Frias

Frias

Before our good friends, the Deschamps, left for home, Randy marked our map with more places we needed to see in Spain.  A couple of weeks ago we decided to explore some of his recommendations.   We took our new friends, the Collins, along with us.

This old Roman bridge and Hermitage is outside of Frias.
Yes, that is Elder Waite standing on the bridge.

Mountain goats were climbing straight up cliffs.

Meet Tamara and Allan Collins from St. George Utah.

Frias

Dripping with charm.

The landscape in this part of the country.

The castle of Frias.

Beautiful window boxes were all over the town.

This little girl was practicing her fan skills.
This is very important for a proper Spanish lady.

The church in Frias

This was an amazing Roman bridge, with Frias in the background.
This is the only bridge we have seen with a tower in the middle.
Maybe an early toll road?

Frias from the bridge.

From one bridge to another.

Frias on the hill.

The castle hanging from the cliff.

Medina de Pomar

Hey, turn around!

View of city from the castle.

Allan playing the King.

Puentedey

We loved this beautiful natural bridge.

An interesting rock on our walk.

Ojo Guarena Caves
They were turned into a monastery and a church in the 17th century.

Espinosa de los Monteros
Home of the Ancient Royal Guard founded in 1008 to protect King Alfonso VI.

Iglesia de Santa Cecilia in Espinosa de los Monteros

All indications showed they were not fond of fracking here.

We spotted this interesting "castle" from the highway, and decided to go
 into town and investigate.  Turns out a man built this whole thing himself.
You can now buy a cold drink and look around.

Ona 

The Monestary of San Salvador in Ona, built in 1011 by the Benedictines.

Some of Spain's modern art, a swarm of ants about 6 foot each.

An interesting causeway.

More of their modern art.  I liked this one.

By the time we finally got to the monastery door it was locked.  In frustration Greg did a little banging and yelling at the door (for the benefit of the Collins).  To our surprise, a little man, kind of shaken, answered the door.  After our rudeness, we still managed to talk him into letting us in for a look.  It was well worth it.

These pictures do not do this altar justice.  This was the chapel for the monks.

It was the first time I have seen the choir seats lining the walls of the chapel.

We were told that the "bad" kings of Spain were buried here.

One of the "bad" kings.

I have felt like this rather often.

Back to Frias

On our way home we took a little detour to Burgos.  The Cathedral is so impressive.

We love the way they graft their trees together to make a shady walkway.

The Burgos city gate.

Covarrubias

A fancy trashcan that matches the city.

Iglesia de Covarrubias

Monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza

Monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza

San Pedro de Arlanza Monastery

Another successful trek into Spain.