Social-Feed – 2026 - El Perro Negro

Social-Feed – 2026 (132)

Since Dec 2022 we have been running our own Mastodon & GoToSocial servers. What a breath of fresh air the Fediverse has been. We have made many hundreds of new friends from around the world, mostly related to our mountain, tech and nature interests.

Connect with me/us on the Fediverse at:

RE: https://loops.video/v/gf6SqP6jql

Crossed over into France today. Much greener scenery. What a view and a fine lunch stop below the mighty Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

Yes, I know its not but we passed this spectacular place today and just had to share. Maybe we should have ? 😀

The Cascada del Argualas at Baños de Panticosa

2/ Above the Embalse de Bachimaña Alto we met snowfields and rising before us was the chain of mountain peaks marking the border with France. Easiest crossing seems to be the Puerto de Marcadeau leading down to the Refuge Wallon. Still lots of snow though and crampons/ice axe are essential for a safe crossing. We relaxed and ate lunch by the lakeside before making the ardous knee jerking descent back to Baños de Panticosa.

1/ Some images from yesterdays hike up to the Embalse de Bachinaña Alto in the Pyrenees. Starts from Baños de Panticosa. This is an interesting and dramatic ascent to the lake alongside tumbling waters and surrounded always by stunning mountain scenery.

RE: https://loops.video/v/gbsL-vvfsF

Glorious hike today up to and beyond the Embalse de Bachimaña Alto. Stunning scenery. This walk up through forests to the waterfalls was just the start of a long but ultimately thoroughly enjoyable mountain day.

RE: https://loops.video/v/g9tk7_emZz

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.