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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.

A group of hikers descend some rocky ground, behind and to the left rises a huge mountain wall
A group of hikers descend some rocky ground, behind and to the left rises a huge mountain wall
Three walkers in red stand looking at a huge mountain rising behind them. Blue sky all around
Three walkers in red stand looking at a huge mountain rising behind them. Blue sky all around
In the distance lies a grassy alpine meadow with a mountain refuge situated on it. In the foreground some walkers descend towards it.
In the distance lies a grassy alpine meadow with a mountain refuge situated on it. In the foreground some walkers descend towards it.
A mountain refuge sits amid a grassy alpine meadow with two hikers walking along a path to it. behind rise high dramatic mountains
A mountain refuge sits amid a grassy alpine meadow with two hikers walking along a path to it. behind rise high dramatic mountains
#mountains #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography #spain
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Been out today enjoying the Alpujarra villages of La Taha with a group of American visitors hiking with author Chris Stewart (Driving Over Lemons).

A group of hikers stand under an old oak tree
A group of hikers stand under an old oak tree
A group stand on an old "Era", an ancient threshing circle. Behind are steep hillsides with green shrub
A group stand on an old "Era", an ancient threshing circle. Behind are steep hillsides with green shrub
Some people talk beneath some old ancient patios in a traditional spanish village
Some people talk beneath some old ancient patios in a traditional spanish village
Street signs in the village of Fondales in the Alpujarras, Spain
Street signs in the village of Fondales in the Alpujarras, Spain
#spain #hiking #walking #alpujarras
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Picos de Europa day 3 - Refugio Cabaña Verónica and Torre de Horcados Rojos

We used the cable car from Fuente Dé for access to the high mountains. A spectacular hike to the remarkable Refugio Cabaña Verónica, perched precariously on a rocky ridge. Then a loose scramble up from a col to the fine summit off the Torre de Horcados Rojos (2503m), seemingly overlooking the world!

A colorful group sit on the narrow summit of Torre de Horcados Rojos. Behind rise other mountains with blue sky above
A colorful group sit on the narrow summit of Torre de Horcados Rojos. Behind rise other mountains with blue sky above
The route up to the Cabaña Verónica rises through stonet and rocky ground with vertical cliffs on the right hand side
The route up to the Cabaña Verónica rises through stonet and rocky ground with vertical cliffs on the right hand side
The small Refugio Cabaña Verónica sits on a rocky ridge. A futuristic refuge that hold just 6 persons. behind rises a dramatic mountain
The small Refugio Cabaña Verónica sits on a rocky ridge. A futuristic refuge that hold just 6 persons. behind rises a dramatic mountain
A group of 5 hikers walk below the massive cliffs of Peña Vieja in the Picos de Europa
A group of 5 hikers walk below the massive cliffs of Peña Vieja in the Picos de Europa
#mountains #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography #spain
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Picos de Europa day 2 - Sotres to Tielve

We did this hike as the holiday weekend crowds had closed the road to the Urriellu area. This was an impromptu alternative. Glad we did it as it gave us a glimpse of pretty alpine meadows and sleepy hamlets with distant views to the dramatic Naranja de Bulnes and other peaks. Too hot to complete the circular from Tielve so we sat in a bar instead and had some cold drinks.

The peak of Naranja de Bulnes dominates the upper left. A range of mountains continues in the background. In the foreground is a sunlit gorge
The peak of Naranja de Bulnes dominates the upper left. A range of mountains continues in the background. In the foreground is a sunlit gorge
A small house sits on a plateau with distant views to high peaks
A small house sits on a plateau with distant views to high peaks
A huge shadowed peak soars up to the left. In the middle foreground lies a small hamlets of cabins sat in the trees
A huge shadowed peak soars up to the left. In the middle foreground lies a small hamlets of cabins sat in the trees
Looking down a forested and rocky valley towards the village of Tielve which lies at the bottom right of the image
Looking down a forested and rocky valley towards the village of Tielve which lies at the bottom right of the image
#mountains #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography #spain
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Picos de Europa day 1 - The Garganta de Cares

We set off in the dark to catch the first of the sun's rays entering the gorge. This is an out and back route from Poncebos (26km), unless transport can be arranged at Caín de Valdeon (where there is a nice bar!).

