#pyrenees — Public Fediverse posts

Clubic: Deux #randonneuses se perdent dans les #Pyrénées #France après avoir suivi un itinéraire donné par #ChatGPT

Les gars : Faites gaffe cet été...
Ne suivez pas les ours..

https://www.clubic.com/actualite-622801-deux-randonneuses-se-perdent-apres-avoir-suivi-un-itineraire-donne-par-chatgpt.html

Clubic: Deux #randonneuses se perdent dans les #Pyrénées #France après avoir suivi un itinéraire donné par #ChatGPT

Les gars : Faites gaffe cet été...
Ne suivez pas les ours..

https://www.clubic.com/actualite-622801-deux-randonneuses-se-perdent-apres-avoir-suivi-un-itineraire-donne-par-chatgpt.html

#SilentSunday

#Monochrome #Mountains #BlackAndWhite #LandscapePhotography #Pyrenees #Nature

#SilentSunday

#Monochrome #Mountains #BlackAndWhite #LandscapePhotography #Pyrenees #Nature

The Basques: Europe’s Ancient Survivors Who Refused to Disappear

Dear Cherubs, if Europe were a family reunion, the Basques would be that mysterious relative who turns up speaking a language nobody else understands—and somehow has the oldest stories in the room. While empires came and went like fashion trends, the Basques simply carried on, quietly proving that survival is sometimes history’s greatest flex.

AN ANCIENT PEOPLE

The Basques are widely regarded as one of Europe’s oldest continuous cultural communities. While modern genetics shows they are not a completely isolated or “pure” people—a myth long abandoned by historians—they do preserve remarkable continuity with populations living in the western Pyrenees since prehistoric times. According to recent archaeological and genetic research, the region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with cultural continuity stretching back to the Neolithic, even as populations mixed over time.

Their language, Euskara, is the real headline act. Unlike Spanish, French, English, or almost every other European language, it belongs to no known language family. Linguists classify it as a language isolate, meaning no proven relationship has been established with any living language. That’s not just unusual—it is spectacularly rare.

For decades, the oldest known written Basque dated from Roman times. Then archaeologists uncovered the Hand of Irulegi in Navarre, a bronze artifact from around the 1st century BC bearing a Proto-Basque inscription. According to researchers, it pushed written Basque back several centuries and confirmed that the language was already established before full Romanization. It was archaeology’s version of finding an old hard drive that still boots.

EMPIRES CAME, BASQUES STAYED

The Romans conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula but never completely erased Basque identity. Instead, local communities gradually adopted aspects of Roman life while retaining their language in many mountainous regions. Later came the Visigoths, Muslim expansion into Iberia, Frankish influence, and the rise of the medieval Kingdom of Navarre. Through every political shift, Euskara survived where many other ancient European languages disappeared.

By the Middle Ages, Basque sailors were among Europe’s finest navigators. Historical records show they hunted whales in the Bay of Biscay and reached the rich cod fisheries off Newfoundland before many better-known maritime powers. They were quietly building an international reputation long before branding consultants existed.

The modern era brought fresh challenges. Following the Carlist Wars in the nineteenth century, traditional Basque self-government was significantly reduced. During Francisco Franco’s dictatorship (1939–1975), public use of Euskara was heavily restricted in Spain, and many cultural expressions were suppressed. Ironically, those policies strengthened local determination to preserve the language.

After Spain’s transition to democracy, Euskara experienced a remarkable revival. Today it is an official language in the Basque Autonomous Community and enjoys varying degrees of recognition elsewhere. Schools, universities, media outlets, and technology companies actively promote its use, although UNESCO continues to classify some Basque dialects as vulnerable.

The Basques are not “Europe’s original bloodline” in any literal biological sense. Modern populations everywhere are products of thousands of years of migration and intermarriage. What makes the Basques extraordinary is something arguably more impressive: they have maintained a unique language and cultural identity while adapting to every major political transformation Europe has experienced.

History often celebrates conquerors. The Basques remind us that sometimes the greatest achievement is simply refusing to vanish.

