Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Maria

There is no doubting the fact that although we have stopped and visited many places, we have also passed many places along the way. Some places we have passed without consideration, other places we have been glad to pass by, but then there are places that do have a certain magnificence about them. A grandure and status that renders them unforgettable. 

This is true of our most recent mileage, probably the last 150 miles or so of our 3885 miles thus far. As we looked toward Granada and now having motored past it, there is a landscape that I would not have even thought about being linked to Spain. A real gem. The Sierra Nevada is massive. It is just stunning in it's size as the road weaves in and around and up and over the significant hills and mountains. You can judge the success of the surroundings based on the reactions received from the rear quarters of Hugo. If you can get a reaction beyond the loom band world, the fun maths books (yes, we have 'fun' maths books for travel), or the iPod, then you know you've hit the mark. We've had some good reactions over the past two days!

We have motored past the Sierra Nevada now, and have motored into the Sierra de Maria. And she is lovely! More climbing for Hugo as we aimed for our stop. But the vista kept on growing and changing in such a fantastic way. Amazing villages in white clinging onto rocky outcrops were matched only by the snaking roads contouring their way around the mountains in the least stressful way.

And so to our stop. A deserted camp site, out in the sticks; literally a desert on a plateau. We have had the most fantastic bike ride with views that should be unforgettable. The enormity of the blue sky in places like this is amazing.

And then to this evening. The temperature is really dropping at this height now in the evenings; I'm having to wear long shorts. Out of our window noticed by Maya, was a big, big moon climbing above the trees that surround us. Out we dashed, climbed a water fountain and photographed it. Jasper and Maya loved it. Sadly a scientific discussion ensued about how we can see the moon, but then we turned round to see the sun setting on the other side of us. The colours of the sky was quite fantastic as we watched the burnt oranges and yellows fade over our heads in to blues and purples surrounding the moon. Maya in true musical style started singing "carried away by a moonlight shadow" as they both danced around in the moonlight.

Are we happy today? Yes we are. The expectations of the Alhambra yesterday have been fulfilled by the awe of today.

Ed