RE: https://loops.video/v/g8kiXEbqKP

Day 2 of our backpacking trip was defined by poor visibility and drizzle. Cold, damp night in a makeshift forest bivouac. Ice on the tent next morning. So much snow! Cross border trekking routes closed unless mountaineering gear taken.

RE: https://loops.video/v/g75AY9eitN

A short video from day 1 of our recent 4 day backpacking trip into the mountains of the Central Pyrenees

Early morning view from our campsite alongside a small lake in the Respomuso area of the Central Pyrenees. The mountains shown form the border with France.

Arrived in the lovely town of Panticosa in the Pyrenees this morning. That's the town on the far side of this lake. Done some driving around this afternoon seeking out hike start points and searching for rare orchids. Tomorrow we start a 4 day trek over the mountains into France. Weather going to be a bit mixed.

Tomorrow we head north on the first part of our long 10 hour drive through Spain to the town of Panticosa in the Central Pyrenees. Panticosa will be our base camp for the next 3 weeks. Looking forward to plenty of snow and mountains. Some multi day backpacking trips, some day hikes and maybe even some alpine ascents if conditions allow.

I enjoy discovering new and interesting blogs. Michael Wood's (via Bluesky @michaelwood8.bsky.social) blog documents his travels around China by bike and foot, following in the footsteps of explorer Joseph Rock. Gives a real insight into the fascinating Chinese interior and backcountry.

https://josephrock.net/

Congratulations to British mountaineer, Kenton Cool who has quietly and without fuss just made his 20th ascent of Everest. More ​Everest summits than any non-Sherpa ever.

I remember us rock climbing with Kenton here in southern Spain some years back. Nice guy. Glad we didn't drop him! 🤣 🤣

With all the conflict in the world, big tech takeovers etc, I think I can be forgiven for feeling a bit down at times. My remedy is to take the dogs out for an early morning walk.

The fresh mountain air, nature and beautiful scenery is great for uplifting and rejuvenating a downtrodden spirit. Works for me anyway. Every time!

Morning Fediverse! The sun was just hitting the "acequia" channel this morning and provided some very interesting light

Sat in a bar in Granada waiting for some minor repairs on my car. Heat suddenly ratcheted up to 32C over last few days. Summer is just around the corner although from my barstool I can see the snow covered Sierra Nevada.

By the way, non alcohol beer has got very tasty these days. Currently drinking Mahou 0,0

Things don't always work out as planned. Nature always wins eh? Today I had packed my high mountain gear ready for a snow day but our dirt road into the high mountains was blocked by a landslide. Instead we headed for the much lower Pinos de Conchar trail in the Lecrin valley south of Granada. Haven't done this before but it was a fine hike with superb views.

Beautiful sunset tonight. Lanjarón, Alpujarras

View on the way to "work 🤣" yesterday!

Pampaneira town with Capileira outlined on the higher shoulder above the Poqueira Gorge. The peak of Veleta (3394m) in the Sierra Nevada beyond.

Taking a photography group through the "Pueblos Blancos" villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira yesterday.

So, guess what? Here's some images of white village scenes 😂

Barranquismo (Canyoning) looks fun. This guy certainly seemed to be enjoying it as he descended the waterfall at Tajo Cortes, Rio Bermejo, Alpujarra yesterday.

I've spent a lifetime trying to avoid slippy wet rock but maybe I should give it a try?

Sorry I'm a bit late for as I didn't get back yesterday until late. Here are the spectacular Tajo de Cortes of the Rio Bermejo, Alpujarras

This week I'm having to leave my comfortable status of retirement and actually "work". Yes, it's true! I'm guiding a photography group led, by Andrew Scriven, around the Alpujarras, searching out photogenic opportunities.

I am definitely a landscape photographer at heart but here's a few of the "arty-farty" ones I grabbed along the way.

https://www.andrewscriven.co.uk/

A piece of film history, then and now, 60+ years apart. Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach in "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" at a place we know as Crocodile rock in the spectacular Tabernas badlands of Almeria, Spain.

2/ And what a place to sit and eat ones lunch!

Upper Lanjaron Valley, Sierra Nevada,

1/ Tough hike but what a day, still buzzing! Sometimes I don't think we fully appreciate just how much raw, untamed beauty and wildness we have so close to our homes. Saw nobody all day. Gotta go back soon, maybe for an overnight-er.

Upper Lanjaron Valley, Sierra Nevada,