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El Torcal and Finca
La Concepción
(Click upon any image
for a larger photo)
| On the
29th May 2008, twenty-eight El Valle members and guests met up at Romero
to travel to El Torcal and the Finca La Concepción gardens at Malaga.
The weather was
warm and pleasant and our driver was the ever careful Miguell (a veteran
of previous El Valle trips).
We drove to
Casabermeja and then took the twisting, narrow backroads up to Villanueva
de la Concepción at the foot of El Torcal.
For those of you
who have not visited El Torcal the Park Nature Reserve is known for it's
unusual limestone rock formations. Within El Torcal Park's 17 square km
are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in
Europe. The whole area was under sea until one hundred million years ago.
The violent movements of the Earth's crust forced it upward into hills and
mountains up to 1.300 m, the limestone still kept its layered horizontal
formation. Because of this, over the millions of years the rain and wind
have been able to chisel away at these layers to form incredible shapes. |
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Upon
arrival at El Torcal we spent an hour walking amongst the limestone rocks
and viewing the photographic exhibition in the visitor centre.
Although the
walking was a little uneven it was easy going, doubtless helped by the
cooler temperatures experienced at that altitude.
The photos in the
centre have certainly prompted me to schedule a winter visit to the park
as the sight of the stones surrounded by snow is quite unique! |
| Prior
to leaving we were treated to the sight of a vixen wandering around the
car park and taking food from anyone who offered it. The fox appeared
quite healthy, although she appeared to be suckling.
On the way out of
the park we stopped to observe a small herd of Ibex high up in the rocks.
Some of our group were lucky enough to see the buck on the opposite side
of the road but I had to limit my photos to the main group. |
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From
El Torcal we drove down to Almogia where we had an excellent menu del dia
at the Posada de Almogia restaurant (it's a shame that some of our local
restaurants do not match the quality of the food on offer here!). The
lunch was leisurely and the staff were helpful and attentive. We then
travelled along the windy, narrow and (currently) being resurfaced
minor-road to Malaga. |
| Once at
Malaga we travelled to the La Concepción botanical gardens. The gardens
are situated to the west side of the main N-331 road from Antequera just
before the junction with the N-340 motorway. Despite this busy location
the gardens which date from 1857 are a peaceful and lush place.
The
landscape-style gardens are home to a collection of tropical and
sub-tropical species. |
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From the viewpoint at
the southern end of the gardens it is possible to see the Cathedral, the
castle and the Gibralfaro hill. |
| Following our walks
around the garden we regrouped before heading back to Puente.
A very relaxed day spent in good
company!
Many thanks to Anne for organising
and leading the trip!
Michael
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