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Waterfalls tumbling out of Lavaderos de la Reina valley in Spain's Sierra Nevada yesterday

A series of two waterfalls dropping down out of the lip of a valley. Behind is a mountain with snow
A series of two waterfalls dropping down out of the lip of a valley. Behind is a mountain with snow

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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.

Message from Facebook about account deletion.
Message from Facebook about account deletion.

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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.

Suspicious look on the face of a white dog with pointy ears. She has a red pouch attached to her collar
Suspicious look on the face of a white dog with pointy ears. She has a red pouch attached to her collar
A credit card sized SenseCap tracker T1000-E with a small rope lanyard attached to the top
A credit card sized SenseCap tracker T1000-E with a small rope lanyard attached to the top

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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 πŸ˜€.

Here's a archive image of ours of a ladder Snake.

A long thin Ladder Snake with distinctive lines down it's back
A long thin Ladder Snake with distinctive lines down it's back

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Plenty of water still coming down from the Sierra Nevada on this morning's dog walk. Long may it continue!

Water flowing fast down an irrigation channel. A wall to the right and green low grasses to the left
Water flowing fast down an irrigation channel. A wall to the right and green low grasses to the left

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Yesterday I did get 12km line of sight messages through without a problem


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Test ... tracking @khusky and the morning dog walk from my home laptop using radio network and the repeater on my rooftop.

Interesting possibilities for hiking and backpacking in groups?

Short video shows map and moving blur spot that updates every 10 seconds

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Amazing archive. Wouldn't mind getting into this style of mountain biking myself πŸ˜† and the Lairig Ghru route through the Cairngorms is spectacular

youtube.com/watch?v=cZk2jV5gJbM


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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 πŸ˜€.

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 πŸ˜‚

A 6 inch Scolopendra with black and orange stripes
A 6 inch Scolopendra with black and orange stripes

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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 πŸ˜€

BTW at furthest distance, managed to send a text message 12km (straight line) back to my house via radio. A record distance for me. Used a SenseCap T1000-E


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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.

A sensecap T-1000-E bluetoothed to a mobile phone running Meshcore software
A sensecap T-1000-E bluetoothed to a mobile phone running Meshcore software

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Just started using the excellent 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.


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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.

apnews.com/article/uruguay-pep


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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.

durstongear.com/products/x-mid


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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 . Care required, walking poles very useful. Great fun though!

A line of hikers attempting to cross a fast flowing stream
A line of hikers attempting to cross a fast flowing stream
Two hikers attempting to cross a fast flowing stream
Two hikers attempting to cross a fast flowing stream
A hiker attempting to cross a fast flowing stream whilst holding onto a horizontal pole spanning the river
A hiker attempting to cross a fast flowing stream whilst holding onto a horizontal pole spanning the river
Two hikers entering a fast flowing stream
Two hikers entering a fast flowing stream

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Cascadas del Rio Dilar today, , .

A waterfall falls down into a pool and then further down through smaller falls. There is plenty of green plants and undergrowth
A waterfall falls down into a pool and then further down through smaller falls. There is plenty of green plants and undergrowth

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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 βœ…, Dark Spreading Dragonfly βœ…) and El Torcal (Griffon Vultures βœ…).

@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?


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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 "CaΓ±Γ³n de la Luna," a narrow canyon with towering walls that feel almost otherworldly.

Unavoidable dip in a small pool. Huge rock walls above on both sides of the river
Unavoidable dip in a small pool. Huge rock walls above on both sides of the river
A group of hikers passes down a narrow river gorge with huge rock walls vertically rising above
A group of hikers passes down a narrow river gorge with huge rock walls vertically rising above
A group of hikers passes down a narrow river gorge with huge rock walls vertically rising above
A group of hikers passes down a narrow river gorge with huge rock walls vertically rising above
A group of hikers passes down a narrow river gorge with huge rock walls vertically rising above
A group of hikers passes down a narrow river gorge with huge rock walls vertically rising above

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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

.

Three figures bottom of image watch the waves under a clear blue sky with whispy clouds
Three figures bottom of image watch the waves under a clear blue sky with whispy clouds

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Yesterday we hiked the Ruta Gollizno, MoclΓ­n, 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

Two hikers cross a wood/wire bridge high above a river
Two hikers cross a wood/wire bridge high above a river
A person in blue crosses a wire/wood bridge above a river with huge cliffs above
A person in blue crosses a wire/wood bridge above a river with huge cliffs above
3 hikers walk along a wooden elevated platform alongside cliffs and above a river
3 hikers walk along a wooden elevated platform alongside cliffs and above a river
A hiker walks along a wooden elevated platform alongside cliffs and above a river
A hiker walks along a wooden elevated platform alongside cliffs and above a river

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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.

A narrow street with white walled houses, some terracota colour after being affected by the Calima Sahara dust storms
A narrow street with white walled houses, some terracota colour after being affected by the Calima Sahara dust storms
A row of red roses line a white walled street
A row of red roses line a white walled street
A decorated street scene in Fondales
A decorated street scene in Fondales
A keyhole window looks in on a beautiful and colorful garden
A keyhole window looks in on a beautiful and colorful garden

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I had to put on my guiding hat and return to work yesterday. I know, it's not really work is it? πŸ˜‚

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.

