Click on the picture to see more photos
Located in northeastern Spain, the Moixeró Natural Park, has been declared a Special Protection Area for birds by the European Union, and is the largest in Catalonia. It has an area of 41,342 hectares that make up the territory three Spanish cities: Girona, Barcelona and Lleida respectively.
By Sergi Reboredo (text and photos).

Located in the northeast of Spain, in the foothills and a natural park since 1983, is the protected space in Catalonia with the highest number of habitats and species of flora and fauna of European interest (30 in each case) because of the many climatological conditions and altitude, allowing the existence of arctic species, Central European, Alpine and Mediterranean, very close to each other in the same area of ??the park.

Each year more than 400,000 visitors pass through the park, with Al Soula most attractive mountain and mountaineering tradition in this area. It has a rugged terrain, quirky, with an unmistakable silhouette. The northern part falls vertically on Gresolet Valley and is a risky and attractive climbing spot.

Crossing Balloon Park.
Our journey begins in a village north of Moixeró Natural Park called Bellver de Cerdanya. It is the town of Cerdanya that integrates largest area of ??the park and its geography meander the river Segre. At the point of meeting, a bar located at the foot of the 260 National, Miquel MESEGUE, the balloon pilot, is already waiting to take us into the van towing the huge basket and balloon fabrics to the tee.

The morning is sunny, not a cloud looming over the horizon. We deploy fabrics in a field next and propane burners begin to flood the interior of these hot air. Slowly the huge yellow ball is taking shape to fill of 9,000 cubic meters of air that can fit inside, while the basket starts moving as if in a hurry to start flying.

Untie the ends of the cords that bind us to the ground firmly and gently began to rise. A slight tingling fills your soul as if to trasmitirte you are living an amazing experience and it will live inside you forever. The wind is soft and flew with the same grandeur as do the golden eagles not far from where we are.

From heaven everything seems different. The shapes and textures of the mountains near impossible to perceive shapes blurred ground. The roads that wind tiny mountain trails are just blanquinosos that break the harmony of green vegetation. The image is from up here is overwhelmingly Puigmal bewitching snow. The nine members of the expedition watched in silence all the secrets that the landscape gives us.

We are at 2200 meters altitude and move at a maximum speed of 16 kilometers per hour towards Puigcerdà. The sun shines directly overhead and the shadow of the 25 meters that measure globe fabrics black color paints the mountains and valleys we passed. The peace and tranquility that is perceived from the balloon contrasts sharply with the intense emotions that live in the mountains where surely some skiers take advantage of the last snow of the season.

It has been almost one and a half and it's time to land. I have no desire to go down, I swear I would for hours imitating the flight of birds in the sky poetic. We started to lose altitude slowly, without haste. A spring green meadow in the vicinity of Sanavastre is the landing stage. The basket hit softly on the grass. All over. The dream is gone in a few moments. Now all that remains is the memory of the photos to immortalize the experience.

Access to the park.
We can get from Barcelona via the C-16 to Baga, where the southern mouth of the tunnel of Cadi, after which you access the Cerdanya. Another option is to take the train line linking Barcelona with Puigcerdà or bus line Barcelona-Andorra.

Epoch.
Any time of year is ideal to visit the Park balloon, and once there we can use to make other sports. In winter the snowy landscape is evocative and ideal for skiing or snow shoeing. In summer the two GR through the park are a coming and going of people fleeing the stifling embarrassment of big cities.

Flight duration
Besides normal flights over the area of ??Cerdanya (1 ½ hours) Kon-Tiki offers possibility of a journey through the Pyrenees flying over areas of the Cadi, and sometimes Pedraforca Puigmal and Canigou. Are flights three hours in which you can get to flying between 3000 and 5000 meters altitude and travel distances of between 40 and 150 km, and that the climatic conditions in winter are made.

Team
If we make the crossing in winter we will be equipped with warm clothing and gloves as the air temperatures are even lower and this must be added the lack of mobility that is in the basket of the balloon.

Flora
The highest parts, from 2000 meters are covered with alpine meadows. At lower altitudes find black pine forests and the northern slopes of mountain ranges fir forests. The most interesting plant communities are perhaps growing in the stony, where the loose stones piled high; here among the stones, plants have to adapt to the lack of moisture, the shift of the rocks and low temperatures.
Wildlife
Among the fauna includes the vulture, chamois, deer, roe deer, grouse, marten, black dick highlands and the great golden eagle. The deer and roe deer, which had been extinct long ago, repopulate the park with the recent recruitment. Among the bird species should be noted relict glacial periods such as the capercaillie and black beak, picked this as a symbol of the reserve.

