New Trilobite Model for Ribadesella Museum

Ribadesella made headlines approx. five years ago when a huge fossil trilobite ( Neseoretus Cristani ) was found during construction of one of the two local tunnels for the Cantabrian Highway (Autovía del Cantábrico). The original was put on display for several months at the local museum in the village of El Carmen (Ribadesella), before being shipped off for further study and conservation. This copy, made of epoxy and sawdust, measures 1,2 meters by 60 cm. was made by a local model workshop, Maquetas Lezzago, in Pando (Ribadesella) and took three months to complete.

Bidding for New Bridge in
Ribadesella to Start in 2008

Budget calls for $5.4 Million (U.S.)

The Principality of Asturias has budgeted 3,8 million Euros for the construction of a new bridge for the N-634 across the Sella river in Ribadesella, with bidding for the project expected to take place, according to anonymous sources in the Roads and Infrastructures Dept., in the initial months of 2008. Until the recent local election, the administration of Ribadesella (PP-conservative) and the government of the Principality (PSOE - socialist) belonged to opposing political camps. Approval of any plans for a new bridge in Ribadesella were held up for over ten years in Oviedo, to give time for "appropriate environmental review". The PSOE won a surprise upset victory in the local elections in Ribadesella four months ago. Since then state authorites have been more cooperative, and a positive environmental impact statement was drawn up in September, removing one of the last hurdles before the construction of a new bridge.

More Than 100 Individuals Lived at the Entrance of the Tito Bustillo Cave 12,000 Years Ago

Excavations led by Rodrigo de Balbín are underway in the area where the prehistoric people lived. Researchers have found tools, buried bones and two large trash pits.

The excavations undertaken this year in the Ribadesella Cave of Tito Bustillo have been concerned with the area where the prehistoric population lived 12,000 years ago. Results confirm the hypotheses put forward by Professor of prehistory Rodrigo de Balbín, responsible for the works in the cavern, that within the entrance to the cave a community numbering approximately 100 individuals lived. They lived and worked in a space approximately 50 m long by 50 m wide.

The archaeological site is a large space just to the side of the old entrance to the cave. It was buried under an avalanche, and was not discovered until 2004 by the cave explorer Julio Sarasola, and mapped by Professor Alberto Foyo. It is only scant meters away from the cave's famous painting, and researchers have been working hard to discover its secrets. Numerous tracks and trails show that this was the area chosen by the Magdaleniense people of the late Paleolithic as their home. In addition to sewing needles and bones buried in a manner typical for this time period, researchers are most excited about finding two trash pits. These contain the remains of animals that were eaten, from which the researchers have been able to confirm the high number of inhabitants of the cave.

Highly Organized

More study is needed to confirm the exact number and location of the inhabitants. "This is shown us that the groups were larger than we initially thought. We are not dealing with small tribes or groups but rather much more extensive populations," explained Rodrigo de Balbín. Their immediate living area may have extended to the entire zone of the hillside bluffs of Ardines, that overlook the sella River. "We are becoming ever more certain that they had a high level of organization, that their were relationships between groups, perhaps of a commercial nature." To confirm this, a multiple disciplinary group has arrived to begin a study of the colors used to paint the Tito Bustillo cave, and compare them with the colors used in other case in eastern Asturias, in particular those located near the Sella River. "In collaboration with other teams we have collected samples from the caves of La Güelga and El Buxu, and the highlands of the Sella," explained De Bilbín. As part of this study they have also taken many infrared photos of the caves to compare to one another.

"With this we will be able to determine if the origin of the dyes is the same, if they shared resources, or it came from different locations. This should help us learn more about the relationships between the groups." De Balbín for his part is sure that the entire zone functioned as a single unit and that the populations maintained regular contacts and relationships. "One would assume that they also shared tools, pieces of flint, and other items."

Spanish language source: http://www.elcomerciodigital.com/gijon/20070928/oriente/individuos-vivian-vestibulo-cueva-20070928.html

Maritime Authority to Cede Use of the
Ribadesella Lighthouse to the Public

Possible Use as Museum for New Ocean Preserve?


