Archive of all posts from Mastodon and the Fediverse. 895 total posts.
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I do love my adopted homeland, but rural Spain still can't seem to get it's head around those strange beings called "Vegetarians". A conversation that I had this week when there was nothing on a menu that didn't include meat or fish
Me: My wife is a vegetarian can she have just egg and chips?
Waiter: Oh no, does she have an allergy to meat?
Me: Er yes, sort of
Waiter: OK, certainly we could do that.
Would she like some chorizo with the egg and chips?
Just returned from an amazing week in the #pyrénées including a 3 day backpacking trip. After getting our asses kicked by storms on the first night we crossed over the Haute Pyrenees from Spain to France via 2541m pass, spent a wonderfully tranquil night enjoying the "Sleep of the Gods" in a grassy meadow alongside a flowing river and returning next day. Memories that will last for ever. With @khusky
#Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #Photography #Landscape #LandscapePhotography
I've arrived in the Pyrenees. As you can see there are some stunning sights. Heading up into the mountains tomorrow
With @khusky
#Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #Photography #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors
Big country Spain, 10 hours drive north starting today, heading for the High Pyrenees (Pirineo Aragonés, 3000 Ibones) and a weeks backpacking.
Looking forward to some splendid isolation, camping by lakes, crossing high passes between Spain/France and hopefully climbing some snowy peaks.
Today I've had a tough day lying asleep in a field of daisies, under the sun, surrounded by high mountains. It was hell, I tell you, but somebody has to do it.
T-Deck Plus update ...
Only downside to the T-Deck is internal antenna is a bit naff. I am not a natural dabbler & hate getting hands dirty but had no other choice. Took the radio apart, detached internal antenna, attached better one & put it all back together somehow.
It works! Although, just like an IKEA wardrobe, a couple of bits came off and I have absolutely no idea how or where to re-attach them 🤣 🤣
Thanks to "Ray J" for helpful video
https://youtu.be/llg40EWJ_R8?feature=shared
Just set my new T-Deck Plus on my local #meshcore network. Looks a bit like an old Blackberry eh?
Working well on existing home #network. Will be testing it on the hiking trails next week.
Still plenty of snow around still in Spain's Sierra Nevada. May need micro spikes or crampons to cross snow slopes pre-midday but after that it becomes soft very quickly.
This is @khusky traversing some well trodden slopes near Lavaderos de la Reina
#Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors #Andalucia
It's a week before we head off to the Pyrenees for a week long trek. Seems there is more snow than normal for June so will have to take crampons and ice axes to cross the high passes and maybe summit some stuff.
Bummer, as adds to the weight. In an effort to lessen the impact on my ageing body I have bought a pair of these. Petzl Leopard Flexlock crampons, very light, only 385 grams/pair (similar to my existing micro spikes).
Anybody used them?
The magical world of the snow tunnel
Lavaderos de la Reina, Sierra Nevada, España 27th May
#Mountains #Spain #Photography #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors #Andalucia
Don't normally do selfies but does show you my new super duper "Ranger" camera bag from https://www.leichtmut.de/product/the-ranger-ultralight-camera-bag/
Can be worn on chest but I prefer as a waist holster bag rather than across the chest. Only 94g! The bag fitted perfectly onto my rucksack waist belt making it accessible & very easy to open/close. Fully waterproof & offers just the right amount of protection.
Support garage businesses!
#cameras #camerabag #backpacking #gear #hiking #mountains #outdoors #outdoorgear
Waterfalls tumbling out of Lavaderos de la Reina valley in Spain's Sierra Nevada yesterday
#Waterfallwednesday #Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #Photography #Landscape #LandscapePhotography
Facebook making it really hard for me to delete my account permanently! 🤬
I haven't used it personally in over a year but have been contributing to our business account. In Europe you have until 27th May to opt out of your posts being used for Meta AI. Problem is, they make it very hard for you to actually "opt out". Turns out, they make it very hard for you to delete your account too.
I attached a SenseCap T1000-E credit card sized tracker to my lovely but very naughty dog, Rita via a small pouch on her collar. When she escapes out of our grounds on her adventures to visit neighbors etc we are able to keep track on where she is via a map on the Meshcore web app.
No monthly fees, initial cost €42 for the T1000-E and €20 for the Lilygo Lora V2.1 attached to laptop. I have contributed to the developers of the software.
I screamed again today 😱 as I disturbed a warming snake out of it's morning slumber. It ran at an alarming pace past my legs stopping briefly to hiss it's annoyance and headed off into the bush.
Dark color, so possibly a Ladder Snake. Could also be a Montpellier or a Horseshoe Whipsnake, I was too frightened to stop and study. Harmless unless manhandled and I certainly wasn't likely to do that 😀.
