Carnaval poster winner

Our congratulations go to our friend and local artist Alan Pearson whose poster pictured right was chosen from keen competition to be used as Olvera's Carnaval poster for 2010.

The poster shows what the Carnaval may have looked like at the beginning of the 20th century when local people gathered in a circle and threw a pottery jug in a game called Cancarro and also when a rope was strung between the houses to be used as a swing.

Hopefully soon, the schedule of events will be published by the Ayuntamiento for what is, in my opinion, the best fiesta of the year.

El Hundidero

Just a few pictures of the spectacular gorge at El Hundidero that we passed through on our way home after leaving Estación de Benaoján today.

At the bottom of the gorge, accessible by pathways leading down, is the entrance to the Cueva del Hundidero, a cavern that eventually emerges 4 kms away at the Cueva del Gato near to the pueblo of Benaoján.

Estación de Benaoján

After leaving the Cueva del Gato, we drove the short distance to the pueblo of "Estación de Benaoján", situated just below the main village of Benaoján.
We were hoping to find a cafe with outside seating to have a coffee but unfortunately we couldn't find anywhere so we carried on exploring.

The village was undergoing a lot of modernisation, principally with the rail track being improved and upgraded to accept the AVE high speed trains.

The fast flowing Rio Guaduares rushes through the centre of the village.

At the bottom of the village, the Rio Guaduares joins the Rio Guadiaro and the level to which the river flooded can be seen on the left of the picture.

For walkers, the bridge across the river here was the mid point of walks leading to Ronda (3 hrs 10 mins) and Jimera de Libar, the same distance. Not today though.

These lovely flowers were in abundance around us but not being very botanical I'm afraid I don't know their name. Would be grateful if anyone looking in could let us know.

La Cueva del Gato (Cave of the Cat)

Our expected return to olive picking after the recent rains was postponed so we took a trip out this morning, heading towards Ronda and the Cave of the Cat.

Before leaving Olvera this morning, I took this view of the mists in the valleys below.

We turned off the main A-374 Algodonales-Ronda road onto the MA-8403, passing by the pueblo of Montejaque and shortly after arriving at Benaoján. The cave was signposted from the village and after a few kilometres we arrived at the Mirador overlooking the cave.

The name of the cave suggests that the opening looks like the head of a cat but unfortunately I couldn't quite see it.

However, even more disappointing was that access to the cave entrance was impossible due to the wooden walkway across the Rio Guaduares having been destroyed in the floods created by the recent heavy rains.

Work was being undertaken to repair the area so hopefully we may return in the summer months for another try.

Can you see the face of a cat ??.

Looking up to the village of Benaoján nestling in the valley.

Ruta de los Almorávides y Almohades

It's amazing the number of times I've sat in the Plaza de la Concordia, pleasantly enjoying the weather (today being a warm 15°C) and watching the world go by. This sign has always been there but I've never really looked at it before. So my mission in life today was to investigate further and find out what it was all about.

It refers to "The Route of the Almorávides and Almohades" and depicts the route of the Moorish and Moslem conquest of southern Spain between the 11th and 13th centuries The route starts from Tarifa in the south, passing through Olvera and on to Granada in the east. The Almorávides were a Moorish tribal dynasty who were eventually overthrown by the Berber princes of the Almohades dynasty in the 12th century.

Looking at the link above, what a great road trip it would be as the route passes through some of the most beautiful towns and villages and spectacular scenery in Andalucia.

Sierra de Yeguas

With the continuing mild weather, we took a drive out to Sierra de Yeguas, a pueblo of approximately 3,500 inhabitants 40 kms east of Olvera and about 8 kms north of Campillos.

We arrived at about 11.30am, stopping to take a picture of this impressive statue on a roundabout at the entrance to the town.

We headed into town, parked near to the Ayuntamiento and walked to the Plaza Andalucia.

Across from the Town Hall is the 18th century Iglesia de la Immaculada Concepción. The door was open so I took a look inside.

The inside of the Church was really impressive. There was a long central nave and along each side of the building were several private chapels, each beautifully decorated.

Leaving the Church, we continued our walk around the town, noting that there were several small Hermandades (brotherhoods), small chapels dedicated to individual patron saints, usually housing the religious statues that are carried through the streets during Holy Week at Easter time.

I came across this woman and her dog, loitering with intent outside a bar.

We certainly wouldn't describe Sierra de Yeguas as the prettiest place we have visited although the Church in particular was well worth a visit.

Leaving town, we headed towards the town of Martin de la Jara and then on to the pueblo of Los Corrales where we turned off back towards Campillos.

Very soon we were driving through a wind farm, one of many being constructed in this area.

Spain is the fourth largest producer of wind power in the world and at one point in November 2009, wind power provided an impressive 53% of the total energy used in Spain.

They look big from a distance but standing underneath they are really massive.

Arriving back in Olvera we stopped off at the busy Bar El Parque, sitting at an outside table to enjoy some delicious tapas and drinks before heading home for that well earned siesta.

About time....

Just a few pictures taken on a cloudy but warm 15°C afternoon and really nice to feel the warmth of the sun again after the recent wind and rains that we've had.

Pictured right and below is the bottom of Calle Cruz, the street where we live.

Anne with Calcetines.

The mirador (viewpoint) on Calle Panolillas offering fantastic views to the south and west.

Calle Bellavista.

Looking up Calle Mercado to the castle.