Source: El Comercio, Juan García, July 28, 2007

The Maritime Authority of Gijón has announced that in September they will hand over the Ribadesella Lighthouse to the local government for as yet unspecified use. The lighthouse perched high on the cliffs of Tereñes immediately to the west of Ribadesella and its surrounding 100,000 sq.ft. of ocean front gardens have until this time been off-limits and closed to the public. The Maritime Authority has completely automated the lighthouse and seeks to save money by handing over the building, which is in need of repairs, and the maintenance of the extensive grounds, to the city administration. Plans are being put forward to locate the new museum for the El Cachucho Maritime Reserve in the building. The El Cachucho is an undersea crater off the coast of Ribadesella, beyond Spanish territorial waters, that has been declared an international maritime preserve. Plans for the museum would include a restaurant with panoramic views. However there are also discussions afoot to put the museum in the former Consumers Protection Building out on the point at the entrance to Ribadesella harbor. Advocates of that plan point out that if the museum were put there it could include public restrooms which are entirely lacking on that end of town.

86 New Parking Spots Created in Ribadesella

Source: El Comercio, Juan Garcia, July 27,2007
The newly elected city administration in Ribadesella has started implementing its new traffic plan. One of the first major changes has been to introduce one-way traffic only on the street calle de Coronel Bravo. This street is on the beach side of Ribadesella and runs from the marina to the beginning of the beach boardwalk. The new traffic flow means that the parking along the right side of the road could be changed from parallel to nose-in, adding space for 55 additional cars. The same thing will be done on the calle de Elías Pando also on the beach side of town, which will add 31 more parking spaces.

Huge 86 lb. Eel Caught in La Ñora

Source: El Comercio, July 16, 2007
The restaurant La Perdiz has obtained a spectacularly large eel weighing 86 lbs. According to the restaurant owner Javier Méndez this maritime monster was caught near La Ñora and measures nearly seven feet long. Even the largest eels seldom weigh over 40 lbs. The eel was served with roasted potatoes and a clam sauce.

Arctic Fish Population Established
in Cantabrian Sea off Asturias

A new fish species has moved into Asturian waters. The Ribbon Fish or Deal Fish (Trachipterus Arcticus) is native to the waters of Iceland and Norway. It is a very slow growing fish, measuring between four to six feet in length, and takes fourteen years to reach sexual maturity. The first example of this exotic species was found in Asturias three years ago by local fish specialty restaurant owner Enrique Rodríguez, when a decomposed body washed up at a local beach. Recognizing it as a species hitherto unknown in Asturias, he called CEPESMA, the Center for the Study and Protection of Maritime Species. Researchers there looked at the stomach contents of the large fish and found several different types of smaller fishes native to the Cantabrian Sea off of Asturias, indicating the fish had lived in the area for some time. In the time since then, researchers at the institute have spread the word about this fish, and 384 examples have been recorded in Asturian waters, with the greatest frequency between June and December. One was caught in Tazones just three weeks ago. The Deal fish is a solitary species and only groups during mating season, which indicates a very large area must now be populated by this species. The director of the center suggests that this might mean a change in ocean currents in bringing colder water into the Cantabrian Sea.

Might we now hope for a return of the great herring shoals that abandoned these waters in the late nineteenth century in one of their periodic but as yet unexplained migrations?

Asturias has the Lowest Birthrate of the 25 Countries in the EU
- But also enjoys the highest life expectancy for women

Source: El Comercio, Laura Fonseca, July 13, 2007

The Principality of Asturias has the lowest birthrate of any region in the twenty-five countries of the European Union, data released yesterday showed. Less than Bulgaria, Switzerland or Macedonia. Asturias isn't simply the least fecund region in all of Spain, but all of Europe as well. The highest birthrate in Europe is enjoyed by Iceland, which in 2004, had 2.04 children per woman. Next in line were Ireland with 1.99 and Norway and Finland with 1.81 each. The European median was 1.5. Asturias was last with 0.98 children per woman. Asturias also had the highest average childbearing age at 31.29 years for the first child. Asturian women have the highest life expectancy in Europe reaching 83.8 years on average.

