We were up early this morning for some daft reason…it was still dark, but then sunrise wasn’t until 8:40!
Headed north to Merida in the mist and rain, then did a Lidl shop. We’re almost fully competent on the self checkouts now …should be a great way to learn all the names of vegetables in Spanish, but a week later, we’ve forgotten them again!
Got on the ring road to the other side of town to see the Acueducto de los Migros, a stunning ancient Roman aqueduct..or what remains of it. It’s normally full of storks nesting on top of the pillars but not today – guess it’s the wrong time of year.
On to today’s destination, which was the Monfragüe Natural Park. Coming towards it from Trujillo, I think you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Africa. A dry, golden grass landscape dotted with old trees provides home for grazing sheep, cows and pigs. If they die or get injured in the fields, these in turn, provide food for the hundreds of vultures stationed in the park to the north.
It was raining again when we arrived in the park so had to wait a little while before walking up to the castle. There was a free shuttle bus but we thought we needed a walk ..what we actually needed was resuscitation by the time we reached the top.
Outstanding views and hundreds of vultures were a good reward, but I’m not sure about the strong urine smell they give off.
The birds were so close at times, we were completely mesmerised by them.
After walking back down the road, we decided to walk a bit further to the Salto del Gitano viewing area.
Again, they were everywhere, circling around in big groups or swooping low over the people watching.
Getting late, and we had to get out of the park as no overnight stays. We followed a path back to the van rather than the road and came across a beautiful deer. He looked very thin and wasn’t bothered by us at all. There were signs up saying not to feed them – suppose it’s because they’ll forget how to forage, but he certainly looked like he could do with a big cheese cob!
Ended up parking in the little village of Torrejón el Rubio for the night. Hope the dogs are going to quieten down or I’ll have to call in the vulture squad!
