Adventures
Thursday, February 16, 2012 @ 10:08 PM
We've done a bit of adventuring in the last few days...on Sunday four of us went the hard way up to the top of Pena de los Papos, above Trevelez (2,500m roughly). This involves fairly continuous uphill walking, at first on the GR7, then through pinewoods, over rough scrubland, alongside barrancos and frozen waterfalls and finally up a shaly summit. It was a bright day fortunately, but with a chilly wind, so we didn't linger long over our lunch. We saw lots of wild mountain goats, blending perfectly into the landscape and beautiful icicles hanging above steeply-falling streams. Once at the top we had a fabulous panoramic view of the snow-covered Sierras, from Mulhacen to Puerta de la Ragua, and beyond.
Speaking of which, we also made a trip yesterday to the XVI castle at La Calahorra and the Ragua ski resort (2000m above sea level) ...the descent down to the plain and the sight of the castle below makes this long trip worthwhile. It's only 3 euros to get a guided tour but it's only open on Wednesdays 10.00-13.00 or 16.00-18.00. There was snow at the resort (plus cafe and ski hire) but the road was open with care. Our only mistake was to stop for coffee at the Posada near Bayarcal which wasn't our style at all...but may suit others perfectly. On the way home we delayed in Juviles to look at the 'Giant's Footsteps' in the rocks below the village...quite intriguing!
Supper that night? Morcilla sausages, fried eggs, red pepper & onion, cous-cous. Sorry folks but sometimes it just has to be that simple!! 