Monday 17 April 2017

Sierra Nevada

12th April. We are continuing our exploration of the mountain ranges in southern Spain. We have been seeing the Sierra Nevada (did you know that the original Sierra Nevada is in Spain and the American ones were named after the Spanish ones?) and enticed by the snow capped mountains we have been heading steadily towards them. 
 
Just before we started to rise into the mountains we spotted a solar/thermal plant. This is one of the alternative technologies to produce electricity from the sun other than by solar panels. It also provides a storage facility to provide power at night. The panels collect the heat from the sun, heat a liquid (could be liquid sodium). This is then used to heat water by a heat exchange system and steam is produced. This is used to produce electricity. The heated liquid sodium is able to continue to heat the water after the sun has gone down, effectively extending the period in which power can be produced. 
 
  
 
  
 
 
We reached the gap and highest point on the road in the Sierra Nevadas.  
 
 
 
The other side of the range bought more of the white villiages of Andalucia, but now they had flat rooves - another indication of moorish / muslim influence.
 
 
   
 
  
 
The Sierra Nevada, although higher than the other Sierras of southern Spain were not as spectactular. The southern side was more scenic though. But the Sierras in general (and there is a string of them between Madrid and the Sierra Nevada) have been the highlight of our trip in Spain thus far. 
 
We have had no trouble camping! Especially in the Sierras we have always been able to easily find a dirt track where we could be out of view and not causing anyone any trouble. These places have almost always been very quiet, and often with stunning views. Of course we are careful to leave no trace of our passing, never leaving any trash and often picking up trash that was left by people before us, thus leaving the place better than we found it. We have really appreciated these Sierra National Parks!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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