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Bit sad this morning as we have decided to cancel next weeks Via Ferrata trip to the Italian Dolomites. So many reports from people about the bad weather and early season snow. Freezing my butt off and carrying winter equipment wasn't in my mind when I booked this.
Que Sera, Sera. It is what it is. Gives me something to look forward to next July.
Remembering my Leonberger, Bruno. A big dog with a big heart. 75 kilos of friendly, fun filled dog and in his element in the snow. Famous too, once appeared on BBC Children's TV.
We don't ever regret utilising and repurposing the swimming pool as a greenhouse. I'm not much of a water baby and swimming pools take a lot of maintenance. How much better to use that water to grow fresh produce. Satisfying.
Bit warm to be walking below 2000 meters but the cool breeze and forest foliage helped. Yesterday we did a walk in the Sierra de Huetor, combining the Cañada del Senero with an off piste ascent of Cerro del Corza 1606m.
My first visit to Cerro del Corza. It's a wonderful viewpoint for not only the Sierra Nevada, but also the Majaliar and Peñon de la Mata peaks.
Cold beers back in los Faroles, Lanjaron were most welcome
#hiking #spain #walking #mountains #landscape #landscapephotography
Lots of very happy and colorful people enjoying the great outdoors! A good turnout from our weekly walking group yesterday.
Views from the morning dog walk. Have a great week y'all. Lanjaron, Alpujarras.
#MountainMonday #spain #andalucia #LandscapePhotography #Photography
I really enjoyed watching the KAOS TV series, a dark comedy and modern take on Greek mythology. Actually made me want to take a peek into Greek mythology as I never covered it during my educational years.
Short (3 min) video I put together showing our 2 day backpacking hike up Alcazaba 3369m in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains.
Alcazaba 3369m is the 3rd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada and yet, in my opinion, it is undoubtedly the finest.
Alcazaba, the Fortress, is well named, guarded on 3 sides by cliffs. A few days ago we started from Laguna de Borreguil & reached the Alcazaba summit plateau via a steep scree gully named "El Colaero", which brought us out at the col between Puntal de la Cornisa 3316m & Peñon del Globo 3296m. A short stroll from there to the summit.
We never camp at Laguna Hondera. It's popular, noisy & frequented by hungry foxes. Head a little uphill however & there are some delectable places to bivouac (make sure you don't camp on the fragile "borreguiles", grassy areas adjacent to the lake). We found some pre prepared bivouac spots near Laguna de Borreguil where we watched the sun set & cooked evening meals.Then laid back to watch the stars & milky way pass overhead. Life is simple, but good.
The walk into Siete Lagunas a couple of days ago involved passing two small hidden lakes, rarely visited by other humans. Laguna Prado Negro and another further north which doesn't have a name. It should, it's stunning! The wonderful wild side of the Sierra Nevada that few others get to see
Arrival of the sun at Laguna Borreguil, Siete Lagunas in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountain range this morning
#backpacking #spain #mountains #hiking #sunrise #lake #landscape #landscapephotography #photography
Packing for a two day trip to climb the mighty Alcazaba (3350m) starting tomorrow. The finest peak in the Sierra Nevada. Bivouac at Laguna Altera (Siete Lagunas). Will be able to travel lightweight, no need for tent just open bivouac (groundsheet, quilt, pad) Total 4.5 kilograms (incl cooking/camera gear & normal hill pack) + about a litre of water to add.
#SierraNevada #Spain #hiking #mountains #backpacking #outdoor #outdoorgear
It's going to be one of those days. 🐱 Have a great weekend all!
Nothing better on a hot summer Spanish day than home made cold Gazpacho soup containing vegetables from the garden - cucumber, tomatoes, garlic, cayenne peppers & onion. The bread was home made too. Simple but tasty.
#growyourown #growyourownveg #gyo #selfsufficiency #allotment
Definite autumnal feel to the morning dog walk. Lovely colors, especially when the first rays of the sun hit the hillsides. Cooler with a slight breeze. Maybe end of the early morning/pre sunrise start of summer dog walking?
Cracking light show last night. We even had some drops of rain! Lanjaron, Andalucia
Arko hates his photo being taken but this morning he knows I've just baked him some liver cake for his walks :dance_cool_doge:
Exciting news. I'm going back to the Dolomites for a week at the end of September as I feel there is some unfinished business. This time, instead of just trekking, we are aiming to do 6 high level Via Ferrata routes in the Sella/San Martino mountain range in 5 days. Will use two refuges as a base. Really looking forward to it.
