Sierra Nevada

With all the snow very much in the news just now I thought it was time I went off in search of some so yesterday, Amber & I set off to the Sierra Nevada.

Ice Melt

For those that don’t know, the Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the region of provinces of Granada and Almería. It contains the highest point of Spain, Mulhacén at 3,478 m (11,411 ft.) above sea level. It is a popular tourist destination, as its high peaks make skiing possible in one of Europe’s most southerly ski resorts, in an area along the Mediterranean Sea predominantly known for its warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. At its foothills is found the city of Granada and, a little further, Almería and Málaga. Parts of the range have been included in the Sierra Nevada National Park. The range has also been declared a biosphere reserve.

Blossom

The Sierra Nevada National Park was declared a national park on 14 January 1999. It stretches from the Alpujarras to El Marquesado and the Lecrin Valley, covering a total area of 85,883 hectares, making it the largest national park in Spain. Due to its isolated location in the far south of Europe, the flora and fauna of the Sierra Nevada are unique. During the last ice age, species moved south to escape the colder climate in the north and as the climate grew warmer again, these species survived by taking refuge in the mountains. 2,100 plant species have been catalogued in the park, 116 of which are classified as threatened and over 60 of which are unique to the area (endemic).

For the wildlife enthusiasts amongst you, the park is home to a thriving Spanish ibex population, along with other species such as wild boar, martens, badgers and wildcats. Native bird species include the Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Little Owl, Eurasian Eagle-owl, European Goldfinch, Serin, Ortolan, Dartford Warbler, Wheateater, Red-legged Partridge and Common Quail.

Abrucena

We visited the Sierra Nevada during the “European freeze” not really knowing what to expect. Our starting point for our little journey was a small town called Abrucena, just on the edge of the park. We drove slowly and carefully up towards a picnic area called La Roza where it wasn’t really possible to go any further due to compacted snow. There were however plenty of photo opportunities en route which obviously extended the journey time

This is an area of Andalucía I’ve wanted to visit for a while so what better time than when there are some serious weather conditions across Europe. It snowed whilst we were driving around but fortunately not enough to hinder our travels.

Contact details:

Martyn Thompson – Landscape Photography
Photography Experiences in and around Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata
and Europes only desert in the Almería Province of Spain.

http://martynthompson.net
http://martynthompsonphotography.wordpress.com
martyn@martynthompson.net
Facebook / Twitter / Etsy / Flickr

Desierto de Tabernas

Desierto de Tabernas

The Tabernas Desert is situated between the Sierra Nevada, Sierra de Gádor, Sierra de Los Filabres and Sierra Alhamilla in the Province of Almería and is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Spain. A combination of little rainfall, high temperatures all year round and long levels of sun exposure produces the dry climate that gives rise to this true desert. Temperatures in winter rarely drop below freezing at night. During the summer, temperatures during the day can exceed 40°C.

Site of a former Tsunami

The Tabernas Desert (Badlands) is one of the most geologically interesting landscapes in Europe, since it clearly shows the process of natural desertification and erosion. Features include the sheer-sided gullies, carved out by the infrequent but torrential rains falling only a few days in the year. The arroyos or small steams formed by the torrential rain harbour most of the vegetation and fauna. The desert also contains numerous dry river beds or ramblas, which provide a unique micro-climate that is more humid than any other place in this otherwise parched landscape.

About eight million years ago, the sea covered the entire Tabernas desert area, reaching the Sierra de los Filabres to the north. The deposited material (sand and loam) of which makes up the Tabernas desert today. A million years later the Sierra Alhamilla rose up, cutting off the desert from the ocean and creating an inland sea where further sand, loam, clay, limestone and gypsum were deposited. At the end of pliocene epoch the sea receded, leaving the seabed exposed to erosion.

Last of the Mohicans

The Tabernas Desert, because of its similarities with the North American deserts, was used from 1950s (and still used today) for the shooting of many films and westerns. Many spaghetti westerns, including the seminal films of Sergio Leone were shot here, as were scenes from The Last Mohican, Lawrence of Arabia and many more.

There are a number of film studios in this area you can visit that have now been turned into theme parks.

Yet another photographers paradise in the Province of Almeria and not too far from the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata. We were lucky enough to be shown around this beautiful area by our good friend Jesus Contreras, please visit his website to learn more about him.

This Tabernas Desert is best seen in spring-time when there is an abundance of colours and vegetation. Although it’s fair to say you could visit these Badlands everyday and see something different.