The gorge is utterly spectacular and dramatic, but was rather overcrowded on our Friday walk. An early start will reward when the light isn't so harsh.

A couple of hikers are seen on a narrow path passing along a vertical yellow rock wall on the left. To the right is a deep gorge
A couple of hikers are seen on a narrow path passing along a vertical yellow rock wall on the left. To the right is a deep gorge
A figure with a purple jacket (my wife!) stands on a rock pinnacle illuminated by the early morning suns rays. The gorge is in deep shadow
A figure with a purple jacket (my wife!) stands on a rock pinnacle illuminated by the early morning suns rays. The gorge is in deep shadow
Some hikers pass along a narrow path on the left above a gorge in shadow. There is green shrub highlighted in the sun. To the back the gorge receives the suns rays
Some hikers pass along a narrow path on the left above a gorge in shadow. There is green shrub highlighted in the sun. To the back the gorge receives the suns rays
Two narrow paths to the right and left lead the eye into the narrow gorge that forms the Garganta de Cares.
Two narrow paths to the right and left lead the eye into the narrow gorge that forms the Garganta de Cares.
#mountains #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography #spain
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I apologise if my timeline for the next week is filled with landscapes and scenes from the mountains of the Picos de Europa. I have only just been able to get the images off camera (I know, I'm a bit old school that way!).

The mountains here completely blew me away! Anyway, here's a sample from the week to come. Dramatic peaks, cloud inversions, narrow gorges and beautiful alpine meadows.

Hikers pass in front of a triangular shaped mountain with a sharp point.
Hikers pass in front of a triangular shaped mountain with a sharp point.
The village of Sotres sits on a lovely alpine meadow to the right. To the left are forests of tress while behind rises high grey mountains
The village of Sotres sits on a lovely alpine meadow to the right. To the left are forests of tress while behind rises high grey mountains
A mountain refuge appears out of the cloud. Above the cloud and illuminated by the morning sun rises a high mountain
A mountain refuge appears out of the cloud. Above the cloud and illuminated by the morning sun rises a high mountain
A narrow mountain track cuts across from the left, with lots of green shrubbery. A deep gorge lies to the right in shadow
A narrow mountain track cuts across from the left, with lots of green shrubbery. A deep gorge lies to the right in shadow
#mountains #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography #spain
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And this is the beautifully situated Refugio Collado Jermoso in the Picos de Europa. A proper, "old school", refuge. Cosy, a bit cramped, but very friendly with great food and all at a really fair price. I loved my stay here so much I do feel impelled to write a blog post about mountain refuges. But ... that's for another day. If you ever get chance to stay here, just do it.

A small mountain refuge sits on a grassy shelf surrounded by steep cliffs and high mountains
A small mountain refuge sits on a grassy shelf surrounded by steep cliffs and high mountains
On the left is the Refugio Collado Jermoso, behind are dramatic steep mountains. In the foreground is a grassy expanse with two hikers approaching the hut
On the left is the Refugio Collado Jermoso, behind are dramatic steep mountains. In the foreground is a grassy expanse with two hikers approaching the hut
#mountains #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography #spain
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Love this on the wall of the Refugio Collado Jermoso in the mountains of the Picos de Europa.

"We don't have WiFi, talk to each other" 🤣

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Like a scene from "Lord of the Rings", today we enjoyed the spectacular delights of the Garganta de Cares gorge in the Picos de Europa. We missed breakfast and set off in the dark to catch the morning sun entering the gorge. Turned into a very warm hike which later needed copious amounts of cold beer in compensation.

Hikers on a sunlit narrow path high on the left above a deep gorge in shadows
Hikers on a sunlit narrow path high on the left above a deep gorge in shadows
#spain #hiking #walking #landscapephotograhy #mountains #gorges #landscapes
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Ed Viesturs responds to the attempt to rewrite history. A classy reaction from a highly regarded human:

“I truly believe that Reinhold Messner was the first person to climb all 14 8000ers and should still be recognized as having done so. He lead the way, not only in style, but also physically and psychologically, by climbing without supplemental oxygen.
Other climbers, such as me, were able to follow in his footsteps by his inspiration.