Sources:
Thisclaimer — https://thisclaimer.com
Euskaltzaindia (Royal Academy of the Basque Language) — https://www.euskaltzaindia.eus
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Basque — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Basque
National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/hand-irulegi-oldest-written-basque-language
UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages — https://en.wal.unesco.org/
Aranzadi Science Society — https://www.aranzadi.eus

The Basques: Europe’s Ancient Survivors Who Refused to Disappear

Dear Cherubs, if Europe were a family reunion, the Basques would be that mysterious relative who turns up speaking a language nobody else understands—and somehow has the oldest stories in the room. While empires came and went like fashion trends, the Basques simply carried on, quietly proving that survival is sometimes history’s greatest flex.

AN ANCIENT PEOPLE

The Basques are widely regarded as one of Europe’s oldest continuous cultural communities. While modern genetics shows they are not a completely isolated or “pure” people—a myth long abandoned by historians—they do preserve remarkable continuity with populations living in the western Pyrenees since prehistoric times. According to recent archaeological and genetic research, the region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with cultural continuity stretching back to the Neolithic, even as populations mixed over time.

Their language, Euskara, is the real headline act. Unlike Spanish, French, English, or almost every other European language, it belongs to no known language family. Linguists classify it as a language isolate, meaning no proven relationship has been established with any living language. That’s not just unusual—it is spectacularly rare.

For decades, the oldest known written Basque dated from Roman times. Then archaeologists uncovered the Hand of Irulegi in Navarre, a bronze artifact from around the 1st century BC bearing a Proto-Basque inscription. According to researchers, it pushed written Basque back several centuries and confirmed that the language was already established before full Romanization. It was archaeology’s version of finding an old hard drive that still boots.

EMPIRES CAME, BASQUES STAYED

The Romans conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula but never completely erased Basque identity. Instead, local communities gradually adopted aspects of Roman life while retaining their language in many mountainous regions. Later came the Visigoths, Muslim expansion into Iberia, Frankish influence, and the rise of the medieval Kingdom of Navarre. Through every political shift, Euskara survived where many other ancient European languages disappeared.

By the Middle Ages, Basque sailors were among Europe’s finest navigators. Historical records show they hunted whales in the Bay of Biscay and reached the rich cod fisheries off Newfoundland before many better-known maritime powers. They were quietly building an international reputation long before branding consultants existed.

The modern era brought fresh challenges. Following the Carlist Wars in the nineteenth century, traditional Basque self-government was significantly reduced. During Francisco Franco’s dictatorship (1939–1975), public use of Euskara was heavily restricted in Spain, and many cultural expressions were suppressed. Ironically, those policies strengthened local determination to preserve the language.

After Spain’s transition to democracy, Euskara experienced a remarkable revival. Today it is an official language in the Basque Autonomous Community and enjoys varying degrees of recognition elsewhere. Schools, universities, media outlets, and technology companies actively promote its use, although UNESCO continues to classify some Basque dialects as vulnerable.

The Basques are not “Europe’s original bloodline” in any literal biological sense. Modern populations everywhere are products of thousands of years of migration and intermarriage. What makes the Basques extraordinary is something arguably more impressive: they have maintained a unique language and cultural identity while adapting to every major political transformation Europe has experienced.

History often celebrates conquerors. The Basques remind us that sometimes the greatest achievement is simply refusing to vanish.