Accommodation
Els cortals Refuge L'England, Tel 626 881 151
Hotel Bellavista (**) Ctra N-260, 45 25720 Bellver de Cerdanya.
Tel 973 510 000.
Hotel Cal Rei (**) Cami de L'England, one Talló 25721 tel. i fax 973 511 096
Camping Bellver Ctra N-260, km 193. Isovol 17539 Tel 973 510 239
Camping Solana Ctra N-260, Km 198. 25720 Bellver de Cerdanya
Tel 973 510 310

Information

Vuelos en Globo Kon-Tiki www.globuskontiki.com
Parques Naturales de Cataluña www.parcsdecatalunya.net
Bellver de Cerdaña www.bellver.org
Web de la Cerdaña www.cerdanya.net/cerdanya.htm
Información Meteorológica www.inm.es
Socorro en Montaña: 082

Bibliography
Refuge in the Pyrenees. Louis and Hubert. Editorial Juventud.
The Cerdanya. Figuera, Manel / Brosel, Alfons. Editorial Sua.
100 summits of the Pyrenees. Veron, Georges. Editorial Sua.
Catalonia and the Pyrenees. Kelly, Tony. Publisher Thomas Cook.
The Pyrenees. Hugo, Victor. Editorial Olaneta.
Catalonia. Globetrotter Guide. Editorial Gaesa.

This report was published in the journal Tourism and Adventure # 104 of July-August 2003. Oscar San Martin Molina and his brother Eusebio San Martin Molina directors and owners of TyA never paid the bill for this report. They left hanging a lot of collaborators who never paid. Currently offered at the Tourist Offices TyA magazine submissions that is impossible to find in any newspaper kiosk or library. A scam like any other.

Peculiarity of this flight
Probably one of the most impressive and unforgettable flight you can make in life: a journey by balloon above the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees, ending with the Central Catalonia flyby before landing. It is a long journey that show lasts about 3 hours. Climb at various heights to find suitable winds, between 2,000 and 4,000 meters, but also fly at low altitude to contemplate the wild. Moreover, during the flight the pilot will explain the basics of navigation, the use of a GPS, radio communication, with the motive to let you share the journey. It aprochevará trip to eat and stay hydrated during the ride. Actually, this flight is a total adventure!

Program
Description of activity: The activity starts at dawn with the collection of the passengers on the meeting point. We moved to the exit site of the globe. Then, if they wish, passengers can share in preparations: the assembly and inflation of the balloon. Then, we took off for a flight of about 3 hours. On our way up North procediente wind. Besides enjoying the breathtaking mountain panorama, we took advantage of the trip to eat and drink. We ended the ride with the landing, the collection of the globe and its crew for the rescue team. Once grounded feet, we go to a farmhouse in the area, to celebrate the experience in a typical Catalan lunch. Finally, we provide with Cava and deliver to each passenger a personalized certificate signed by the pilot of the balloon itself, before returning in 4x4.
Total duration of the activity: anticipate a full day for the activity. The balloon ride lasts approximately three hours.
Hours activity: the flight begins early in the morning, after sunrise, and ends shortly after noon. Having a couple of hours to return 4x4.
Time of flight: the Pyrenees crossing flight only done in winter, from early December to late March. You can do it any day of the week, weekends and some holidays. Please contact us for availability.

Useful information
Meteorology is an activity that depends directly on the time. This type of flight requires specific weather conditions to fly to great heights with procedientes North winds. So, you can only fly on specific days. In case of cancellation by unfavorable weather conditions, would build another flight date.
Clothing: this flight is performed at high altitude which means low temperatures. You need to be kept warm, wear gloves and goggles and how sunscreen.
Health information is essential to be in good health on the day of the flight and refrain from drinking alcohol from the day before. During the flight, you should hydrate the body by drinking fruit juices and water.
Team and safety: our drivers are professionals, trained to manage a ballooning long-term and large heights. Always will carry a first aid kit, protective blankets and all necessary equipment for air navigation.
Limitations: The balloon ride is very safe, but in order not to take any risks to our passengers desconsejamos activity for pregnant women, children under 6 and people with respiratory problems.
Principle
Prices and options
We propose two ways of flying across the Pyrenees in globe: a normal flight in which you will share the journey up to 6 passengers in the basket and thus have a more attractive price, or a private flight that offers the possibility of a flight with the pilot for the total exclusive and therefore more intimate. For those who want to give open day activity, we propose the "gift ticket" with the possibility of customization.
Prices:
Flight CROSSING balloon PYRENEES: Prices (1)
Adults in flight NORMAL 350 € / pers.
Adults in flight PRIVATE € 450 / pers.