1/2

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Had a great day yesterday with a group of returning friends from Northern Ireland. Intent on doing Stage 7 of the "Gran Senda de Málaga" from Canillas de Aceituno to Cómpeta, but bailed out at Salares due to the heat.

Loved the sign that warned "You have to be really fit and an expert in extreme trekking tough paths with difficult slopes and dangers as to fell into the abyss"

Walkers cling to a narrow mountain path equipped with chains
Walkers cling to a narrow mountain path equipped with chains
A hiker in shadow walks along a narrow path with a deep gorge to the left
A hiker in shadow walks along a narrow path with a deep gorge to the left
A man in red walks a narrow path with a chain to assist. At the end is a sign indicating danger of falling in spanish
A man in red walks a narrow path with a chain to assist. At the end is a sign indicating danger of falling in spanish
A Sign for the long distance "Gran Senda de Malaga" in Spain which warns hikers of the dangers of the path
A Sign for the long distance "Gran Senda de Malaga" in Spain which warns hikers of the dangers of the path
#hiking #walking #spain #landscape #landscapephotography
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Been hanging around here today. The "Puente Colgante de El Saltillo" at Canillas de Aceituno in the Sierra de Almijara. An entertaining gorge walk.

A huge hanging suspension bridge over a gorge with a hiker crossing
A huge hanging suspension bridge over a gorge with a hiker crossing
A huge hanging suspension bridge in shadow over a gorge with a hiker crossing in the sun
A huge hanging suspension bridge in shadow over a gorge with a hiker crossing in the sun
Hikers highlighted in morning the sun, cross a suspension bridge above a gorge
Hikers highlighted in morning the sun, cross a suspension bridge above a gorge
#hiking #walking #bridges #spain #landscape #landscapephotography
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Last night I stayed in the pretty town of Cómpeta, so that today I'm around early to join a group hiking in the Sierra de Almijara. This scene is typical of the villages in this area

Whitewashed houses climb a steep hillside in Andalucía, Spain
Whitewashed houses climb a steep hillside in Andalucía, Spain
#spain #andalucia #towns
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Busy preparing my kit for next Thursday and the start of our week long holiday to the Picos de Europa, including another visit to the marvellous, Refugio Jermoso (photo). I love this area, it's wild and the summits are not easy.

A small mountain refuge sits on a grassy shelf to the right. Behind lie some grey rocky peaks
A small mountain refuge sits on a grassy shelf to the right. Behind lie some grey rocky peaks
#mountains #spain #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography
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Bit of a hiking day yesterday in the Sierra de Huetor range north of Granada

A group of multi coloured hikers walks beneath a beautiful blue sky covered with white mackerel clouds
A group of multi coloured hikers walks beneath a beautiful blue sky covered with white mackerel clouds
A group of multi coloured hikers walks beneath a beautiful blue sky covered with white mackerel clouds. Some large boulders dominate the scene
A group of multi coloured hikers walks beneath a beautiful blue sky covered with white mackerel clouds. Some large boulders dominate the scene
A lone hiker looks towards some distant mountains. Above a blue sky with some white clouds
A lone hiker looks towards some distant mountains. Above a blue sky with some white clouds
Hikers descend steep ground to the left. Above a blue sky with a solitary white cloud
Hikers descend steep ground to the left. Above a blue sky with a solitary white cloud
#bigsky #walking #hiking #spain #landscape #landscapephotography #skies
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I'm a mountain person and my visits to the beach/sea, about 30 minutes away are very few and far between (years). Having said that my wife and daughters persuaded me to try kayaking today at Maro near Nerja on the Costa Tropical. Although out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed it and glad it was a bit rough as it made it more interesting. Here's a short video. Did I like it enough to buy a kayak though? 🤔 Sorry about the crappy music 😂

People in kayaks on quite a rough sea
#kayaking #spain #video #sea
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Nice to be out with my two daughters yesterday. They joined a group I was out with above the Hoya del Portillo in Spain's Sierra Nevada. Lovely day, nice temperatures and the predicted afternoon storms didn't materialise.