Fishermen Petition for Right to Kill
Cormorants on the Sella River
- Each bird consumes "between 400 to 500 grams of fish a day"
- The Angler's Society is releasing 200,000 trout spawn this week

Source: El Comercio, Irene García, July 13, 2007

Local fishermen are describing the cormorant as one of the biggest threats to the biodiversity of the Sella River. They are petitioning for the bird to be declared an invasive species when it is found in the upper portion of the Sella River, where its population has been increasing. "It is a maritime species, but population pressures are pushing it up the river," said the secretary of the angler's society El Esmerillón, Juanjo Peruyero, who maintains that the government of the principality must take "drastic action".

Tordo the Horse Pulls Over 500 Kg.

Source: El Comercio, G.F. Buergo, July 9, 1007

Neighbors from the village of San Roque del Acebal turned out for a weight pulling contest on Sunday. The winner was Tordo, owned by Rubén González García, who pulled 538 kg. a distance of 536 m. Runners up in weight and distance were the horses Dama, Orco, Mora, and Cuco.

Architectural Models in Stone

Source: ElComercio, Luis Caso, July 9, 2007
The former farmer Benigno Runza in Villaviciosa relaxes by building miniature stone models of famous early Romanesque buildings in Asturias such as the church Santa María del Naranco. He started with an hórreo (an Asturian grainary), then went on to a house, followed by churches. He is currently working on the church Santa María de la Oliva in Villaviciosa.

Two children looking at a photo on a digital camera in Colunga,
Asturias, Spain during the festival for Nuestra Señora de Loreto

Portuguese Vessel Fined €50,000 for Fishing off Ribadesella

Source: El Comercio, July 9, 2007
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing, and Food (MAPA) has opened up a legal case against a Portuguese ship after Asturian ship owners handed in denunciations claiming that vessels from that country were fishing within the twelve mile territorial limit of the principality.

The ship that has been sanctioned was the Foz de Nazare, a vessel which was surprised while illegally fishing in the Resueste fishing grounds north of Ribadesella. The ministers responsible for protecting Asturian waters agreed that this was a grave infraction. According to first estimates the Portuguese shipowner will be obliged to make a deposit of €50,000 to get back the ship while the case is pursued in the courts. This is the first Portuguese ship that has been sanctioned by the Spanish administration among all those who legally fish with in the Cantabrian Sea since an accord was reached between both countries regarding maritime activities in January 2004. The ship had been fishing on days when the fishing fleet was required to stay in port and it was using equipment that is forbidden by law. After the case is settled the ship will face a fine of up to €60,000.

Potato in the Shape of a Dog Eaten by Local Man

Source: Spanish language article in El Comercio, July 10, 2007

The curious 1.7 kg potato that looked like a dog and has been on display at Francisco Javier Alonso's tavern Londres in La Calzada, Asturias was used to make a tortilla last night at 7 p.m. Alonso invited his customers to taste the tortilla, and they commented that it was very good, with no discernible dog like taste. The potato came from the Cantabrian village of Valderredible, and was the type called Baraca. The Baraca potato is the only type of Spanish potato with a Protected Denomination of Origin license issued by the European Union.

50 Year Old Fisherman Falls to Death Off Oceanside Cliff

Source: El Comercio, E.Sanromán Pimiango, June 25, 2007

The coast of Ribadedeva at Pimiango claimed the life of a local man yesterday. Roberto García left his home at six in the morning to fish at his usual spot near where the Tinamayor river enters the ocean. And this was the spot where he lost his life. His body was found half-submerged in one of the three caves at the base of the cliffs, at 5:40 p.m. the same day after his car was seen on a nearby path. He had last spoken to his family by mobile telephone at eleven that morning. Emergency services were called by his family at four in the afternoon and began the hour and a half long search for him.

Easter Island Sculpture in Gijon

A large 150 kg. Easter Island like monolith has been installed on San Lorenzo Beach in Gijon Asturias near ramp 15 as part of the Semana Negra art festival.

Ribadesella Adds Jet Skis to Its Lifeguard
Equipment and Llanes Adds Defibrillators

The principality has provided new equipment to make the beaches safer this summer. In concrete terms, this season visitors to the Santa Maria beach in Ribadesella will benefit from the acquisition of a Yamaha jet ski, which cost €16,924. Palombina beach in Llanes received six defibrillators. This year the principality will be spending €538,574 for lifeguards on Asturian beaches. And this year Ribadesella has been chosen as the location for many training courses for the principality's lifeguards.

