Biking & Baking in Las Alpujarras

We thought it was time to break out the VFR and take a ride up to the ski resort below Valeta and above Granada.  Such a lovely day, such fantastic views!  As usual, all the other bikers seemed to be going in the opposite direction (do they know something we don't?), but we enjoyed our lunch in the sun, watching the snow-boarders practising and small children hurtling around on their sledges.  The resort is closed for the summer now but there was still plenty of snow up there.  Steve gave the Honda a thorough checking-over before we left, topped up various oils and fluids and gave it a good clean too.  Even with a protective cover, the dust creeps in and the old gal is such a great ride, we have to make sure she is looking her best.

Yesterday we made another longish walk, straight up above Portugos and onto the Lomo de Jabeli, where the rock formations and deep gulleys are so impressive.  A pair of eagles accompanied us for a while, then it was just us, a coolish wind and an overview of the Contraviesa, Cerro de Gador and the distant sea.  I tried out my ultralight Mariposa rucksack (only 600g) but forgot the choccy biscuits (mea culpa)...so we arrived home ready for supper (tortilla, green beans, onions with black pepper  and butter) and a hot bath. This is an excellent time to be walking, as the days draw out but it's still quite cool.  Don't go without a beanie and an extra layer though...above 2000m it gets a lot colder.