Today's pick from the garden. Think some hot and spicy sriracha sauce might be coming up
The Vuelta de España passing through my town of Lanjarón this afternoon.
178 kilometre mountain stage with 4,370 meters of ascent. It's hot and humid. Respect.
Silent Hiking Laguna Misterioso and Molinillo Waterfall
An August summer day in the Sierra Nevada and yet almost alone for all of this 6 hour hike visiting hidden lakes and spectacular waterfalls. No need for music in this short video, I shall let the wind and water speak for itself.
Friday is watering day for us here in the campo. Great to see the olive and lemon trees being nourished in the morning sun. Our young avocados and apples need it every couple of days. Rewarding.
Must say, I'm really enjoying putting together short 3 minute videos of my hikes. Adding a new dimension to my day in the hills.
I'm certainly no expert, but In the old days it used to take loads of editing on powerful desktop computers to produce a video. Now it's done on a mobile phone in a few minutes. Just incredible.
Here's one I did yesterday
Short clip from today's hike. Crossing the Paso de las Guias in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains.
Sorry for the dramatic music. Couldn't help it 🤣
It's amazing what simple day to day things you just can't do when you cant use a thumb. Frustrating!😤
I wrote a blog about our travels through the Italian Dolomites.
It is quite a long and comprehensive read but the hope is it may help give information to others who are thinking of visiting the area.
https://elperronegro.com/posts/2024-08-03-alta-via2-trekking-dolomites/
#hiking #trekking #alps #dolomites #travel #travelphotography #landscapephotography #landscape
15 min video - "Wanderings on and off the Alta Via 2 trek in the Dolomites"
One week of traditional hut to hut trekking and one completely different week "making it up as we went along". All the time making our way southwards through the Italian Dolomite mountains. In total we covered over 130km and with over 7000 metres of ascent.
All combined into 15 minutes!
Sorry been out of touch my fellow federation members. Had a bit of a rough week. Energy crashed after finishing my 12 day trek through the Italian Dolomites. At the same time a minute grass spike that had been lodged in my thumb for a month decided to become infected. Very painful and still unable to use my right hand. To cap it all the journey back home to Spain was long, drawn out and frustrating, thanks Ryanair! Slowly getting my mojo back though.
2/2 What a blast it has been. Apart from the dramatic scenery we have met some interesting people, stayed in incredible places & eaten great food. We are already thinking of coming back & using some refuges as a base for via ferrata.
Thanks to @khusky for being the ultimate hiking buddy.
Now for two days relaxation & sightseeing before our return to Spain.
Here's a, totally unrelated, short video of an adorable cat we encountered at a refuge coffee stop this morning.
1/2 Today we finished our trek through the Italian Dolomites and hiked out to the town of Fiera di Primiero.
First week on the Alta Via 2 and the second making our own way on deserted trails, over narrow passes and alpine pastures.
My watch tells me we have covered 130 kilometres with over 7000 metres of ascent/descent. No wonder the old legs are showing signs of accumulated fatigue.
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 10
Local hike near Sagron today as heavy rain around. We did a 7km loop to the Val delle Moneghe. A marvellous viewpoint and a winter ice climbing playground. Then on up through the forest to the refuge of the same name.
Some great lighting early on through the forest sections as seen on the images below
After 10 days we finally had to put on our 20€ ponchos 🤣
Have to say though they worked fine. Backpack and ourselves remained dry and comfortable. Good job we were going downhill though as would be a sweat trap heading up. After an umbrella maybe the ultimate rain garment?
With @khusky
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 9
Today we clocked over the 100km accumulated mark as we made our way to Passo Cereda.
A quick stop there and then it was on another 4km to a little gem of a hotel we found. Yes, no refuge for us tonight, a bit of a treat. Hotel Giasenei in the tiny hamlet of Sagron, situated on a raised alpine meadow surrounded by stunning peaks. Just glorious.
Here for two nights as bad weather coming in. Just local hike tomorrow.
One of the nice things about long distance trails like the one we are on at present is the people from all walks of life and countries that you meet along the way. The common denominator for all is the trail itself and it unites.
Each night we talk about the days adventures and discuss plans for the day to come. An eye is also kept out for them at the next refuge.They become trail mates and a certain camaraderie develops.