Newly Renovated Outdoor Pools Open in Oviedo

Source: El Comercio, Aida Collado, June 23, 2007

Two newly renovated pools have opened for the summer in Oviedo at the athletic fields called El Cristo. The main pool for adults measures 4,600 ft.² and is 1.6 m deep, the smaller pool for children measures 400 ft.² and berries in depth from 0.3 to 0.4 m. The renovation of the pools cost €580,500, and was part of the renovation of the entire sport complex, which including the soccer field, cost €1,200,000. Last year the sports complex was used by 320,000 visitors of which 24,000 used the old pools.

More of the Ana Mine Pipe Now Visible at Vega Beach

Source: El Comercio, Juan Garcia, July 6, 2007

Users of Vega Beach and neighborhood residents of the small Ribadesella community request urgent action to solve the sand situation before August. They believe that only a light intervention is necessary to bring everything back to normal. "Just a simple bulldozer would solve things," said the beachgoers.
This beach has experienced significant changes after the storms of the last winter and the growth of the Acebu River this past spring. The riverbed has moved its mouth, generating new and dangerous currents along the beach. At this time, the loss of sand on the beach has revealed many stony areas and what is worse, you can now see the water pipe from the Ana mine, which somewhat prejudices the viewer against this beach which is cataloged as a Natural Monument.

Renting an Apartment in Llanes This Summer Will Cost Approximately €1200 for Two Weeks

-- Renting a House in Ribadesella May Cost €3000 a Month and up to €6,000 Next to the Beach

-- To Rent a House in the Principal Communities of the Oriente Region in Asturias for the Entire Year Costs between €300 to €500 per Month
Source: Article in El Comercio, by Guillermo Buergo

Nearly a thousand people in Llanes and Ribadesella need apartments, and the question is to buy them or rent them. A great factor that inhibits a purchase is the price: it is impossible to find an apartment of 600 ft.² for sale for less than €180,000. And yet renting is also difficult because not many apartments are on the market.

Purchasing

For the last couple of years the town government in Llanes has maintained a list of people employed in the town who are looking for an apartment. Right now that lists contains 399 names. Some need apartments quite urgently. This situation is similar in Ribadesella.
The typical profile of someone looking for an apartment is: less than 35 years in age, single, no plans of marriage and with an income between €600 to €800. Such numbers have led to the situation in Llanes where at the moment 3,309 apartments are being built and there are short-term plans full 1,640 more. Yet among all these new apartments only 3% of the buyers come from Llanes. There are entire blocks of apartments without a single local owning an apartment in the building.

Renting

Real estate agents in Llanes admit that there are not many apartments to rent and explain that there are two ways of renting apartments: renting by season or renting for the entire year.
It is difficult to find an apartment of 600 ft.² that rents for less than €500 a month and single room apartments are difficult to find at €300 per month. For the summer season, the price is approximately €1,200 for two weeks during the months of July and August.
In Ribadesella the numbers are somewhat lower. An apartment of 600 ft.² rented out for the entire year generally costs €400 a month and for an efficiency of one room €200 to €300 per month. Not Ribadesella is the jewel in the crown by national standards, and to rent a small mansion for the summer such as those in Tezangos or Ardines can cost €3000 a month. To rent a small house in the beach area and cost between €4,200 and €6,000 per month.
And if these of the problems that face those who want to rent an apartment, there are no fewer problems for the owners of an apartment who would like to rent them out. Sometimes the memories cause them to grimace. One owner recalls very bad experiences, with the apartment destroyed and unable to collect the rent, after the renters had abandoned property.
Rental agencies charge owners a commission of between 10 and 20% depending on the volume of business. These agencies generally require the renters to pre-pay their rent.
The great number of apartments that are being built right now also means that there are many contractors in the community. In Llanes and Ribadesella legions of skilled craftsmen have arrived. They are Spanish, Portuguese, Moroccan, Polish, Chinese, and Nigerian. But no matter what their mother tongue, every day they face the problem of putting a roof over their heads. Sometimes they have to sleep on construction sites or drive many kilometers two distant communities.

