Ronda with the Pinar Gang

 

The kindly management at the Campsite arranged for a visit to Ronda by bus and train and so even though we had visited it last year we were up for another trip with the gang.

Four of our pals had been only ten days before so they declined, but the rest of us set off at 7.30 am by bus to Algeciras where we only just caught the train, one minute to spare, to go to Ronda.

The EARLY morning sun and mist on the hills was quite beautiful. The train ride also was worth the journey and Early start.

 

 

Which way ?

 



I think Marie was asking where she could find Mac Donalds.

 



 

 

This is getting to be a habit. Sarah again with a shot of a Firecrest.

 

Not Jealous at all, SPIT SPIT.

 



 

We kept loosing Derek whilst the Ladies were shopping.

 



 

Another Great day out.



Alcala de los Gazules

This was our first actual visit to Alcala to look around, although we had been through both this year and last on our way to other places. We went with our pals Dave and Liane for the day and first took them up into the mountains to se the views. The town is very attractive with its bright white houses and peaceful squares.

Beaten to the shot again as I did not have my camera, Sarah snapped a beautiful Booted Eagle. soaring over the Castle.

 

 

 

 

After walking all the way up to the Castle, which in fact is not worth the time as it is only two walls and shut up, we needed a beer.

 





Castellar de la Frontera

Next to Castellar de la Frontera.    All these de la Frontera towns denote the Moorish/ Christian wars and their territories. There are many of them.

 

 

Before we left the town on the second leg of our walk we met a man with a Falcon, who for the princely sum of three Euro was persuaded to remove it from its cage and let it pose with Sarah. It was a young Peregrine Falcon. He had to leave its hood on in case it got startled whilst on Sarah's hand but removed it afterwards for a better picture.

So nice to see one of the fastest birds in the world up close.

 

The aim of this part of the walk was to find the carefully hidden, Prehistoric burial chambers.

With much persistence, despite my moaning we finally found them, only to have Sarah put me in one. Glad there was not time to cover me up, although it was suggested. 

 







 

Thankfully we made it back to the town in time for Tapas in a cute little bar.

 

 





Alcornocales park and Jimena de la Frontera

Our next trip took us into the park again, this time to Jimena and a riverside walk.

On route we saw a sign saying road limited to 1.6 meters. We travelled many kilometres and saw no problem until this ! ! !  Unfortunately the road had slipped off the edge, just room for our small car. 

 

 



 

On route we had encountered Goats and horses and terrapins but Sarah suddenly stopped in her tracks and beat a hasty retreat as she saw a curly tail in front of her, It turned out to be a large pig and not the wild boar she expected.

 



 

We were then fortunate enough to see this rare creature, an Egyptian Mongoose who posed for Sarah to snap.

 



 

Another great day out



Jimena de la Frontera

Bolonia walk and fauna

Bolonia and the bay are still one of our favourite spots and this year we found a way through to Camarinal and the Lighthouse and down into Alanterra.  No need to trespass on the Military establishment after all.

The first picture is of Sid our pet spider who attached himself to our awning the first week we arrived.  But since we put up the Christmas lights he has defected to next door.

 

 

Camarinal bay, a lovely secluded beach..

 



 

An aerial view of the Roman ruins at Bolonia.

Baelo Claudia.

 



 

Some of the local Fauna.

 



 

 

 

A Bald Ibis. Strange looking Bird.

 



Back to Pinar and climb up Picacho

 

Well here we are back at Pinar in the sun with all our pals from last year. The weather is good, so off to the beach and then a little stroll in the mountains.

We obtained some walking routes and maps from the Tourist information centre for the Alcornocales National park situated just outside Alcala de los Gazules on the Guadalupe road.

Our first outing took us into the park and to Picacho, the second highest peak in the park at nearly 3000 feet.

A beautiful sunny day and excellent views made this a memorable walk. The whole area is green and delightful. We will be walking here more as the days go by.

 

 

On our return journey Sarah took this great picture of a Black shouldered Kite.

I missed the opportunity and have not had another chance, YET.