Day No. 120 - Doesn't the vulture know... - Cork Oak Nature Park "Los Alcornocales

We chose a hiking trail for the night, which turns off from a gravelled area directly towards the lake. This is bordered on the left and right by tall bushes and trees. This gives us protection from the wind for the night. But we are also literally in the way. That's why we have our morning coffee before sunrise. I quickly take a few drone shots, as there is a spa with wigwams by the lake - maybe I'll spot Winnetou somewhere. 

We set off quickly so as not to hinder anyone. - We want to continue into a national park, the Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales, and then up to one of the white villages - Alcalá de los Gazules. 

From time to time, small roads branch off to the left and right. But these are always protected by gates. The cattle breeders rule here. The path that I looked up on google in advance is also blocked. But we find an alternative. 

The old unnamed road runs somewhat parallel to the A-381 highway, but it follows the course of the mountain in curved lines. It quickly becomes clear that this route is hardly used any more. The road is not only overgrown in places, there are also a number of cracks and elevation changes. To the left and right, the mixed forest looks enchanted. There are still some wooden crash barriers. Apart from us, nobody seems to use this road anymore.

Do you know the feeling of standing in the middle of the pampas and suddenly having to step out? - I hope not. But I had just such a situation there. - The wooden crash barrier was the perfect thunderbolt. I'm just not saying it was a good idea. While I'm busy doing my business, two mountain bikers come past and one of them says "Good morning" to me, laughing loudly in German. - These are the moments when you wish the ground would open up. 

Especially as we overtake each other a few more times. - Then there's the moment when the gentlemen signal to us to stop. It turns out that they want to give us a few tips along the way. - One of the two Spaniards tells us that he had a girlfriend in Cologne. This also clears up the German speech. I apologize again for the sight. "It wasn't the Morgenstern, it was Häusgen's ass face"

A little further on, we see birds of prey in the sky. We can't see exactly what kind of birds they are. But there are about twenty large birds circling in the thermals. The wings are reminiscent of eagles. - The vulture knows what they are. - The vulture knows? - That's right, they can only be vultures. But so many? We are amazed.

A little further on there is a bridge over the highway. According to the navigation system, there is a road here towards the lake. - According to the signs too, but there is no road. So back again, there was another turn-off. While the warning signs for the highway can be seen on the left, we struggle along a better dirt road here. The better way to slow down. - But at some point the road improves again and we reach civilization. A small industrial area. From here, the road winds its way up into the mountains. It's not far to Alcalá de los Gazules.

The white houses of the village nestle against the hillside. The alleyways are narrow and we follow them further uphill. The village church sits majestically on the hilltop. The view of the valley is magnificent. But the church itself is also worth a visit. All seems right with the world here. Each saint seems to be assigned a value. You can light candles in different categories. A "Ave Maria" for 20 cents, a "Jesu Christi" for one euro each. Are the men here more valuable?

We are drawn further into the mountains. The road becomes increasingly winding. At times we seem to be driving on the mountain top. Curving valleys to the left and right, with fields and forests. Gray rocks in between. The view is gigantic. We would like to stop more often. But there are only a few opportunities. Suddenly we see our vultures again. But can that be? Hundreds of birds are circling in the air. The moment is magical. Again and again, the birds change their position a little, some break away from the formation briefly, only to join up again soon. There is something sublime about the sight. We are deeply moved. Now a tele, please. We urgently need to think about this investment. If these are vultures, I need to change my perspective. "Jungle Book" seems to have skewed my perspective. These are proud, beautiful animals. Again, we are pleased with the purchase of our binoculars. 

But we have to keep going, at least if we want to find a place to spend the night in daylight. - Suddenly we see a small place by the side of the road. We stop and discover a few old wooden camping tables. It was a fantastic spot and we spontaneously decided to spend the night here. Here are the coordinates: 36°31'14.0″N 5°39'10.3″W - We can also observe some vultures in the sky from here. Luck can manifest itself in so many ways. 

Torgit explores the area a little and comes back with the sentence, "We'll be down there in the next car". She shouldn't have said that. My ambition is immediately seized. I explore the place and the "way" there. That should work. So begins the next adventure. Shortly afterwards, I get Hector stuck during a turning maneuver. 

(Note from Torgit: Girls, have you ever said something and suddenly seen the gleam in his eyes and wanted to bite your tongue? I've known him long enough. I should have known. And I said: Don't do it! But by then it was already too late)

I have to admit that I didn't check the lane sufficiently when turning. A glance at my cell phone shows: I shouldn't expect any help here. There are also holes in the radio net - it's a net, not a carpet. So I get the boxes out of the trunk, take the weight off the rear axle, remove the shrubbery with an axe, saw a branch off a tree that's hanging in the way, dig out the lane and reinforce it with stones. - Two hours of work, then the time has come. There is only one chance. But I get Hector free again. I immediately drive the vehicle back up the short track. Here, too, you realize we've reached the limit. So Hector and I. - Torgit was noticeably quiet again. Not a good sign. Then the work starts. Carrying boxes, bags and small parts back up the mountain. Then Hector is back on the small square by the road. If you look at it properly, the view is beautiful here too. - Then a foot and hand bath. - This is what a little pioneer looks like after a job well done. 

Dazed but happy, I stand by the car. It's not as if I haven't learned anything. - "Spector gets reinforced towing hooks and a winch is also on board"

Torgit cooks us a lentil soup. - It's been a long time since a soup tasted this good. What a day. (Torgit's note: I think he could have mentioned that I didn't criticize him at all. When the going gets tough, you have to spoon up the soup together. For better or for worse ... And we'll remember that forever. You forget the days on campsites pretty quickly)