Grumpy old mountain man living in Spain
Yesterday was a very atmospheric day as initially the "White Villages" of the Poqueira were covered in thick cloud. As we headed up the western side of the gorge the clouds began to thin out and by lunchtime we were back to the trademark, blue skies.
Gave me an opportunity to grab some different images to the norm of Capileira and Bubion.
Morning cloud dissipating from the slopes around Capileira yesterday morning, the church prominent. Behind rises the peak of Mulhacén, 3482m
The Rio Monachil looking great with much needed water tumbling down it on the way to Granada
Granada province still has free tapas with every drink. And, long may it continue! Here's some tapas our group were given after our hike yesterday at Bar Faroles in Lanjaron
Morning sun reaching the town of Lanjarón a few minutes ago
Images from yesterday's trip to "Los Cahorros de Monachil" near Granada. The actual gorge was a bit crowded for my liking, but nevertheless, this is a gem of a hike in very spectacular scenery, with lots of interest including narrow walkways, wire bridges and always the slight risk of falling in!
Rather wet perch but with a stunning view! Thanks to the kind client who sent me this
Up in the Alpujarra forests in the cloud and drizzle today near Puente Palo. Very atmospheric but I have definitely turned into a fair weather walker 🤣
Lazing on a Sunday afternoon.
I never get sick of this place. Lovely light tonight
Highest mountain in mainland Spain, Mulhacén, 3482m, this morning with snow blowing from the summit in the strong winds. Snow level 2500m.
Always nice to see the first snows of the winter arrive here in the Sierra Nevada. Here is a photo from 2500m at the ski area. The mountains change from summer to winter in an extremely short period, one week it's sun, t-shirts and shorts and the next its full winter kit and blizzards. Part of the attraction for me.
Couldn't resist it. I have a new camera, an A7Cii. Has to be Sony given the amount I've invested in their cameras and lenses over the last 5 years. I won't bore you with the details but suffice to say that a full frame 33MP camera with superb 28-60 kit lens, AI recognition system, advanced processor etc, yet weighing just over 600 grams really appealed for backpacking trips.
Now to gather together all my old APS-C gear - A6400, lenses, accessories etc to sell.
Poor weather up high today so our hiking group settled for a simple circular walk up to the Ermita Santo Cristo del Zapato above the village of Pinos de Valle in the Lecrin Valley.
Has anybody used one of these from https://www.flipfuel.co/?
"What is FlipFuel?"
"Brought to you by backpackers to solve a simple problem. What do I do with this box of partial fuel containers I won't take on a trip? Now you can easily consolidate your backpacking fuel & recycle the empty fuel canisters. "
I must admit, I went ahead and purchased one anyway as they seem a great way to consolidate fuel, especially for this weight obsessed ageing backpacker!
Stunning sunset tonight above Lanjarón
Great Explorers: H. W. Tilman
'As a dedicated technophobe, I’ve always felt a certain kinship with the English explorer H.W. Tilman (1898-1977), who would have thrown a GPS into the trash, assuming he ever had one. On his mountaineering expeditions, he engaged in alpine-style climbing and refused to bring any oxygen equipment with him, while in his seafaring trips, his boats carried no technical devices other than a compass, a sextant, and a short-wave radio"
Picos de Europa - day 5
Spectacular morning departure from the Refugio Jermoso with cloud inversion until this all cleared at the Las Colladinas. Then it was a rough descent to the green, lush valley of the Vega de Liordes before bad weather arrived. Beautiful views of surrounding mountain summits. We past some ancient mines before descending steep zig-zags back to Fuente Dé. How on earth did they make that incredible path?
Picos de Europa - day 4/5 Evening sunset and morning cloud inversion
At the Refugio Collado Jermoso conditions were almost perfect for enjoying the beautiful sunset and stunning early morning cloud inversions. This is a beautiful mountain refuge if you ever get the opportunity to stay here.
Picos de Europa day 4 - to the Refugio Collado Jermoso
From the top of the Fuente Dé cable car we had to hike 8km with 1000m of ascent over the mountains to the west, crossing the Colladina de las Nieves and the small passes at Las Colladinas. This is a very spectacular walk although care would be needed in mist as the trail is quite rocky. Arrival at the beautifully situated refuge is always a joy to behold.