Illegal Poachers Leave Dead Wolf Tied to Street Sign

A dead wolf tied to a stop sign was found this morning by rural residents near Canga de Onis in Asturias, Spain. Depredations of livestock by wolves has been so bad this year that many ranchers in the Picos de Europa have sold their animals and abandoned ranching. Yet legally obtaining permission to hunt wolves can be a lengthy and involved process, hence last night's clandestine action.

David Espinosa wins Contest with Ribadesella Horse Race Photo

The photographer David Espinosa won Ribadesella's first photography contest with a photo he took of the horse races held on the community's main beach this year. Espinosa has worked for the last six years as a photographer for newspapers in Asturias, the last four for the periodical El Comercio. Espinosa studied photography and design at the school of Artes y Oficios in Oviedo. Born and raised in Oviedo, Espinosa now lives in Llanes. He noted that this is the first photography contest he has ever entered and was pleased to win first place.

Asturias Announces €500 Benefit for Every
New Child in Hopes of Increasing Birthrate

-- This Is in Addition to the €2500 Given by the Federal Government

Source: El Comercio, Marco Menendez, July 6, 2007

The principality Asturias will soon cease to be one of only two states in Spain (the other is La Rioja) that does not give direct financial aid to parents. The president of the principality, Vicente Álvarez Areces, announced that starting in July, the regional government will add €500 to the just announced €2,500 direct financial subsidy from the federal government for each child born, adopted, or otherwise taken into the family. Areces said the government was forced to this action because of the demographics of the principality. He noted that the principality has the lowest fertility rate in the country and that the situation regarding births has become critical. He continued, that this is only one of the many methods planned by the executive in order to help families and increase the birthrate.

University Removes Old Fascist Symbols from Courtyard Balcony

Source: El Comercio, Andres Presedo, Jun 27, 2007

At the break of dawn yesterday workers at the Laboral University in Gijon, Asturias, Spain permanently hid the seven large fascist cast-iron coat of arms that have decorated the balcony overlooking the interior courtyard since the university was built decades ago. They were covered up with same sized bronze plaques showing the coat of arms of the principality. These are not the only fascist symbols still found on the building. There are numerous architectural details such as column capitals made of banded arrows, and door lintels decorated with eagles, that refer to Franco's party and the nation's fascist past, but those that remain cannot be easily removed. After covering the old symbols, the workers went on to their next task: installing five flag poles for the five new flags that the university will be flying: Europe, Spain, Asturias, Gijon, and the University's own flag.

The Debt of the Ribadesella Soccer Club Exceeds €48,000

Source: Article in El Comercio, Juan Garcia, June 21, 2007

The Ribadesella soccer or football club, Ribadesella CF, as admitted to having a debt of €48,027 -- €30,000 owed to the bank Caja Rural and €18,027 as a negative balance for the current period. This deficit was caused by two events. According to the explanation by the president given before a club assembly, during this season of 2006 to 2007 there was a fall in over 50% in the sales of entrance tickets. Instead of receiving €25,000 in entrance fees as in the previous year they only received €13,500. Nor could the club collected the €12,000 promised by one of its main benefactors the local company Mafer-Caral. "The representative of this construction company came to our meetings, made some photos, published the posters with his name on them and then later told us he could not pay a single euro," said Ramón Soto, the president of the club. However he is not throwing in the towel and has not ruled out taking legal action. Soto said that he is not concerned overly much with the debt because he has initiated many contacts to "reduce the debt to zero by the month of August".

After being made aware of the situation, a club members approved in a public meeting a budget for €199,250 for the next season, €19,000 more than in the preceding year. This budget hopes for ticket sales of €36,000.

73% of the Businesses Created in Asturias in 2006 Did Not Survive One Year

Source: article in El Comercio by S. B. June 21, 2007

73% of the companies which were created in Asturias during the past year did not survive. In the principality of Asturias there were 1,760 businesses started in 2006, an increase of 2.6% over the previous year. But this is less than the increase that was experienced nationwide in Spain which was 3.4% of every 100 companies started in a story as in 2003 only 27 survived the year. This high level of commercial mortality concerns the Association of Young Businessmen of The Principality (Asociación de Jóvenes Empresarios del Principado), who believe that Asturian government should set aside some resources to help strengthen these new organizations, the majority of which are started by young businessmen.