Hikers on a high trail above a gorge. Villages of Ferreirola, Mecina and Fondales behind
Hikers on a high trail above a gorge. Villages of Ferreirola, Mecina and Fondales behind
Huge waterfall coming down the Rio Bermejo
Huge waterfall coming down the Rio Bermejo
Going through and old, dark tunnel in the streets of Busquistar
Going through and old, dark tunnel in the streets of Busquistar
Street scene, Portugos
Street scene, Portugos

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Yes, I know it's not but I can't wait that long to post these πŸ˜‚ .

Stunning scenery in the Taha del Pitres today

Lush green scenery along a river with a large waterfall falling down the canyon
Lush green scenery along a river with a large waterfall falling down the canyon
Lush green scenery along a river with a large waterfall falling down the canyon. A person is stood on a sunlit rock on the left
Lush green scenery along a river with a large waterfall falling down the canyon. A person is stood on a sunlit rock on the left

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That was a good morning's work ... getting set up and installed on laptop and mobile with a repeater on the roof terrace powered by rechargeable battery/solar


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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 MΓ‘rmoles – large chambers and historical significance (poss Roman burial site)

Group of hikers on a trail with a view south to a snow covered mountain range
Group of hikers on a trail with a view south to a snow covered mountain range
Group of hikers passing through some forest trails
Group of hikers passing through some forest trails
Inside a dark cave with 2 openings. The right opening has a person passing by
Inside a dark cave with 2 openings. The right opening has a person passing by
A group stand at the entrance to a large cave system
A group stand at the entrance to a large cave system

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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 πŸ˜†. In case of a zombie apocalypse πŸ§Ÿβ€β™‚οΈor natural disaster we also have walkie talkies, LoRa radios & I have been developing off-grid networks (experimenting with , & ) 🀣.

Bit of a wake up call though - prepare for these events no matter how far fetched they seem. They can and do happen.


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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 🀞🀞🀞


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The melt waters from the Sierra Nevada in full flow down the irrigation channels (acequias) this morning. Nice sight.

Waters plunge down an irrigation channel with green grassy banks and a short wall top right
Waters plunge down an irrigation channel with green grassy banks and a short wall top right

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I know this is a really poor shot but I was shattered and really couldn't be bothered to leave my tent πŸ˜€. 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

A grainy night image of some snowy mountains with hundreds of stars above, the sides lined by trees
A grainy night image of some snowy mountains with hundreds of stars above, the sides lined by trees

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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 😡⚽


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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 🀣


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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 β›°οΈβœ¨

Descriptions of each image included.

Puntal de la Caldera and Loma Pelada
Puntal de la Caldera and Loma Pelada
Cerro los Machos, Veleta and Tajos Campanario
Cerro los Machos, Veleta and Tajos Campanario
Alcazaba north west face
Alcazaba north west face
Veta Grande and Cerro los Machos
Veta Grande and Cerro los Machos

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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.

A pack of dehydrated Smokey BBQ mountain meals
A pack of dehydrated Smokey BBQ mountain meals

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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.

A BRS-3000T camping stove
A BRS-3000T camping stove

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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 πŸ˜‚ . Here's me at camp, absolutely wasted. Still, proves there's life in the old dog yet.

A person (me) in a red jacket and shorts sleeps on a grassy slope
A person (me) in a red jacket and shorts sleeps on a grassy slope

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Been out in the wilds for a few days. The soul is restored. The classic "Vereda de Estrella", Sierra Nevada. No words needed

A heavily wooded river valley lined with colorful trees leads to a huge snow and ice face and mountains with cloud
A heavily wooded river valley lined with colorful trees leads to a huge snow and ice face and mountains with cloud

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Just installed 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.


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Just read this mind-blowing article about someone summiting the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, wearing the Hypershell exoskeleton! πŸ€–βœ¨Helps hikers tackle tough terrain with less fatigueβ€”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.

Full story: advnture.com/features/rise-of-


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Yesterday’s hike was a scenic loop from CΓ³nchar down the RΓ­o DΓΊrcal & 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.

A group of hikers are walking alongside the right hand bank of a muddy river. Green shrubs and trees adorn the river banks
A group of hikers are walking alongside the right hand bank of a muddy river. Green shrubs and trees adorn the river banks
A group of hikers are walking alongside the right hand bank of a muddy river. Green shrubs and trees adorn the river banks
A group of hikers are walking alongside the right hand bank of a muddy river. Green shrubs and trees adorn the river banks
A person trying to cross a fast flowing stream over a dodgy looking fallen tree
A person trying to cross a fast flowing stream over a dodgy looking fallen tree
A group of hikers walking alongside a river
A group of hikers walking alongside a river

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Bad weather up high today so we went exploring instead and just 20 mins drive from home, we found this amazing valley. A "Shangri-La" sort of place ... peaceful, quiet and colorful. Never been here before nor knew of it's existence.

The day didn't quite turn out as planned but that's the detail for a later post. And, I guess that's the whole point of exploring?

