We made fairly determined efforts to see rare mammals with the thermal imaging camera and trail cam overnight, but the best we managed were roe deer and a red fox.
In spite of the rare-mammal fail, at first light this morning there were some crested tits around; so at least that was another species to add to the trip tally. Speaking of, I forgot to mention cattle egret from yesterday and - whilst we're on with it - we can also add peregrine for today.
The day's drive has once again been mainly done on supremely peaceful back roads through spectacular countryside ranging from dramatic mountain-and-gorge-scapes, through impressively terraced olive groves, to boulder-strewn upland plains.
It's fair to say hugging the Portuguese / Spanish border has once again resulted in a highly rewarding driving experience; even if some of the small towns and villages we've been squeezed through have needed some determind concentration (pic). It's stuff like eaves and balconies in circumstances like this that lurk in wait to wreak the most havoc...
Lunch today was a long and relaxing affair, during which I also managed a run. The stop was also close to an impressive Roman bridge and, as a bonus, also resulted in a good booted eagle sighting.
We had hoped to be somewhat closer to the Spanish border before we tried to find a camp this evening, but today's steep and twisty roads had dramatically affected average speed, so we find ourselves a little short.
Tonight's intended overnighting spot, then, takes the form of the site of a disused and derelict railway station and associated buildings (coordinates). The buildings are quite charming in spite of their state and incorporate some splendid ceramic tilework as well as elaborate and ornate architecture. The station must have been quite something in its time.
Our spot also overlooks a number of olive groves and vineyards, as well as a few small and informal enclosures and some veteran / standing dead tress. This mix has proved excellent for birds and though there's been nothing new to add to the trip list, it's still been an exotic scene by UK standards; plus it's been great to just watch them doing what they do. Had to do it from in rather than on the cab, though, it's been blinking cold this evening.
This post was composed at 21:00 on Thursday 3rd April from our intended overnighting spot:
N 41.25155°, W 06.69718°
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc:41.25155%2C-06.69718