Here's a few images from yesterday
Wouldn't everybody love to live in a house like this?
Continuing our journey we headed SE from San Martino passing through mature forests & stunning alpine meadows. A few hours later we emerged at the Forcella Col dei Cistri & the magnificent peaks of the Val Canali appeared ahead. Our next challenge.
If the weather allows we head up the Val Canali valley tomorrow morning to do the "Ferrata de Canalone" just above the Rifugio Treviso.
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 7
Italian Meteo had multiple alerts out over the next few days for rain and thunderstorms. We made the decision to take a lower variant of the AV2 that skirted the west side of Pale di San Martino massif.
This 11km trail led us down through beautiful alpine meadows & over rolling hills to Passo Rolle. There we caught local bus to the chic alpine resort of San Martino di Castrozza.
Tomorrow depends again on the weather.
Its a tough life in the mountains, especially on a long distance trek like the Italian Alta Via 2. But tonight I must be honest. We are staying at the lovely Hotel/Rifugio Capanna Passo Valles where we are indulging in such local luxuries as Aperol Spritz, Apfel Strudel and flavoured grappas.
Making the most of it as tomorrow we head back up to the more basic mountain refuges for 3 nights
Chucking it down at Passo Valles. Storms. Not a time to be playing about on iron cables and ladders! Staying here and hoping things clear up tomorrow
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 6
Passo San Pellegrino to Passo Valles
Short rest day today so a lie in, leisurely breakfast & a 6km stroll to our overnight refuge. Just arrived at midday when the heavens opened & an incredible rain and hail storm erupted. What luck we had not been caught out.
Now tucking into "gnocchi con ricotta affumicata" (delicate potato dumplings with smoked cheese)
Photos from our approach walk to the Pale di San Martino range
All during the long afternoon descent from the pass at Forca Rossa these jagged mountains were in view. They are our next challenge to cross. Much more technical evidently. They look it!
5 days on the trot are beginning to tell. Thankfully as we are near the half way point we have built in 2 half days for the next section to the Rifugio Mulaz.
Looking forward to a short break to let the legs and lungs recover.
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 5
Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada to Passo San Pellegrino. 14km, 1000+m ascent.
Very tough day ascending through the humid, oppressive pine forests near Malga to the pass at Forca Rossa. Then nice descent through colourful alpine meadows lined with wild flowers to San Pellegrino.
I'm finding the bedroom via ferratas much more dangerous and exposed than the mountain ones 🤣
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 4
Rifugio Pisciadu - Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada
Threat of afternoon thunderstorms had us leaving refuge early at 6am. Had these glorious mountains to ourselves as we climbed steep snowfields & scrambled along cable assisted passages. We crossed over the alti plano, lunar landscape of the Sella Group to drop down to the busy road pass at Passo Pordoi and onto our overnight stay at the base of the magnificent Marmolada.
Some photos taken by a friend from today's trip between the Rifugio Puez and the Rifugio Pisciadu on the Alta Via 2
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 3
Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadu
Another tough day of startling contrasts. From the beautiful early morning departure and excellent traverse to the dramatic Cir pinnacles to the crowded mass of noisy humanity at Passo Gardena.
The final 450m climb up the gully (Val Setus) to the refuge was as expected, very gnarly with cables assisting uplift in the upper section. Stunning scenery though.
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 2
Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez today. An exciting and interesting day travelling 11 km with 900 m ascent/descent. Up and over steep passes, stunning views and the added interest of mid morning coffee stop in a beautifully situated refuge and an optional via ferrata along the route, that we loved.
Wild flowers galore, chirping marmots, dramatic scenery. A tough day certainly but extremely rewarding.
Dolomites Alta Via 2 day 1- Tough first day on the trail. Bressanone to the Prose Hutte and then onto Rifugio Genova. 16 km and over 1100m ascent. Enjoyed the spectacular scenery and the apple strudel lunch. Didn't enjoy the post lunch brutal ascent that eventually led to the lovely Rifugio Genova.
An extremely frustrating day of tiring travel on crowded trains with many changes and much confusion. But, we've ended the day with some cold beers and tasty pizza in the lovely south Tirol town of Bressanone/Brixen. Tomorrow we head into the mountains for 13 days on the long distance Alta Via 2 trail. Its going to be tough. It will stretch me to the limit and who knows what adventures are just around the corner.