Sources:
Thisclaimer — https://thisclaimer.com
Euskaltzaindia (Royal Academy of the Basque Language) — https://www.euskaltzaindia.eus
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Basque — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Basque
National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/hand-irulegi-oldest-written-basque-language
UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages — https://en.wal.unesco.org/
Aranzadi Science Society — https://www.aranzadi.eus

#Asstodon #Pyrenees

#Asstodon #Pyrenees

Get me, I've written another short blog post about an encounter with Kevin the Marmot and a Bearded Vulture who didn't stick around long enough to get a name. It seems to me if you find yourself on a col, hang around for a while and see what comes along! Anyway have a read and see some of the pictures.
https://www.kierstenrowland.com/kevin-and-the-bearded-vulture
#Nature #Spain #Wildlife #Photography #Pyrenees #WildlifeWednesday

Get me, I've written another short blog post about an encounter with Kevin the Marmot and a Bearded Vulture who didn't stick around long enough to get a name. It seems to me if you find yourself on a col, hang around for a while and see what comes along! Anyway have a read and see some of the pictures.
https://www.kierstenrowland.com/kevin-and-the-bearded-vulture
#Nature #Spain #Wildlife #Photography #Pyrenees #WildlifeWednesday

Pont Nou, originally built in the early 13th century, located in the town of Camprodon in the #Catalan #Pyrenees of northeastern #Spain.

#TravelTuesday #photography #TravelPhotography #bridge #Catalonia

Pont Nou, originally built in the early 13th century, located in the town of Camprodon in the #Catalan #Pyrenees of northeastern #Spain.

#TravelTuesday #photography #TravelPhotography #bridge #Catalonia

RE: https://mastodon.social/@mhaklay/116948853136287441

#Science #CitizenScience #ParticipatoryResearch #Pyrenees #Environment #Universite

RE: https://mastodon.social/@mhaklay/116948853136287441

#Science #CitizenScience #ParticipatoryResearch #Pyrenees #Environment #Universite

First big day hike of the northern summer in the Pyrenees for me after returning from travels. Pretty big day it was at a 21km roundtrip with 2055m of elevation.

I left home at 6:45 walking to the usual starting point and ascended to Pla d'Estany for where I decided to do the big loop via Estanys Forcats. It is a big climb up there already covering over 100m in altitude gain.

After crossing the small snow field at the main lake, it was a climb through rock fields up to the neck which forms a border between Andorra and Spain. I was surprised how quickly I managed. Had to put on a wind jacket and stash my poles before ascending Pic de Medacorba - a wise decision as the wind was cold even in the hot weather.

Medacorba (2914m) is an intimidating climb for anyone afraid of heights or suffering from vertigo. There are sections that do feel exposed or narrow especially on top. This peak however stands on the border of Andorra, Spain and France. It is worth the visit and I have not been for a while.

The next target was Pic de Comapedrosa (2994m) and also the highest point of Andorra. To get there means a descent to a set of lakes (longer and easier) or crossing a rock and scree field. I decided for the latter as I was alone (except for a satellite communicator as a companion).

Crossing this requires some agility in the legs and feet, but eventually arrived at the base of Portella de Baiau. This pass, which is part of the GR11, is notorious for being covered in loose scree for most of it. I made quick work of it by keeping left and using a rock band for progress. I think I surprised an onlooker at the top for the quick progress I made.

Once up I topped out on Comapedrosa, but as it was early I decided to climb Pic de Sanfons (2889m) as well. My motivation was to avoid the people on the standard Comapedrosa route and to delight myself with the wonderful ridge walk that Sanfons offers.

I climbed up on easy pace as I still had a way to go on the home stretch. Once over the technical ridge I lostyself in thoughts and then found myself walking down the wrong ridge line. A bit of off-track walking got me eventually back to the correct path. Onto the refugi next for a drink and then a long descent to the village for another drink!

#hiking #wanderlust #andorra #pyrenees #france #spain

First big day hike of the northern summer in the Pyrenees for me after returning from travels. Pretty big day it was at a 21km roundtrip with 2055m of elevation.

I left home at 6:45 walking to the usual starting point and ascended to Pla d'Estany for where I decided to do the big loop via Estanys Forcats. It is a big climb up there already covering over 100m in altitude gain.

After crossing the small snow field at the main lake, it was a climb through rock fields up to the neck which forms a border between Andorra and Spain. I was surprised how quickly I managed. Had to put on a wind jacket and stash my poles before ascending Pic de Medacorba - a wise decision as the wind was cold even in the hot weather.

