Dry at last

The weather is better today, windy and a little cloudy but at least dry. We have planned a visit to Arcos but we need to walk the dogs first so we head out to the cork forest as we think the path at Jimera will be a bit wet after all the rain. On the way to the forest we spotted loads (probably over 100) griffon vultures, some in the sky and some on the ground. We'd seen some here last week so we stopped to see what was happening.

It turned out to be a dead horse lying in the field, we are not sure if it was dumped there for them to eat or the farmer was not aware. They had only started on it so it was still intact but it wont last long as they vultures had started pecking at it.

Some sat to the side awaiting their turn, others pecked away. These birds are huge and we've never seen any thing like this before. Disgusting but interesting.

We carried on to the forest and parked the car, Dave and I pushed on faster and left the girls behind, we managed to get the speed up to 10.1km per hour and the average speed of 6.4 so that was quite good. We stopped at the usual spot, gave the dogs a drink and then headed back. I took a position reading on the GPS and found out that the track we were on was not the one I thought we had been on. As a result the photographs on picassa http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/angusandsusan/OurBigTripRoundEurope2Adults2DogsAndATent are a little out of plac e. If you have looked at them on the map then the ones on the forest track are actually in the wrong place, I'll try and sort it later.

We headed back and on the way we met the girls and then walked on leaving them behind again. Dave spotted this tree which he thought looked like a pair of plump breasts, I'm getting worried about you Davie!

We dropped the dogs back at the house and set off to Arcos. Susan and I have been here before and it is a lovely town. We stopped on the way to eat lunch at a roadside taverna, Dave wasn't feeling well so he didn't eat but we did! We arrived and parked in Arcos, walked to the old town when it was right in the middle of Siesta so not a lot was happening.

This is the old town from the new town, we were heading to the viewpoint at the top.

At the top the views are great, looking down steeply over the valley and river below. The sky was a little cloudy but at least dry.

Alli, Dave and Susan on the viewpoint by the Church and Parador.

The old Church at the top, framed nicely by the white walls - pity about Dave sticking his head in the corner.

This church is in the middle of being updated so it is closed, it's a pity that you cant go inside and I expect that in typical Spanish style this will take years to finish. The views from the top must be superb.

Another viewpoint slightly below the top, the views are different here. What amazed us is that people actually drive cars here, through the tiny small streets that are hardly wide enough for a car, we even saw a mini bus and had to hide in doorways to let it past. We had coffee and ice cream on the way back.

Taken with the aid of Jobby at the top what a happy bunch.

We found this little pottery shop that sold really nice stuff but we didnt buy anything.

Back up to the old Church at the top and a visit to the Tourist Information centre for some leaflets for the guest pack.

There is something about these hooded figures but I am not sure what it is, Susan thinks it might be Moorish - if anyone knows then please let us know.

A lovely pair of knockers.

We drove back the same road, the scenery is great but stopping is not easy so no photographs sorry.

Susan telling us where we are to go and whats happening.

The good news is that I had my first enquiry regarding Wedding Photography in Spain from my new web site http://www.weddingphotographyinspain.biz/ from a couple in Paris that are getting Married in Valencia in September. I think I'll probaby be more expensive than the locals but if they want quality !!!!!

Dinner was roast chicken from the man in his garage round the back, here are a couple of pics of him and his wife. The food is great, Dave and Alli are really taken with this idea. Alli wants to open one in Liff.