending a walk beyond the crowds for an alternative view or dropping into a local bar for a couple of beers on the way home. I’m confident that if our group all turned up keen with our mountain boots, crampons and binoculars our hosts and guides would have endeavored to get us above the snow line to find a new adventure with another Marmot or Chamois. Well done Lucy and Simon Australian National Park Ranger John