Medacorba (2914m) is an intimidating climb for anyone afraid of heights or suffering from vertigo. There are sections that do feel exposed or narrow especially on top. This peak however stands on the border of Andorra, Spain and France. It is worth the visit and I have not been for a while.

The next target was Pic de Comapedrosa (2994m) and also the highest point of Andorra. To get there means a descent to a set of lakes (longer and easier) or crossing a rock and scree field. I decided for the latter as I was alone (except for a satellite communicator as a companion).

Crossing this requires some agility in the legs and feet, but eventually arrived at the base of Portella de Baiau. This pass, which is part of the GR11, is notorious for being covered in loose scree for most of it. I made quick work of it by keeping left and using a rock band for progress. I think I surprised an onlooker at the top for the quick progress I made.

Once up I topped out on Comapedrosa, but as it was early I decided to climb Pic de Sanfons (2889m) as well. My motivation was to avoid the people on the standard Comapedrosa route and to delight myself with the wonderful ridge walk that Sanfons offers.

I climbed up on easy pace as I still had a way to go on the home stretch. Once over the technical ridge I lostyself in thoughts and then found myself walking down the wrong ridge line. A bit of off-track walking got me eventually back to the correct path. Onto the refugi next for a drink and then a long descent to the village for another drink!

#hiking #wanderlust #andorra #pyrenees #france #spain

Lilium pyrenaicum (Yellow Turk's Cap Lily)

#SilentSunday #Flora #Spain #Nature #Photography #Botany #BloomScrolling #Pyrenees #WildFlowers #Flowers

Lilium pyrenaicum (Yellow Turk's Cap Lily)

#SilentSunday #Flora #Spain #Nature #Photography #Botany #BloomScrolling #Pyrenees #WildFlowers #Flowers

(Les yeux dans les yeux. E.2026/ huile)

Un peu d'utopie, ça ne se refuse pas!
Pyrénées, versant Nord-Ouest en juillet.
- Isard (plus petit et plus fin que le Chamois des Alpes) qui nous fait de l’œil!
- Aconit paniculé ssp. panaché (plante pyrénéenne poussant près des mégaphorbiaies)
- Séneçon des Pyrénées
- Busserole ou Raisin d'ours des Alpes (avec ses feuilles crénelées caractéristiques )
#art #peinture #nature #Pyrénées #fleurs sauvages

(Les yeux dans les yeux. E.2026/ huile)

Un peu d'utopie, ça ne se refuse pas!
Pyrénées, versant Nord-Ouest en juillet.
- Isard (plus petit et plus fin que le Chamois des Alpes) qui nous fait de l’œil!
- Aconit paniculé ssp. panaché (plante pyrénéenne poussant près des mégaphorbiaies)
- Séneçon des Pyrénées
- Busserole ou Raisin d'ours des Alpes (avec ses feuilles crénelées caractéristiques )
#art #peinture #nature #Pyrénées #fleurs sauvages

I've written a short blog post about a recent encounter I had with a Black Woodpecker during our trip to the Pyrenees. If you fancy having a read and seeing a few pictures I took this is the link https://kierstenrowland.com/the-day-i-met-a-black-woodpecker It was a special moment in time that became our own personal wildlife documentary.

#Birds #BirdsofMastodon #Nature #Spain #Wildlife #Photography #Birdphotography #Pyrenees #BirdScrolling #NaturePhotography

I've written a short blog post about a recent encounter I had with a Black Woodpecker during our trip to the Pyrenees. If you fancy having a read and seeing a few pictures I took this is the link https://kierstenrowland.com/the-day-i-met-a-black-woodpecker It was a special moment in time that became our own personal wildlife documentary.

#Birds #BirdsofMastodon #Nature #Spain #Wildlife #Photography #Birdphotography #Pyrenees #BirdScrolling #NaturePhotography

A Marmot and his friend. On a recent trip into the mountains of the Pyrenees I came across this cute scene. It seemed that the marmot was just hanging out on his rock with his bird friend a Northern Wheatear.