In addition to this proposal, the Association insists there is a need for more industrial land and help in setting up an industrial parks, classes in entrepreneurial skills local education centers, better professional education, a better orientation between the needs of the marketplace and labor skills available, and a reduction of bureaucracy. The organization counts over 200 young Asturian businessmen as members of its association most of which have founded their own companies and are self employed.

The Local Government of Llanes and Three Folklore Groups Claim the Marketing Rights for the Traditional Llanes Costume

-- They consider it necessary because the traditional clothing of the community "is recognized both inside and outside of our borders"

-- The groups agree in the importance of "protecting our cultural heritage and authenticity"

Source: Article in El Comercio by by Ana Moriyón July 4, 2007

The groups are not suggesting that the traditional dress of Llanes be confined to the borders of the community, but they insist that it is worn properly and most importantly not mixed or confused with other regional costumes. "We don't want anyone to say that the traditional dress of Llanes is the Asturian dress", insisted those in Llanes. And with such demands they have hammered out an agreement with the three large folklore groups of Llanes - those which organized the celebrations of La Magdalena, San Roque and La Gúia - and can count on the support and backing of the town government of Llanes thanks to the work of the new councilman José Herrero. "

"Above all we need to recover the respect shown towards our traditional costume which enjoys years of history," said Oscar Torre. "Sometimes you see folks wearing woven sandals with the Llanes costume" whereas traditionally it would be born with black shoes, worried José Herrero.

The Historic Gardens and Fountains at the University in Gijon Will Be Restored for €1,900,000


- The construction, with a budget of €1,900,000, will begin in September and includes the creation of a plaza at the entrance to the Ciudad de la Cultura.

- The project seeks to restore the Hispanic Arabic elements of the original project

Source: Article in El Comercio July 4, 2007 by Andrés Presedo

Originally the gardens and fountains were conceived and designed as a unique element of the Laboral University in Gijon. The original thoughts of Luis Moya and the Seville resident Javier de Winthuysen considered that this emblematic building needed a garden area which emulated the celebrated beauty of the Granada Palace. Much work was done in the beginning of the 1950s to realize these aspirations, but the promoters were never able to see their project completed.
Technically everything is in perfect order. The water is collected from the interior patio or courtyard of the Laboral and distributed by means of pipes both asthetic and functional. And along the façade of the building there is a long fountain. The water is then recycled, as it passes by flowers and trees. But some small technical problems and above all the lack of money put an end to the project. Now more than half a century later, the gardens will regain their noble aspect.
How big will the new project be? All total it will be some 136,000 ft.² although really it is made up of two parts -- the historic gardens and fountains, and the entrance plaza to the Laboral. The work is expected to be finished after six months by the spring of 2008. Cisterns which collect the water will hold some 20,000 liters. In order to obtain the color effects originally sought by Javier de Winthuysen, ornamental grasses will be used in green, gray blue, and red. The maintenance of grasses is much less difficult than flowers and the colors are much the same. The trees will be magnolia and there will be borders of box wood shrubs.

New Tourist Train Starts Service in Gijon with Tours in English

The guided tours of the city on a motorized train which started yesterday, last 50 minutes and cost €4.50 for adults and €3.00 for children older than four years old. The train leaves from the Fomento at 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 hours. The train has a bilingual audio guide and will be in operation until September 9.

A Basque Mountaineer Dies after Falling 50 Meters at Pico Torres near San Isidro

Source: Article from El Comercio July 1, 2007 by M..Menendez

- Iñaki B., a Resident of Bilbao, 40 Years Old, Fell into the Void after the Rock to Which He Was Fixed Gave Way - The Peak Has Registered Two Other Fatal Victims, aged 26 and 75 Years Old, in 2002 and 2003

A Basque mountaineer was killed yesterday after falling off a cliff face while climbing the Pico Torres in the community of Aller, very near the port of San Isidro, according to sources at Asturian emergency services. The victim was Iñaki B., fourty years old and resident in Bilbao. It looks like the accident took place just after one o'clock in the afternoon, when the victim was climbing up the Pico Torres in the company of a friend, using a regular route up the mountain, known as El Corredor and considered as having medium-high difficulty.

