Incendios forestales - forest fires

The tinder dry conditions at this time of year pose a real danger of forest fires and late this afternoon Anne called me up to the terrace to see the ominous smoke rising in a nearby valley.

The Bomberos were in attendance with several vehicles at the scene.

A water carrying helicopter also made several passes over the affected area.

Thankfully, their efforts resulted in the fire being extinguished.

Cortijo El Guarda

Today, we drove the short distance to the nearby pueblo of Alcalá del Valle to take up a longstanding invitation for coffee with Hans and Miranda, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in June at the Convento de Caños Santos (see previous post here).

The view of Alcalá del Valle nestling in the valley.

Hans and Miranda have restored this 500 year old cortijo into a stunningly beautiful home with seperate accommodation for guests.
My pictures in no way do justice to the fabulous restoration work and tasteful decoration within but more pictures and information can be found on their website here.

Miranda's lovely dog Sam.

The wooden ceilings and beams are a feature of the beautifully restored interiors.

The courtyard, viewed from the cool shade of the upstairs sitting area.

We sat for a while, enjoying each others company and just chatting over a delicious cappuccino coffee prepared by Hans.
Sam joined in too.




























Before we knew it, an enjoyable few hours had passed by and it was time to part company.
A lovely, friendly couple. We wish Hans and Miranda every success in their new venture and their life here in Andalucia.

It was great to meet up again and hopefully we'll do it again in the not too distant future.






The view looking back at the cortijo in its peaceful and tranquil location amidst the olive groves.

A stroll along the Green Way

While Anne stayed at home to watch the heroic defeat of Wales to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup, I took the long overdue opportunity for a walk along the Via Verde.

The "Green Way" is an old disused railway line that runs for 36kms from Olvera in the east to Puerto Serrano in the west.
No vehicles are allowed and it's a very popular route for cyclists. horse riders and walkers.

Looking up to Olvera.

I'm ashamed to say that my last visit was in April 2010 when, after the heavy rains of the previous winter, many stretches of the walk had collapsed due to erosion or disappeared under landslides.

Now all has been secured and repaired.

As always, stunning views along the way.

The "Tuñel del Salado", one of thirty tunnels along the route, presumably closed for safety reasons as the walk has been diverted around it.

After just over three kilometres and with the temperature rising, it was time to turn around and head back.

The end or beginning of the route at the Estación de Olvera.

Esta mañana - this morning

Returning from the market this morning, we walked the "back" route through the car park area and walkway created at the base of the castle.

Looking up to the restored wall surrounding the old town cemetery and below presumably the signature of one of the builders scratched into the cement.

Wonder if it will survive as long as the castle has!!

A lovely morning with a temperature I'd estimate at about 27°C.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

View over Olvera.

A banner protesting about Government cuts in education, in particular at a local infants school CP Miguel de Cervantes, hangs from the balcony of the Ayuntamiento.