Birdland

Zahara

We were surrounded by the constant sounds of birds in our last location. Directly behind our pool (yes, we had a private pool last week) there was a roost for pigeons, turkeys, chickens and doves. And I just want to say to all of you chicken owners, REALLY?? Why? They never sleep!  In addition to the domesticated birds, this area is a haven for songbirds.  When I talked to my sister on the phone, she could barely hear me over the sound of the birds. I have a sound file, but can't seem to download it to this blog.  You will just have to listen to it next time you spend time with me....

They run free most of the day in the back '40.

Attention all biking friends.  You MUST come here for some of the sweetest riding of your life.  The roads are quiet, the hills are challenging; but not like the Alps, the views stunning and the people and places friendly and welcoming. Despite the horrible 9 days of rain at the beginning of our trip,  May is typically dry and temperate.  This is not a place to come in July or August, as it is usually very hot then.

Quiet, smooth roads

This was a tough climb, for the over fed and under trained

We have found Spain to be such a friendly country, and so very affordable in this area.
Their economy is doing better, but we still see that so much of the population in the small towns is really OLD, which makes us wonder where these small towns will be in 20 years.

Sierra Nevada.  Stark.

We left our lovely town of Montecorto on Saturday, and made our way to our current location, Velez de Benaudalla, a small, but much busier village near the largest peak and National Park in Spain, Sierra Nevada.  We are about 15 miles from the Mediterranean town of Motril and 30 miles south of Granada.

Ziggy takes a cruise on the Med

Granada is home to Spain's greatest treasure, the Alhambra.  We spent a few hours in the gardens and outlying ruins doing the tourist thing.  It really is pretty fantastic, and we didn't even get to see the the grand palace.  You have to make reservations months in advance....and I didn't.

Garden shot at the Alhambra

Overlooking Granada

The riding in this area is not as appealing as it was in the Ronda area of Andalusia. Roads are a bit busier, it is not as green,and everything is a little more run down than anywhere else we have been in Spain.  Just not feeling the love here.  We are also dealing with a broken rib for Larry, which has slowed his desire to ride.

Fashion Assassin

Call the fashion police! In my concerted effort to PACK LIGHT, I have made some questionable choices in my rain and cold weather gear.  And so far, that is all I have needed here in "sunny" Spain.  As I sit in our cozy apartment, high in the hills overlooking Lake Zahara, listening to the rain and wind on our metal roof, wearing the only pair of long pants I brought; my 2 year old yoga pants, my fuchsia shirt and my orange rain coat.  I am glad the camera is tucked away in my bag.  Nothing to see here....

Zahara, and the beautiful road leading to it. Can't wait to ride here.

However, there is a LOT to see in this area.  We are in Andalucia, about 30k from Ronda, which is a famous White Hill Town. As you might guess, every building is white, roofs are red, streets are cobbled and narrow and every town is up and or on a hill.

Ziggy high in the hills.

With all of the rain, the hills are very green and the wildflowers are everywhere- red poppy, yellow mustard, something blue and another vibrant yellow flower. Names unknown....



We have our fingers crossed for a chance to ride tomorrow, but the chance of storm has a higher probability.

Hasta Luego!

Pouring rain in Ronda. High on a hill!

No poppies, but lots of yellows!