Mills in Altoaragón - harinero

Bara

Bara definitely is a remote spot.
1) From Sabiñánigo drive south to Huesca until you reach Lanave. Turn left where Boltaña is signposted. Don't miss the branch towards Nocito.
2) From Boltaña cross the Río Ara and follow directions for Lanave. It will take some time but eventually you will reach the Molino de Escartín. Now look for the Nocito branch to the left.

From here on it's 12 km of dirt road to Nocito where Bara is signposted. Thirteen more kilometers of dirt road lay ahead. Walk from the church
down to the river (Río Alcanadre) and stream up. Stay on the right bank.

All pictures: 05.VI.2000


	Mill in the landscape		Mill along the river

The mill is hidden between the lush vegetation in the valley of the still very young Río Alcanadre. (The harinero of Las Almunias de Rodellar is on the same river)

We found a dam after quite a walk around the corner. The azud closes a narrow and keeps a huge water volume. A spacious canal brings the water to the mill.

The construction of Bara's mill is very simple. There is one rather big room with the mill stones and a smaller annex, probably used to stall the mules. No living quarters for the miller. We have seen similar mills in f.e. Aso de Sobremonte and Torrolluala del Obico.
The wide open cárcavo is another feature in common with the latter.


	Dam with embalse		Mill with water reservoir

The balsa is rather big and deep for such a small mill. The picture (right) shows how the builder made the most of the local situation. The reservoir lies a bit above the mill and the very thick walls reach as high as the roof.

This configuration makes the reservoir function as a balsa (container) and a cubo (pressure building).

Shrub has invaded the balsa. The last inhabitants of Bara now tap the balsa and with a long tube bring the water to their kitchen.

The cárcavo is still in good shape. The eroded inner wall exposes the connection between the cubo and the cárcavo. We can see how this inlet-pipe cum nozzle (botana) is made with wooden parts.


	Thick wall of the balsa		Botana and wheel


	Workplace with tolva		Farinal with cruz

The small workplace has one window and a door. We didn't find any tools, but everything else (tolva, cabra, stones) is present. Notice the octangular guardapolvo (more of the same in Las Almunias de Rodellar and Yésero)

We were happy to find a solid farinal (box to collect the fresh flour) with nice cruz (used to hold the sacs open while filling them). The harinero of Humo de Muro also treasures both objects.

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