Day started quiet and relaxing, until Chris Soroko from Long Way Round Andalucia called and invited me to another drive around Andalucia.This time we just took the 4x4. First we went to Cabo de Gata, but we did not take the usual highway through Almeria. Chris seems to like going the long way round. Right out of Almerimar we passed through a huge bird sanctuary.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/640 sec, f/8, 400mm
Then we followed a road right along the beach, with a few interesting sights.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/800 sec, f/8, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/1000 sec, f/8, 38mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/800 sec, f/8, 400mm
Finally we arrived at Cabo de Gata. The views from there are absolutely stunning. I think the only thing missing was huge waves crashing into the rocky coast line.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/400 sec, f/8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/500 sec, f/8, 70mm
We wanted to drive up to what looked like a weather station, which you can see a little of in the previous picture. The drive took a little longer, because of a herd of goats that decided to walk on the road. There were about 100 or 150 of them just walking around, making the road almost impassable.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/320 sec, f/8, 58mm
Once we made it pass the goats, I was able to walk around the structure on top and just click away with the camera. I was in awe!
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/640 sec, f/8, 27mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/800 sec, f/8, 400mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/800 sec, f/8, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/250 sec, f/8, 400mm
The goats were still on the road!
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/500 sec, f/8, 400mm
On our way back from Cabo de Gata, and towards hot Roman baths, we stopped for coffee at a road side restaurant, where I found this interesting view. It definitely reminded me of old western movies. I was half expecting a couple of cowboys to come riding out from behind the house :)
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/125 sec, f/11, 250mm
We passed a few interesting villages of names I cannot remember now. Chris tried really hard to show me as much as he could.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/400 sec, f/8, 70mm
Arriving at the old roman baths, Chris showed me a few interesting dwellings. They are cave houses. To my surprise they are still in use today!
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/250 sec, f/8, 60mm
Again the views were quite amazing.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/320 sec, f/8, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/500 sec, f/8, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/800 sec, f/8, 65mm
We arrived at the "Top of the World", in the late afternoon. This was the main purpose of this trip. Chris was really proud showing me the amazing scenery from the top of this high mountain. There were a few trails leading into the surrounding area, but we were pressed for time, and the weather was turning for worse. I still managed to capture a few pictures.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/250 sec, f/8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 640, 1/2500 sec, f/4.5, 24mm
On the way back, Chris showed me this old ghost mining town. I found the structures "glued" to the side of the mountain quite interesting.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/160 sec, f/8, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/125 sec, f/8, 160mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/160 sec, f/8, 400mm
Too bad they were on the other side of a valley, that very quickly turned in to a deep gorge. I could have spent a whole day exploring that place.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/125 sec, f/8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/80 sec, f/8, 200mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/400 sec, f/8, 120mm
This was another amazing day, filled with awe inspiring views, and great company of a very knowledgeable Chris Soroko. Arrived back at the apartment just in time for dinner, which again was quite amazing. After dinner I managed to convince Chris Marshall to drive out again to Guardia Viejas for some night shots of the castle.
Canon 5D, ISO 400, 0.4 sec, f/11, 24mm
Another day, another adventure in Spain! Great time with great company.