Option: transfer roundtrip from Barcelona +50 € / pers.
(1) Prices per person, in force since 01/01/2013. This type of flight is operated only the months of December, January, February and March.
The price includes:
- Organization of the flight, equipment and staff necessary.
- Liability Insurance in accordance with the European regulations No. 785/2004.
- The preparation and assembly of the globe.
- The flight lasts approximately three hours over the Catalan Pyrenees.
- Fruit juices and water during the flight.
- The recovery of the balloon landing and passengers by the rescue team.
- Lunch in a farmhouse typical Catalan after the flight.
- Celebration of the event with a glass of Cava and delivery of flight certificates.
- Back in a 4x4.
Options:
- Transfer round trip 4x4 or mini-van from Barcelona city.
- Accommodation in a 3 *** hotel the day before the flight in Cerdanya.

Balloon flight between the Pyrenees and the Sierra del Cadi (from Bellver de Cerdanya) - Lleida be taking off the center of this wide valley of the Pyrenees, enjoying the privileged view of the French Pyrenees on one side, the Sierra del Cadi on the other , the slopes of La Masella and La Molina and the Canigou. Occasionally reaching the 2,000 m high and continuing to a skimming low over the green meadows with their cattle and horses, the river Segre and typical villages of stone like Prats, Pi, All, Nas, Prullans or same Puigcerdà. Meeting point Hotel Bon Repos - Bellver de Cerdanya (Lleida) An ideal place to stay overnight the night before if you want so early ...
Preparation and inflation of the balloon. The activity starts early in the morning when, after introductions and some simple instructions, all participate in the assembly and inflation of the balloon, a magical experience. Take off and flight. After half an hour we are ready to take off. The first moment of not touching feet on the floor is unforgettable. We fly for an hour and a half approx. and the itinerary we will mark the winds. Landing and rescue. Our 4 × 4 vehicle tracking shall we radioed land and pick us up after landing to go to breakfast. Companions not want to fly may participate in the monitoring and breakfast. Celebration and farewell. Celebrate the experience of a typical breakfast in a rustic local farm, marshmallow toast with champagne and a flight certificate and a CD with the recording of the photo essay that you will do during the day. Around noon we will end the activity.

ALL A SPORT
However, although many people do not consider it in this way, ballooning is a real sports practice. There is considerable work to do to extend the meters and meters of sails, ropes and cables pulling and hauling a heavy gas cylinders.

Also keep in mind, the active part that involves the inflation of the balloon. Aided by us, the pilot stretch all sail and prepare for takeoff.

Once in the air, we need only take a deep breath, open your eyes and marvel ecstatic landscape that unfolds before us.

Above, all is denatured. The proportions to which we become accustomed irreverent. The buildings look like Lego. Playmovil dolls People walking distance. Cities, movie sets and problems, irreverent.

HISTORY
The balloon is over 200 years. Drawing on ideas of geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci and Archimedes, the French brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgonfière first experiments began the year 1.782.A their balloons were called montgolfieros. Not much ballooning knew the first passengers who flew in a balloon, as they were a duck, a cat and a lamb. The Montgolfier brothers were put in a basket attached to a balloon as apepinada, powered by the heat from a brazier burning straw.

From then until now, the balloon flight has been gaining popularity, though not a popular sport since the material cost, maintenance, the learning process and the necessary permits, make it a pleasure for the few privileged.

However, as a passenger ballooning is available to suit all budgets. In the early 90s, there was a boom in adventure sports in Spain, and practiced this activity began to dot the peninsula.

Many companies that emerged dedicated to organize hot air ballooning, so that today it is possible to enjoy a flight of two or three hours, in many places.

To those who are passionate about this sport, and want to be at the helm of the aircraft, there are balloon pilot courses consisting of 14 hours of practice spread over flights between 1 and 2 hours, and theoretical courses in meteorology and techniques flight, among others.

HOW AND WHEN?
Any day of the year is good to go up in a balloon. There is a particular station that is better than another. However, there are two times of the day especially good to enjoy the heights, when the wind starts to fall, at dawn and dusk acquire the ideal conditions for a good enjoyment from above. However, as the sun warms the atmosphere, to the middle of the day, rise forcing land breezes.

Once on land, it will be worthwhile to record all this adventure with a camera or a good video camera. Nothing like immortalize the unique experiences in life that we live. And no doubt, this will be one of them.

CURIOSITY
Jules Verne launched his literary career, Five Weeks in a Balloon (1863). In this first novel appear and "ingredients" of what will be his future work, skillfully mixing a plot full of adventures and surprises of all kinds and technical descriptions, geographical and historical. The book holds a good summary of the exploration of Africa, which at that time was not completely understood by Europeans and many explorers who came in search of its secrets.

Hopefully, after reading this report, the bug bites you and start your space adventure.