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Trekking the Upper Lanjaron Valley
To the people of Lanjaron, their Shangri-La is the upper Lanjaron valley, it's lakes and it's rivers. It's the source of it's life giving waters. A special place that we were privileged to walk and spend the night in.
Record Breaking High Temperatures today in Lanjaron
The previous "high" was in July 2017 when we reached 41.7C. Today we have been closely watching the rise in temperature and late this afternoon we beat our record. Highest recorded temperature since 2006 is now officially 42.1C!
Although I've had dogs that are supposedly "water dogs" such as Labradors and Leonbergers etc, none has really taken to the water. Of course, this is southern Spain so there isn't that much water anywhere, which hasn't helped.
The Vasar de Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada
The North Face of Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada. Its long been an ambition of mine to view the sunrise from Mulhacen's north face. This morning I got my wish and it didn't disappoint!
It's a long time since I had a pre dawn start in the mountains and I had forgotten how wonderful an experience it was moving at first light.
Making a Splash - River walk at Albunuelas, Lecrin Valley
A superb way to spend a hot summers day! Walking up the river gorge outside The village of Albuñuelas in the Lecrin Valley near Granada, Spain.
Cerro de los Machos, Sierra Nevada
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.
The Northern 3000m peaks of the Sierra Nevada
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
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!
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.
Exploring Andalucia with the Nomads - the first 11 trips
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!
Walking in the Footsteps of the Moors in the Alpujarras
Describes a walk alongside ancient irrigation channels originally installed by the Moors high above the town of Lanjaron in the Alpujarra
Water, Water, Everywhere in the Alpujarras
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.
Trips to the wild and windswept Patagonian Icefield
A summary of our expeditions to the Southern Patagonian Icefields
A Collection of My Favourite Mountaineering Quotes
Some of the best ones are here, some happy, some sad. But mountaineering quotations that will make you think!
Debilitating effects of Snowblindness, a personal experience
My own personal experience of the effects of becoming snow blind, after a tough time on the Patagonian Icecap
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
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
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