Two ladies stand on an outcrop of rock to the right. Clouds start to come in over the mountains behind
Two ladies stand on an outcrop of rock to the right. Clouds start to come in over the mountains behind
Two ladies stand on an outcrop of rock to the left. Clouds start to build over the mountains behind
Two ladies stand on an outcrop of rock to the left. Clouds start to build over the mountains behind
A group of ladies sit on some grass eating sandwiches
A group of ladies sit on some grass eating sandwiches
#spain #andalucia #hiking #walking #landscape #landscapephotography
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The Rio Bermejo cascading down over the waterfall of Tajos Cortes above Pitres in Spain's Alpujarra hills.

In the center of the image, water tumbles down a narrow cleft in the rocks. To the sides there is lush green vegetation. Some people sit at the base of the waterfalls
In the center of the image, water tumbles down a narrow cleft in the rocks. To the sides there is lush green vegetation. Some people sit at the base of the waterfalls
#waterfalls #waterfallwednesday #landscape #landscapephotography #spain
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Yesterday I used Organic Maps app on my phone as an aid to navigation. Worked really well, the maps are detailed enough for hiking without being clustered.

Biggest win for me was using completely offline, just location on. This meant I hardly used much battery in the 6 hours of usage.

It's and based over Open Street Maps. I enjoyed it and got value out of it, so I donated to @organicmaps

organicmaps.app/

#foss #hiking #navigation #apps #maps
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Traditional "Tinaos" roofing construction, typical of the old villages of La Alpujarra, in the Spanish provinces of Almería and Granada. Photos of some from Pitres and Capilerilla

The "tinao" creates a covered space by arranging a structure of flat, locally sourced, beams and materials over the street

A narrow street in Capilerilla with traditional "tinao" roofing
A narrow street in Capilerilla with traditional "tinao" roofing
A narrow street in Pitres with traditional "tinao" roofing
A narrow street in Pitres with traditional "tinao" roofing
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Views from my journey to work today. I say "work" rather loosely, as I'm retired but how can a day containing such views be really considered labour? In reality, I would work for free as walking in such scenery and showing people the beauty of the Alpujarra and the mountains is enough for me. Today with a group of Scots, Irish, English and Norwegians all enjoying the day. For me, it's truly a labour of love.

The village of Pampaneira looking towards the Poqueira Gorge with Capileira on the skyline and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada beyond (Veleta 3394m)
The village of Pampaneira looking towards the Poqueira Gorge with Capileira on the skyline and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada beyond (Veleta 3394m)
The towns of Capileira and Bubion with the mountains of the main Sierra Nevada ridge line beyond.
The towns of Capileira and Bubion with the mountains of the main Sierra Nevada ridge line beyond.
#spain #walking #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography #sierranevada
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Good morning to you all from Lanjarón in the Alpujarras, Spain where it's building up to be another fine day after some early morning low cloud inversion. Enjoy your Sunday!

A spanish town sits awaiting the sun which is behind it. Some low clouds fill the top left of the image
A spanish town sits awaiting the sun which is behind it. Some low clouds fill the top left of the image
#sunday #spain #landscape #landscapephotography
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Enjoying this read by Cory Doctorow & can't put it down. Makes sense of the crazy online world we constantly visit but fail to comprehend. Shows us the way out of the "Big Tech" mire.

"The fight for a free, fair and open digital future isn’t more important than any other fight, but it is foundational. Tech is the terrain on which our future fights will be fought. If we can’t seize the means of computation, we will lose the fight before it is even joined."

@pluralistic

Book cover of "The Internet Con" by Cory Doctorow
Book cover of "The Internet Con" by Cory Doctorow
#books #internet
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One of our regular hikes during the spanish summer is up the Rio Santos in the Lecrin Valley, south of Granada. Year-round water means deep, dense vegetation more reminiscent of the Amazon than ! There are some small obstacles along the route, requiring easy scrambling but in general it's an easy half day hike in the cool air. Fantastic on a hot day and recommended if you are in the area.