Here's a archive image of ours of a ladder Snake.
Plenty of water still coming down from the Sierra Nevada on this morning's dog walk. Long may it continue!
Yesterday I did get 12km line of sight messages through without a problem
Test ... tracking @khusky and the morning dog walk from my home laptop using #meshcore radio network and the repeater on my rooftop.
Interesting possibilities for hiking and backpacking in groups?
Amazing archive. Wouldn't mind getting into this style of mountain biking myself 😆 and the Lairig Ghru route through the Cairngorms is spectacular
Got a right shock getting into my car yesterday. As I reached for the door handle to close the driver door I felt something run over my hand. It was a Scolopendra! I screamed like a demented banshee & flew out of the car, must have looked funny as 😀.
Now we don't have much in Spain that will hurt you but a Scolopendra can inject a venomous bite that can cause intense, long-lasting pain & swelling. I love most living things but draw the line at these 😂
Exciting 4WD exploration/adventure this afternoon into some hills to our SW. Sketchy tracks with huge ruts and big drops. No real idea what was coming round the next bend. Mrs Google no help at all 😀
BTW at furthest distance, managed to send a text message 12km (straight line) back to my house via #meshcore #lora #network radio. A record distance for me. Used a SenseCap T1000-E
Building a small local Meshcore network here with LoRa radios. Managed to communicate with the repeater on my roof from a SenseCap T1000-E, some 7 kilometers away. Much further reach than I originally anticipated.
Just started using the excellent https://gpx.studio to create and edit my gpx files. Very accurate and intuitive to use. Free to use, so please support the developer if you find it useful.
I know it's old news now but I wish I had been able to sit down and take a morning coffee chatting to Jose (Pepe) Mujica. He certainly led by example, a trait our current leaders fail to do.
https://apnews.com/article/uruguay-pepe-jose-mujica-death-obit-d6074a22d7c0510697b8e684fe173cd3
Just ordered a new thru hiking tent from Durston - a X-Mid-2. My first purchase from them. 3 season, good reviews, only 880 grams (31oz) and very reasonably priced.
Hoping it arrives from Canada in time for our adventure to the Pyrenees in June.
https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-tent-ultralight-backpacking
#Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #gear #outdoors #outdoorgear #thruhiking
Unusual hike to visit the Cascadas del Rio Dilar yesterday. Route up the valley involved 30 river crossings! 15 there and 15 back. The water was between knee and mid-thigh level deep, flowing quite strongly with extremely cold snow melt from the #SierraNevada. Care required, walking poles very useful. Great fun though!
#Hiking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors #Andalucia #waterfalls
Cascadas del Rio Dilar today, #SierraNevada, #Spain.
400km round trip taking my mate back to Malaga airport but managed to visit a few nature reserves along the way ... Fuente de Piedra (Flamingos ✅, Dark Spreading Dragonfly ✅) and El Torcal (Griffon Vultures ✅).
@khusky will have some good photos, I just took my binos. Only problem was the amount of very loud and uncontrolled school kids at El Torcal. Any species would have been long gone by the time that they arrived. Not really getting in touch with nature?
The wonderful Barranco de la Luna today. A short half day trip but well worth it.
The ravine features dramatic rock formations, lush vegetation, and a small, crystal-clear stream.
The trail follows the ravine, with some rocky sections and shallow river crossings - adding a sense of adventure. The highlight is the "Cañón de la Luna," a narrow canyon with towering walls that feel almost otherworldly.
#Hiking #Walking #Spain #Outdoors #andalucia #adventure #gorges
Not often we head for the beach but glad I did yesterday. Nice hike between the Playa Nudista at Cantajirran to Playa Caleta, Costa Tropical
Yesterday we hiked the Ruta Gollizno, Moclín, a scenic trail that offers stunning views, through areas with rich history, including old defensive structures & remnants of medieval pathways.
The trail is a mix of dirt paths & rocky terrain, winding through forests, deep gorges & open landscapes.
Some spectacular sections in the gorge itself with a high bridge & raised platforms to provide some superb situations. See photos
#Hiking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors
Today we've been exploring, amongst other things, the charming village of Fondales in the Taha del Pitres. Known for its traditional whitewashed houses, narrow winding streets & flat slate roofs.
Like much of the Alpujarra, Fondales has Moorish roots and was heavily influenced by the Berber settlers who farmed the terraced hillsides.
I had to put on my guiding hat and return to work yesterday. I know, it's not really work is it? 😂
La "Ruta Medieval, Taha del Pitres"
Charming Alpujarran villages with narrow streets, flat-roofed houses & historic churches.
Ancient Moorish water channels that still irrigate the land today.
Fresh mountain springs & waterfalls, perfect for a quick rest.
