Grumpy old mountain man living in Spain

Latest Posts

Cerro de los Machos, Sierra Nevada

Published on 07-07-2021 by El Perro Negro
Yesterday's trip into the dramatic Corral del Veleta. Still plenty of snow remaining. A steep climb up to the wonderful viewpoint of Cerro de los Machos.

Wedding Anniversary

Published on 30-06-2021 by El Perro Negro
It's my wedding anniversary so I asked my wife to pack for an overnighter. She started to pack her rucksack, sleeping bag etc, expecting yet another cold mounta...

The Northern 3000m peaks of the Sierra Nevada

Published on 29-06-2021 by El Perro Negro
An amazing 2 day trek covering the northern 3000m peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Circular walk to camp at Lavaderos de la Reina and next day over the northern mountains

Cerro de Caballo, Sierra Nevada

Published on 23-06-2021 by El Perro Negro
Yesterdays walk up Europe's most south westerly 3000m peak, the Cerro de Caballo. The old legs feel a bit tired today, my first time at altitude since the heart problems and definitely struggled getting enough oxygen circulating through the body. Must go even slower next time!

Exploring Andalucia with the Nomads - the first 11 trips

Published on 09-06-2021 by El Perro Negro
During the onset of the Covid crisis in 2020, I decided to form a small local walking group. The objective was simple, weekly walking & meeting people once lock down restrictions were lifted. I named the group "Alpujarra Nomads". We go all over Andalucia in our search for nature & mountains!

The Mountain Stream

Published on 09-06-2021 by El Perro Negro
Woke up at 2am yesterday evening with head filled with the previous days events. A particular memory came flowing back. For some strange reason the words started to flow and I had to write them down. Is it poetry? Is it prose? The words don't rhyme. So here it is.

The Nomads

Published on 14-03-2021 by El Perro Negro
The "Alpujarra Nomads" Hiking Group

Water, Water, Everywhere in the Alpujarras

Published on 31-01-2021 by El Perro Negro
In the UK we just got out the hosepipe and watered everything. It was easy. Just turn a tap. Not as easy in a hot country like Spain where water is at a premium. This is how we water our land in southern Spain.

Early Days in Andalucia

Published on 22-01-2021 by El Perro Negro
A collection of emails sent home in the early days of my arrival in Spain. In late 2002 packed up my pickup truck with my worldly possessions and Rocky, my black Labrador and headed south. The first place we came to was Lanjarón in the Alpujarras.

The Road to Self Sufficency, Alpujarras

Published on 15-01-2021 by El Perro Negro
We are not naturals at the self-sufficiency game. Were not experts either. But, it is fun and there is a certain satisfaction at growing your own!

Investigating My Grandfather’s Part in World War One

Published on 14-01-2021 by El Perro Negro
I have kept sane during the enforced Covid19 lock down by getting involved in projects that normally I wouldn't have time to complete. One such project is researching my grandfathers role in World War One. Below is a summary of my research including battle maps