El Perro Negro

There's a spark inside all of us that makes us want to explore. To go to places others don't. Fill in blanks on a map. It was definitely there with early explorers, climbers conquering un-climbed peaks and pioneers crossing vast lands. That spark, not always be active, remains within all of us.

During our recent hike in the amazing "Desierto de Gorafe" badlands, just north of Guadix, that spark ignited once again amongst our ageing group.

https://elperronegro.com/posts/2024-02-09-hiking-badlands-gorafe/

If I ask Graeme, my fellow hiking buddy, to go stand on the edge of a huge drop, he always does, bless him. He is my go-to poseur when I need a bit of scale in photos. One day I will make an album of "Graeme" images. Here is a photo of Graeme in the badlands of the Gorafe Desert 😄. Cheers mate!

The Desierto de Gorafe badlands yesterday. Magnificent walking country!

After a long day driving and hiking yesterday, the last thing I needed was to be stuck in traffic whilst passing through Granada.

Farmers tractors blocking the motorways and protesting against subsidy cutbacks. This is happening throughout Europe (unless you just watch the BBC in which case you probably don't know this).

Was I upset or irritated by my 45 minute delay? Not in the least. We must support farming communities. Without farmers we are lost. No farmers, no food!

The dark recesses of the beautiful waterfall below Conchar today.

The Acequia Mezquerina waterfalls in full flow yesterday

My experience of how the OMM Core Hoodie fares as one layer of a 3 layer adjustable, flexible and lightweight mountain clothing option

"The OMM Core Hoodie may be designed for mountain athletes, trail runners and fastpackers who sole aim to travel light and fast in the hills. Let me tell you, it also works for slow, ageing plodders with dodgy knees who can't carry much weight on their backs!"

A recommended piece of kit!

https://elperronegro.com/posts/2024-01-31-review-omm-core-hoodie/

The Cerro de Caballo (3009m) in Spain's Sierra Nevada comes out of the cloud above the hills between Albuñuelas and Lentegí.

A memory from 2016. One of those stormy days when the blizzards don't allow you to leave your tent. You end up doing selfies! 🤣😆🤣

@Steveb sometime in May we shall have the last rains ehich will last a few days. Unlucky if that happens during your stay. At 1200 metres very pleasant temps, getting warmer towards the end of the month. Expect daytime temps of up to 30°. Images below of maximums and minimums from Lanjaron at 750 metres.

Hope this helps

This is a trailer for the Wilderness - Patagonia series with Simon Reeve. Brought back so many memories from 2016 as, after 3 days on the trail, he approached the Marconi Pass and the entrance to the Patagonian Icecap. Quite emotional as I'm sure it will be for anybody who has had the fortune to visit this magnificent place.

https://youtu.be/yjih0vYjOaY?feature=shared

I am back for a week in the UK visiting family. Feel a bit like a fish out of water. It's all rather strange and alien. And ... flat 🤣

Fully agree with this interesting article by @jeena. The fun has gone out of surfing through the internet and discovering weird and wonderful things. Sanitisation has occurred.

https://jeena.net/content-is-king

Just taken receipt of my new summer day pack, a custom made, handcrafted, 20 litre "Atelier Longue Distance" from France.

Seems really well made and just as per my specification. Weighing under 500g, including 4 vest pockets, 3 main compartments & a bottom pocket. I'm delighted to be able to support a small cottage company that produces quality gear. Will let you know how it performs in due course.

https://atelierlonguedistance.fr/

Our husky, Arko, is a bit of a clown, especially when he's pinched the sofa! 🤡 😂

Practice day on crampons and ice axe for us today. No matter how often you have done this, it's still good to practice. Enjoyable too. Coming up the slopes out of the Barranco de San Juan, Sierra Nevada

Out with the gang in the snow today. Bit breezy and not a lot of sunshine but a great day out nevertheless

Huge lenticular clouds building up in the mountains. High winds and possibly some bad weather to come

After many years of using spreadsheets, I've started using Lighterpack https://lighterpack.com/ to record and control my backpacking gear lists. Works pretty well. Just wondered if anybody could recommend any other alternative software for thru hiking gear lists?

A few images from my trip into the Spanish Sierra Nevada mountains last Friday with @khusky