Around the lake

A drive out this morning, firstly to the fresh water fountain at the Fuente Alta at Algodonales and then onwards for a pleasant drive along the road that skirts the reservoir at Zahara de la Sierra, my route here.

This elderly gentleman was sitting by the fountain making what looked to be a brush of twigs.

Then onto the reservoir at Zahara, a beautiful azure blue on a warm but breezy morning. 

 

 

 

"You can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink"........or is it just a leap of imagination too far!

 After a few attempts, I managed to get a reasonable picture of a dragonfly that was flitting around the pebbles and rocks.

 Looking across to the twin peaks of El Algorín and Las Grajas that rise above the village of El Gastor, hidden on the other side.

 

 Looking at the beautiful pueblo of Zahara de la Sierra, a popular tourist destination on the northern edge of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

Zahara and the Sierra de Grazalema

A beautiful 25°C day, perfect for a 30 minute drive to the pueblo of Zahara de la Sierra for lunch.

Zahara is a typical "pueblo blanco", set in a stunning location on a rocky outcrop overlooking a reservoir.

 No lack of direction here.

Spoilt for choice by the many restaurants available, we eventually chose the "Cervecería El Gallo", happily just sitting watching the world go by.

 After a couple of delicious tapas each, we headed out of the village for a trip over the other side of the Sierra towards El Bosque and home.

Olvera just visible in the far distance, here and below. 

 We stopped for a short while to stretch our legs and enjoy the stunning scenery.

 Faithful companions as always.

Looking back to the reservoir from the winding, twisting road that climbs the mountain range.

 Views on the other side of the mountain, looking down into the valley where the pueblo of Grazalema nestles. Stunning. 

Christmas Market

 

A very wet and windy morning as we headed, more in hope than expectation that it would still be as scheduled, to the Christmas Market at the Al Lago restaurant in the nearby pueblo of Zahara de la Sierra.

 A misty view towards Zahara from the reservoir dam.

We arrived at Al Lago and feared the worst, seeing not unexpectedly in the weather conditions, no stalls. 

However, stepping inside we found a busy room with a dozen or so tables and a varied selection of items on sale.

We couldn't resist buying a couple of beautiful handmade leather items from the stall of Fernando Garcia who has a shop "La Tienda Chica" in Grazalema. 

 Honey scented candles.

 Homemade quiche and other goodies.

 A busy morning's shopping deserved a coffee break in the restaurant.

  Wrapped up for the weather and below a hint of a rainbow over the reservoir.