A peaceful river scene in Spain. Lots of greenery with a small river winding its way around the valley bottom. To the right are a group of hikers passing through the undergrowth
A peaceful river scene in Spain. Lots of greenery with a small river winding its way around the valley bottom. To the right are a group of hikers passing through the undergrowth
A peaceful riverside scene with the river heading off into the distance. The banks are full of green trees and shrubs. The light illuminates the river
A peaceful riverside scene with the river heading off into the distance. The banks are full of green trees and shrubs. The light illuminates the river

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A very spring like day today in the Alpujarra with sunshine and showers expected throughout the day. This is LanjarΓ³n.

A Spanish town is highlighted in the morning sun. Behind are threatening rain clouds approaching
A Spanish town is highlighted in the morning sun. Behind are threatening rain clouds approaching

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Been filling up an old gas cannister with gas from half empty ones and making sure weight compares well with a newly bought full one. The FlipFuel really does an excellent job at recycling gas and it is easy to accomplish.

flipfuel.co/

Weighing an old green gas cannister thats fiilled with recycled fuel
Weighing an old green gas cannister thats fiilled with recycled fuel
A newly bought gas cannister on the scales
A newly bought gas cannister on the scales
A red FlipFuel gadget that transfers gas between cannisters
A red FlipFuel gadget that transfers gas between cannisters

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One of the small waterfalls at Cascada de Prado Negro, Sierra de Huetor yesterday. Stunning!

A waterfall is plunging over a series of falls whilst a small stream enters from the right over colorful rocks and boulders
A waterfall is plunging over a series of falls whilst a small stream enters from the right over colorful rocks and boulders

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Breathtaking hike through the Sierra de HuΓ©tor today πŸŒ„β˜€οΈ Took a scenic loop via Fuente Los Potros, Las Mimbres, and Fuente Manuel Molinillo. Glorious sunshine and uninterrupted views of the Sierra Nevada the whole way. Pure magic.

View south towards the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada past the forests of the Sierra de Huetor.
View south towards the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada past the forests of the Sierra de Huetor.
Group walking along a green forest trail with trees and distant snow clad peaks
Group walking along a green forest trail with trees and distant snow clad peaks
Hikers stood on a grassy pass with some rocky peaks looming above them
Hikers stood on a grassy pass with some rocky peaks looming above them
A grassy meadow is crossed by a group of hikers. Above rises a rocky peak
A grassy meadow is crossed by a group of hikers. Above rises a rocky peak

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Via Ferrata Lentegi. As soon as we heard about this new via ferrata near the village of Lentegi we just had to go and check it out.

This video is an hour and a half of adrenaline rush combined into 2 minutes.

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Summer Nights by WinnieTheMoog
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/6037-summer-
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license

Some people crossing a vertical wall using rungs and protected by cables above

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Images from yesterday's ascent of La Concha 1215m. We got lucky with the weather in that we had no precipitation and superb views.

Not an easy hike. Involves 13km & 800m of ascent & descent from Refugio de Juanar. Track is well marked but there are a couple of sections, partly protected by chains, where head for heights is useful. Would be quite slippery in wet weather. Don't let this put you off though, it's a marvelous walk to a fine viewpoint.

3 people descend some airy slabs holding onto a chain for safety
3 people descend some airy slabs holding onto a chain for safety
An undulating ridge with mist and clouds to the left. In the foreground to the left are some hikers ascending
An undulating ridge with mist and clouds to the left. In the foreground to the left are some hikers ascending
A narrow mountain track which is starting to rise amongst rocky outcrops. Some walkers are on the track and a huge grey wall of rock lies to the right
A narrow mountain track which is starting to rise amongst rocky outcrops. Some walkers are on the track and a huge grey wall of rock lies to the right
Looking down from a pass towards Marbella on Spain's Costa del Sol
Looking down from a pass towards Marbella on Spain's Costa del Sol

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The ridge leading to the peak of La Concha 1215m in Spain's Sierra Blanca mountains. The cloud kept drifting in and out but this made for some superb atmospheric conditions.

The sun briefly illuminates a mountain summit whilst cloud drifts in and around the ridgelines
The sun briefly illuminates a mountain summit whilst cloud drifts in and around the ridgelines

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Doing something that I don't normally do today. Heading for the costas! πŸ–οΈ Marbella on the Costa del Sol. Fully expect to feel like a fish out of water there. Until tomorrow that is, when I get to go up the wonderful peak of La Concha in the Sierra Blanca πŸ”οΈ


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Spring is here. Almonds highlighted in the evening sunshine

Almonds on green branches are highlighted in the sun. Behind the outline of a Spanish town, Lanjaron
Almonds on green branches are highlighted in the sun. Behind the outline of a Spanish town, Lanjaron

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Spring has arrived so it's time to fire up the sun oven 🌞. Today we are slow cooking a traditional meal here in the Alpujarras ... "papas al pobre" a tasty mix of potatoes and green peppers

A parabolic shield is open allowing the sun into a sun oven
A parabolic shield is open allowing the sun into a sun oven

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