A person with a red tee shirt walks up a stream bed
A person with a red tee shirt walks up a stream bed
Two hikers climb some steps up a rock face below a river
Two hikers climb some steps up a rock face below a river
A group of people wade through a water filled gorge
A group of people wade through a water filled gorge
Hikers at the top left scale some ladders whilst below are two waterfalls. Lots of green vegetation abounds above.
Hikers at the top left scale some ladders whilst below are two waterfalls. Lots of green vegetation abounds above.
#spain #hiking #walking #water #landscape #landscapephotography #waterfalls
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Waterfalls in Rio Santos, Albuñuelas, Lecrin Valley, Granada, Spain

Two waterfalls plunge down from green vegetation at the top of the image. A large rock is on the left. Below a small lake forms
Two waterfalls plunge down from green vegetation at the top of the image. A large rock is on the left. Below a small lake forms
#waterfallwednesday #waterfall #spain
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The Mountain Stream

Take a break from your journey And lie awhile beside the babbling brook
Senses burst with fresh sensations, as
Rays of sunlight dance across breaking waves
Orchestral notes play perfect harmony, and
Scent of wild flower and thyme fill the air
Hands caress well groomed grasses
Lips taste pure, ice cold waters Absorbing nature the heart slows down, so
Peace and tranquillity enter the soul
Maybe this old world ain't so bad at all?

Water tumbles down a mountain stream lined with rocks and green ferns push out from the rocks
Water tumbles down a mountain stream lined with rocks and green ferns push out from the rocks
#poem #water #waterfalls #mountains
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I'm a bit late to the party but the project certainly looks interesting and could possibly develop into some great future applications. Above all, I like the simplicity. One to be watched. Anyway if anybody wants to hook up there my credentials are below.

npub19l4e0mwjg45uj4dq5x06esatvy65qq8xgku4yfscz43x67j3jpmsvudv2s
[email protected]
Project: nostr.com

#nostr
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Storm clouds building over Lanjarón this evening. Much needed rain this evening and tomorrow hopefully

Dark storm clouds gather as the sun begins to set. Lower half of the image contains a spanish town at twilight
Dark storm clouds gather as the sun begins to set. Lower half of the image contains a spanish town at twilight
#spain #sunsets #andalucia #landscape #landscapephotography
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An amazingly fruity and mind blowing Sriracha salsa prepared by our best cheffie friend, Richard, from our own chillies, peppers and tomatoes. So good to have someone who really knows how to use our local produce. We can keep in the fridge for several months but somehow I don't think it will last that long!

A red, tomato based sauce dominates the scene
A red, tomato based sauce dominates the scene
#growyourown #selfsufficiency #food
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Nice evening light over Lanjarón this evening

#spain #sunsets #andalucia #landscape #landscapephotography
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Well that was a first. I've been involved in a few rescues in my time, but never been asked to rescue two surfboards stuck in a gorge! They evidently got stuck yesterday when the high winds separated them from their owners car. The surfboards were none the worse for their ordeal 🤣

A surfboard is being carried across a steep scree slope
A surfboard is being carried across a steep scree slope
Ropes belay a person on a steep slope carrying surfboards
Ropes belay a person on a steep slope carrying surfboards
A surfboard is being carried across a steep scree slope
A surfboard is being carried across a steep scree slope
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One time, before social media giants took over, blogs were everywhere. Now posts are lost in the social media morass a few days after posting.

I think it's important to write first and share socially later. For me, it's a record for family & friends. If others find some use from the words then great!