Hike dates back to the Nasrid period, reflecting the region's Moorish past.
Yes, I know it's not #waterfallwednesday but I can't wait that long to post these 😂 .
Stunning scenery in the Taha del Pitres today
#Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #Photography #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors #Andalucia #waterfalls
That was a good morning's work ... getting #meshcore set up and installed on laptop and mobile with a repeater on the roof terrace powered by rechargeable battery/solar
Exploring the big 3 caves of the Sierra de Huetor. Fascinating 14km hiking route takes you to 3 impressive caves formed by karstic erosion in limestone rock. A mix of natural beauty, geology & a bit of spelunking
Cueva del Agua – underground stream and stunning rock formations
Cueva del Gato – named for its openings that let in light, accessible without headlamps
Cueva de los Mármoles – large chambers and historical significance (poss Roman burial site)
Spain power cuts - fortunately we are somewhat prepared with solar electricity, cash supplies, 15000 litres of water storage, fuel in car & about a months worth of dehydrated meals 😆. In case of a zombie apocalypse 🧟♂️or natural disaster we also have walkie talkies, LoRa radios & I have been developing off-grid networks (experimenting with #Meshtastic, #Meshcore & #Reticulum) 🤣.
Bit of a wake up call though - prepare for these events no matter how far fetched they seem. They can and do happen.
Electric power down throughout Spain and Portugal. Traffic lights, hospitals, communication, shops all down. Never experienced a whole countrywide loss of electricity before. A bit scary how humanity is so dependent. Hope it comes back soon 🤞🤞🤞
The melt waters from the Sierra Nevada in full flow down the irrigation channels (acequias) this morning. Nice sight.
I know this is a really poor shot but I was shattered and really couldn't be bothered to leave my tent 😀. So it's a shaky camera, hand held. Never mind, I'm not trying to win prizes, just want to show you just how many stars were showing in the sky that night. Always amazes me just how many there are.
Sierra Nevada, Spain
I'm tired. Stayed up to watch the Barcelona v Real Madrid football final. Very exciting but it went to extra time so didn't finish until nearly 1am 😵⚽
Just had to go on an old windows laptop to download some camera updates. First time on windows for over a year. Needless to say I'm now feeling a wide mix of emotions. Frustration mainly, but also relief that I never have to return for further camera updates 🤣
There’s nothing quite like dawn in the alpine cold, crisp air, the last stars fading, and the sun igniting the summits in gold. These close-ups capture the raw beauty of the peaks at daybreak.
Morning in the Sierra Nevada mountains is magic ⛰️✨
Descriptions of each image included.
#Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #Photography #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors #Andalucia #SierraNevada
I have been trying out a new (for me) mountain dehydrated meal from Radiz Nutrition, a New Zealand based operation. Maybe @Ali has used them?
I'm not a full on vegetarian but the Smokey BBQ plant based meal was excellent, really enjoyed it and even better, it was ready in only 5 minutes.
I can buy this amazing cheap and lightweight (26 grams) BRS-3000T camping stove here in Spain for a mere €8! Incredible value. Works well too.
BUT - it's not very durable. I accidentally put a boot on it a few days ago (just a light touch) and the titanium legs collapsed. Broken. My fault, but a warning to all that relying on this stove for a multi day trip might not be wise. Take a backup. It's not very durable and needs to be handled with great care.
I don't normally celebrate birthdays but I was quite happy, that at 70, I could still manage 25km and 1100 meters ascent/descent. Took it's toll though 😂 . Here's me at camp, absolutely wasted. Still, proves there's life in the old dog yet.
Been out in the wilds for a few days. The soul is restored. The classic "Vereda de Estrella", Sierra Nevada. No words needed
#Hiking #Backpacking #Walking #Mountains #Spain #Photography #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Outdoors #Andalucia
Just installed #NixOS on an old laptop with Gnome DE, as I saw an article and quite a few people recommending it this morning. Bit of a learning curve but quite a different and exciting way of package management. Enjoying it so far.
Just read this mind-blowing article about someone summiting the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, wearing the Hypershell exoskeleton! 🤖✨Helps hikers tackle tough terrain with less fatigue—like having superhuman legs!
Personally, not sure about this, but could exoskeletons be the next big thing in outdoor adventures? 🧐 Whether you’re a gearhead or a purist, crazy to see how tech could change exploration.
Yesterday’s hike was a scenic loop from Cónchar down the Río Dúrcal & back over the hills. The valley was absolutely breathtaking - lush, quiet & full of untouched beauty.
Following a little-used path winding along the river, soaking in the peaceful vibes… until we hit a snag. The river, swollen with Sierra Nevada meltwater, was way too wild to cross safely. After a few failed attempts to find a good spot, we made the smart call to turn back.