The rock to which the mountaineer was anchored gave way, which caused him to fall approximately 50 m, according to a report by Daniel Cordero, owner of the hotel complex La Braña, located close to the area where this fatal accident took place. The body of the mountaineer became stuck on a projecting rock very near the chapel of Nuestra Señora des las Nieves

The mountaineer's friend gave alarmed by means of his mobile telephone and a helicopter from the Asturian fire department quickly arrived at the location as well as team members from the emergency rescue group, but they could only certify the death of the climber and remove the body, which had very grevious wounds on the head and broken bones.

Second Man Seriously Injured in Peña Ubiña

On the same day the helicopter of the Asturian fire department was also called to rescue another mountaineer who was severely injured in an accident at Peña Ubiña la Grande, in the community of Lena. The rescue took place around noon and the man who was injured in the hand and kidneys needed to be taken by helicopter after first aid was given to the hospital. The area where the man was injured did not present any difficulty of any sort and is often visited by mountaineering enthusiasts. Nonetheless these types of accidents a very common during the months of summer when many people are climbing the mountain.

Asturias' Birth Rate in 2006 Is the Highest in 17 Years, Although the Lowest in Spain

Source: article by Laura Fonseca in El Comercio, July 4, 2007

More births and fewer deaths, but the same lineup. In 2006 Asturias achieved the highest rate of births in the last 17 years. It hasn't been since 1989 that the principality has enjoyed more than 7.2 births for each thousand citizens. But last year according to the national Institute of statistics there were 7699 births, 217 more van in 2005. However when compared to the rest of the country this number of births does not count as much. Asturias continues to be the community with the least fertility in Spain with 0.98 children per woman, whereas the national median in 2006 with 1.37 children per woman, the highest value since 1991.

Dangers at Vega Beach Reduces Swimming Area To 100 Meters

-- Sand Has Been Lost and the Drainage Pipe from the Ana Mine Is Now Visible
-- The Beach Is Expected to Return to Normal When the Waves Calm Down

Source: Juan garcia, El Comercio, July 4, 2007

The physical changes experienced by the Vega Beach on this strip of coast near Ribadesella has obliged swimmers and other users of the beach to be restricted to a smaller area. The beach measures approximately 2 km long, but the swimming area has been limited to just 100 meters, a space that could change as conditions change. The new space reserved for the practice of swimming has moved to the west. Rate now it is situated to the right of La Mejillonera, in the center of the beach, whereas in other years it has been on the east of the beach, in front of the lifesaving station. This has meant that one of the lifeguard chairs has had to be placed above the dunes, facing the new swimming area. The second lifeguard chair is staying in the accustomed location so that bathers will not splash about and play in the now restricted area.

The new physical and sediment characteristics of Vega Beach have radically changed following the strong storms of this past winter and the recent increase in size of the river Acebu. The beach has lost much sand, increased its inclination, and created many new deep spots that are dangerous for swimmers. In addition, the drainage pipe from the washing process of the Ana mine is now visible. This travels the knee in the sand following the path of the river, but the strong erosion in the last months means that it is perfectly visible for the last stage.

For its part, the banks of the river have been covered by huge masses of wood which form natural dams and are causing erosive effect. The area where the mouth of the river flows into the ocean has also experienced a profound transformation. Where's before the river emptied into the ocean in a perpendicular manner, now it crosses across the beach in a parallel fashion, towards the right-hand side of the beach, a change which means that new and significant currents of water run along the beach strip.

Hopefully everything will return to normal when the waves calm down, but it is perhaps too soon to say. Nonetheless, Vega Beach is more dangerous today than in preceding summers. For this reason, the lifeguard service is practicing extra vigilance, but is also counting on the good behavior of the beaches users and that they take precautions and follow the signs that up and put up describing the new areas of the beach.

So far, this year has not received many swimmers. The bad weather has not permitted it. But in the past summer, Vega Beach counted no less than 85,000 visitors. In addition, this beach is often visited by surfing aficionados, but the physical changes of the beach have meant that they have lost some of their best waves.

To guarantee the security of everyone swimmers and surfers, the lifeguard service now includes six lifeguards assigned to this beach eight-team which has at its disposition a kayak and a motorized boat this last piece of equipment injured into service just this week, after a course in instruction in Ribadesella.