Anyway here is "Travelling ´Arse About Face´ in the Mountains". A rethinking of the way you approach your mountain trips and the benefits that that might bring.

elperronegro.com/posts/2023-08

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The city of Granada, a heat haze and the stars above. From our bivouac Tozal del Cartujo 3152m

The lights from the city of Granada, Spain are at the bottom of the image. Above, clear skies and stars
The lights from the city of Granada, Spain are at the bottom of the image. Above, clear skies and stars
#sierranevada #spain #granada #astrophotography
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Our little bivouac spot on top of the mountain and under the stars. Not exactly salubrious but you wouldn't get me changing this for a night at the Hilton

Tozal del Cartujo (3152m), Sierra Nevada, Spain

A dark sky filled with stars. To the bottom right there is a large rock illuminated by a head torch that shows where we slept
A dark sky filled with stars. To the bottom right there is a large rock illuminated by a head torch that shows where we slept
#mountains #backpacking #hiking #camping #landscape #landscapephotography #astrophotography
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Just packing up for an overnight trip into the mountains that starts tomorrow. Pretty happy with the 4.8kg (10.5lb) overall base weight (with only camera and water to add). Problem is, we have no water en route tomorrow so I will have to carry at least 4 litres water to cover overnight cooking, drinking etc.

Can somebody please invent a powdered water that condenses on contact with air? 🤣🤣

A yellow and black Atom pack rucksack sits next to a blue Osprey waist pack
A yellow and black Atom pack rucksack sits next to a blue Osprey waist pack
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Today's pepper harvest from the greenhouse (converted swimming pool 😀 ). Going to freeze this lot into bags ready for the winter

#growyourown #allotment #selfsufficiency #vegetables
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I love getting up in the mountains before the sun rises. Yes, it's usually cold but the scenes as the light changes make it more than worthwhile. Here's a few from the other morning as the sun hits the mountain faces and lines of ridges fade back into the distance. The upper world has light and the lower world shadow.

Also can you spot the bivouac? Believe me it's there below the NE face of Mulhacen 3482m.

Lines of ridges heading east towards Almeria and the Sierra de Alhamilla
Lines of ridges heading east towards Almeria and the Sierra de Alhamilla
The morning sun arrives over the Peñon del Globo
The morning sun arrives over the Peñon del Globo
Puntal de la Caldera, Loma Pelada, Cerro los Machos, Veleta and Loma Pua standing out above the shadows
Puntal de la Caldera, Loma Pelada, Cerro los Machos, Veleta and Loma Pua standing out above the shadows
Morning sun on the NE face of Mulhacen. Spot the bivvy site?
Morning sun on the NE face of Mulhacen. Spot the bivvy site?
#sierranevada #spain #hiking #backpacking #landscape #landscapephotography #sunrise
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Watching the sunset from the Collado de Siete Lagunas 3230m. The north east face/ridge of Mulhacen 3282m rising above.

A large cairn is in the foreground whilst the sun sets in the background
A large cairn is in the foreground whilst the sun sets in the background
A group of people illuminated in the evening sunshine watch the sunset. behind rises a spiky mountain ridge
A group of people illuminated in the evening sunshine watch the sunset. behind rises a spiky mountain ridge
A group of people illuminated in the evening sunshine watch the sunset. behind rises a spiky mountain ridge
A group of people illuminated in the evening sunshine watch the sunset. behind rises a spiky mountain ridge
Evening sun shines on the back of two hikers and across to mountains in the background
Evening sun shines on the back of two hikers and across to mountains in the background
#sierranevada #spain #hiking #backpacking #landscape #landscapephotography #sunset
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The Vasar de Mulhacen is my favourite mountain track in the Sierra Nevada. It crosses the spectacular north face of Mulhacen at half height. Seemingly sensationally exposed but the reality is that it is much easier than it looks, although you do need a head for heights. Only in one place are hands necessary.

Half way along the Vasar you get to meet the "Fuente del Viejo Lobo" where the finest water on the planet is to be found.

Some hikers walk along a narrow ledge across a mountain face
Some hikers walk along a narrow ledge across a mountain face
The north face of Mulhacen with the line of the hiking trail crossing at half height
The north face of Mulhacen with the line of the hiking trail crossing at half height
Some hikers walk along a narrow ledge across a mountain face. There is a blue lake far below
Some hikers walk along a narrow ledge across a mountain face. There is a blue lake far below
Some hikers walk along a narrow ledge across a mountain face
Some hikers walk along a narrow ledge across a mountain face
#backpacking #spain #hiking #landscape #landscapephotography
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After a couple of mountain bivouacs I am sold on using Sleeping Quilts rather than Sleeping Bags.
1. Generally lighter weight (no zip)
2. You can micro manage temperatures much better than enclosed in a bag
3. You can turn & move much easier
4. Zips! There aren't any. How frustrated have I got in the past when zips get snagged whilst trying to extract oneself quickly in the middle of the night?

