April 17th to April 26th

In Spain, a rambla is any dried up river bed. The nearest rambla is accessible a few hundred yards from the site and runs up into the hills for 6 or 7 miles, through a nature reserve. It’s actually used as a dirt road by the residents. There is an abundance of wildlife observable, anything from wild goats to eagles, and is a great place for a picnic.

The area is full of abandoned mines. The Spanish just walk away and leave things, so all the shafts and machinery are accessible. The spoil heaps are most colourful due to the different metals mined over the years. Great care is needed, however, as everything is in a state of decay, as well as the hazards of exploring unlit galleries leading into the hillsides!

More interesting characters: Bob and Mrs Bob. Their method of transport is a tandem on which they travel huge distances at high speed. I told Bob I wouldn’t have covered their trip of this morning as fast in the car. Bob really must be some athlete (he’s been in triathlon clubs) as Mrs Bob claims she doesn’t do much pedalling!