La Gargantua Verde

This is another hike in the Sierra de Grazalema - the wettest spot in Spain! It was quite spectacular; first the trail leads past a Griffon Vulture nesting area, then the trail abruptly descends 300m to a small creek at the bottom of a deep gorge. Wow!

The setting is dry and rocky.

Truckin' along

Shady spot - Break time!

Same break

Birds on a ridge

Waiting for mom & dad to finish taking pictures.

Ooooh! Steep!

The other side of the canyon

No trail on the other side.

Deep in the canyon

Persistent root

The creek at the bottom; the kids are instantly undressing and heading for the water.

Waterfall

Ferns

Starting back up.

A cave on the far wall. The trail on the other side still looks sketchy.

No handrails - no missteps.

Look! Stairs through the cleft!

The trail was steep but beautiful.

Tree

Ferns

Succulents

Now everybody's waiting for me to finish taking pictures (but I think they're pleased for the excuse to take a break!)

Oh! Birdie!

These birdies are apparently Griffon Vultures.

Skillful flyers

 A common orchid, ranging from white to a much darker pink.

Exploring Seville

We spent some time wandering around Seville; taking a boat cruise, walking to and from where we'd parked the car, finding a place to eat and otherwise enjoying ourselves in this beautiful city.

No Swimming

One of these is a replica of Magellan's famous ship

The man on the left putting on a strong show to pass the pair of women.

Other paddlers

Fishermen (Sittermen)

Under the bridge

SPL

A beer in the park

Siesta

Ramps and Stairs

Flower child

 Regalia shop

A more modern building

El Real Alcázar de Sevilla

Directly across the plaza from the cathedral in Seville is the Real Alcázar, originally a fort, it is now an oasis of palace and gardens in the middle of the city. In truth, Seville is well-endowed with such oases, however the Real Alcázar is especially nice - sublime, really. So fine that we returned a couple of times!

The palace was built in several stages by different people. This facade is one of the older ones.

Tricky plasterwork

These screens allow breezes and some light into the interior.

Ceiling

This style of plaster- and tile-work lines many courtyards.

These painted tiles are also common...

...in that they line whole rooms

There are also some big carpets (4-5m tall!)

The Courtyard of the Maidens

Interior portico

Ceiling

Heading outside into the gardens.

The gardens are full of small patios with fountains...

... small gateways...

... fancy tile-work...

... sections of wall and fence...

... and arcades.

It's all a bit labyrinthine.

Orange trees and tile-work are featured in all pavilions.

Algae on wall.

A bench in one of the many courtyards.

This isn't tile-work.

The peacocks make it difficult to enjoy a snack in the garden as they are bigger and more aggressive than the children.

"Soren?" "Anika?"

Eat another piece of orange... Run to wash hands... Eat another piece of orange... Run to wash hands...

The wall hides us from the peacocks, so we can have a snack!

Lion fountain

Soren takes a break from watching ducks.

Dry fountain

Once more around the fountain.

Bench testing.

The palace baths

Tired and ready to head home.