Photos ... me & my better half tucked in for the night at our last location.

Two hikers wrapped in a sleeping quilt at a mountain bivouac site
Two hikers wrapped in a sleeping quilt at a mountain bivouac site
The location for our last mountain bivouac. Evening sunshine illuminating the mountain tops
The location for our last mountain bivouac. Evening sunshine illuminating the mountain tops
#mountains #backpacking
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The going down of the sun west of Granada a couple of nights ago. Taken from Collado de Siete Lagunas in the Sierra Nevada. Straight out of camera.

The sun is setting over some hills. Very dark or black foreground but various orange shades around the sun
The sun is setting over some hills. Very dark or black foreground but various orange shades around the sun
#sunsets #skies #spain #landscape #landscapephotography
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The summit of Mulhacén 3482m yesterday evening from our bivouac on the Collado de Siete Lagunas 3230m to the north. Milky Way showing in all it's glory. Cold temperatures too with strong wind blowing.

A dark mountain peak is in the lower photo. Above the Milky Way and hundreds of stars illuminate the skies
A dark mountain peak is in the lower photo. Above the Milky Way and hundreds of stars illuminate the skies
#spain #trekking #hiking #sierranevada #skies #stars #astrophotography
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Came across a site yesterday that created a website for me within 30 seconds. Yes, that's right, 30 seconds. All I had to do was enter a website title, the main selling point and location. 30 seconds later I had a beautiful website with photos, text, testimonials, contact form, features sections, footer etc. All AI generated of course and customizable. I have no doubt it could have been hosted and online for €10 a month, for another mere 30 seconds of my time. Amazing!

1/2

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Arko reckons he's fed up of summer now and is ready to go skiing!

A siberian husky lays with his head to the carpet, blue eyes looking skyward
A siberian husky lays with his head to the carpet, blue eyes looking skyward
#winteriscoming #dogs #dogsofmastodon #husky
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Tomorrow we have an overnight trip into the Sierra Nevada visiting the spectacular "Vasar de Mulhacen" path across it's north face. An open bivouac at night on the Collado de Siete Lagunas (3230m), with a knee burning 1600 metre descent to the village of Trevelez the following morning. Should be some really good photographic opportunities. Looking forward to this immensely.

Some hikers stand on a narrow ledge illuminated in the sunlight. Steep cliffs are above them and below them.
Some hikers stand on a narrow ledge illuminated in the sunlight. Steep cliffs are above them and below them.
#sierranevada #spain #hiking #walking #landscape #landscapephotography
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Cancelled my Spotify membership a month ago and have been searching for a self hosted music alternative. Now set up a Navidrome instance on a Pikapod server. Very easy to set up (a few mins and clicks of buttons). Uploaded 2k+ songs from my archives. Cheap to run (approx $3 a month). Accessible on all my devices. So far, so good.

pikapods.com/
navidrome.org/

#selfhosting #music
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Exciting news that Framework products are now available to order in three more countries including my own: Italy, Spain, and Belgium! That includes the Framework Laptop 13, Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders. Better get my planning head on!

@frameworkcomputer

#frameworklaptop
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Lots going on in the night skies at the moment, but didn't manage to get any of the Perseids meteors yesterday evening, just the occasional satellite.

A night sky full of stars with a few satellite lines showing. At the foot of the image is a chimney and a weather station
A night sky full of stars with a few satellite lines showing. At the foot of the image is a chimney and a weather station
#nightsky #night #sky #astrophotography #stars
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32 degrees centigrade at midnight last night! Difficult to sleep. Looking forward to autumn.

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I'm quite excited about local-first software development. I've been playing about with Anytype note taking and am quietly optimistic. Good article about how a "local first" approach can set us free from the corporate cloud.

wired.com/story/the-cloud-is-a

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