A rocky day

Essence of today

A nippy wind, noisy rivers and snow. 

Blue sky for a while

It's as cold as it looks, unlike two years ago at this time of year when it was hot and crawling with people. Only a handful of birdwatchers today.

The well known walk at La Plataforma, Sierra de Gredos

It looks neat and tidy but it was wobbly walking underfoot. We made it as high as 6 200 feet and gave up when the wind and chill factor increased and walking turned to scrabbling.

Ibex on the run

Soppy Ibex

This one was glued to a rock - easier than butterflies but not a beauty.

You have to have a Rock Bunting when in rocks

And a Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush

...who is breaking with convention by opting for the grass. He was a long way off when I took the picture.

 

Parador corridor

This is half the length of the corridor outside our bedroom and is where I pace now and again to make up each day's mileage. I don't intend to find out how far walking the length of all the corridors would be, but mark my words it would be a long way. 

Had to share this as there's not much human related activity to report. Hardly anyone speaks as there are only a few guests accommodated along the thoroughfares. I have only uttered a word or two of Spanish in two days, except for trying to get the room heating off last night. This required a certain amount of engineering vocabulary and much bending down under the government regulated radiator. I have said hola to the few English birders today, but I don't suppose that counts.