#Nature #Spain #Wildlife #Photography #Pyrenees #Marmot #Birds

A Marmot and his friend. On a recent trip into the mountains of the Pyrenees I came across this cute scene. It seemed that the marmot was just hanging out on his rock with his bird friend a Northern Wheatear.

#Nature #Spain #Wildlife #Photography #Pyrenees #Marmot #Birds

A few months ago, I wrote about becoming deputy-director of the SETE in Moulis next year, in a transient 2-years arrangement. Well, that situation escalated quickly ! After a few months acquainting myself more with the direction tasks, getting to know the nitty-gritty of the lab, and writing a detailed direction program, I received the green light from INEE last week to become full-director of […]

A few months ago, I wrote about becoming deputy-director of the SETE in Moulis next year, in a transient 2-years arrangement. Well, that situation escalated quickly ! After a few months acquainting myself more with the direction tasks, getting to know the nitty-gritty of the lab, and writing a detailed direction program, I received the green light from INEE last week to become full-director of […]

En ce temps caniculaire dévastateur, la fraîcheur et l'eau se trouvent encore ... mais il faut monter bien haut !
(B.Domange/ huile)

(Pyrénées atlantiques, mai (désolé !), 1500m sur calcaire)
- Bois-joli ou Bois-gentil
- Gentiane occidentale var. blanche
- Androsace hirsute
- (le) Collier-de-corail
#nature # canicule #montagne #Pyrénées #eau #art #peinture #fleurs sauvages #papillon

En ce temps caniculaire dévastateur, la fraîcheur et l'eau se trouvent encore ... mais il faut monter bien haut !
(B.Domange/ huile)

(Pyrénées atlantiques, mai (désolé !), 1500m sur calcaire)
- Bois-joli ou Bois-gentil
- Gentiane occidentale var. blanche
- Androsace hirsute
- (le) Collier-de-corail
#nature # canicule #montagne #Pyrénées #eau #art #peinture #fleurs sauvages #papillon

Nous voilà arrivés au pied de ces majestueuses montagnes.
En chemin, nous avons croisé la Chaîne des Puys 🥰.
#pyrenees #ChaineDesPuys

Nous voilà arrivés au pied de ces majestueuses montagnes.
En chemin, nous avons croisé la Chaîne des Puys 🥰.
#pyrenees #ChaineDesPuys

Les images des dégâts. Il va falloir des années pour réparer ça.
#incendies #Perpignan #Pyrénées-Orientales

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xam17ua

#TDF #tourdefrance #pyrenees #gavarnie #etape #Macron #Visite #canicule #chaleur #meteo #DessinDePresse #dessin

De retour! #TDF #tourdefrance #cyclisme #Pogacar #dopage #gavarnie #pyrenees #sport #journalistes #francetv #DessinDePresse #dessin

I was very happy that the timing of our trip to the Pyrenees coincided with the flowering of the Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) again. It had been in flower for 5 days and flowers for around 15 days. It brings me such joy to see this wonderful orchid.
#Orchids #Flora #Spain #Nature #Photography #Botany #BloomScrolling #Pyrenees #WildFlowers @WildOrchids

Help !
J'aimerais trouver le nom de cet #oiseau Une heure que je cherche et toujours rien de sûr
Un gobe mouche gris ? Une fauvette ?
Le mâle et la femelle se ressemblent très fort. Il vit (entre autres) dans les #pyrenees
#oiseaux #ornithologie #birds #ornithology
EDIT : c'est un gobemouche gris, merci à la communauté !

I've waited years to get a close view of a Bearded vulture (Lammergeier), to be able to see it's eye. I got one chance only on our recent trip to the Pyrenees. It was a very cool moment, we were sat resting, I happened to turn around and saw this immense bird coming our way, I quietly said to @elperronegro turn around look what's coming our way. I chose this photo as I believe it shows how big this bird is. #Birds #BirdsofMastodon #Nature #Spain #Birdphotography #Pyrenees #BirdScrolling