Biking & Baking in Las Alpujarras

I'll have to change the name of this Blog to 'Walking, Biking & occasionally Baking...' as we seem to be using shank's pony at the moment and heading for the hills most weekends.  Today we headed up to La Cebadilla and then on up the eastern flank of the valley (Rio Naute) to about 2000m.  We had a good chat with the local shepherd about the lack  of rain, the dangers of the mountains and his boredom just watching his flock!  We were not bored...a picnic by the river and some hearty uphill marching into the snow kept us occupied.  In places we were up to our knees in snow and had to watch out for hidden acequias, but otherwise a stimulating walk.  As usual, the shorts,Tshirts and occasional fleeces of the chaps seemed far too minimal...I was happy in baselayers, leggings, fleece, bodywarmer and at times a lightweight wind-resistant jacket!  As soon as you stop or move into the shade, or a breeze gets up, you need another layer. 

A 6 hour round trip at our leisurely pace...easily done in less if you're keen and wonderful views of Veleta and Mulhacen. We saw those wonderful 'flying saucer' clouds as we drove home - do they portend rain? - and a rising, waxing moon.