Our final trip out from Caceres today to the Monfrague National Park, famous for it’s ‘raptor’ population of many species of eagle, vulture and hawk. The drive was easy although we were a little worried that the visitors centre may be closed as we have discovered that it is is ‘Extremadura Day’ and many places are closed but luckily not the centre.
We planned to walk the ‘Ruta Verde’ - green route - through the park for around 2.5 hours to see the landscape and the birds of prey. I think the grading of the walk at ‘easy’ was rather an understatement - three hours of scorching walking with little cover, partially alone g a dried up riverbed and with absolutely no single sighting of a raptor - only a blue magpie, blackbirds and the rear end of two red deer!
We felt drained but revived after an ice lolly and coke back the the visitors centre and set off (sensibly by car this time!) to the view point Salto del Gitano’. This is an open air observation deck facing spectacular cliffs. Unlike earlier, the air was full of birds... at the time I thought they were eagles and vultures but it turns out to only be Griffon Vultures although I am rather fond of them with their fluffy heads!
We drove home having taken many photos which turned out to all be of griffon vultures anti a mix but still great to see.
In the evening we headed out for our last meal in Caceres in the Plaza Mayor which was heaving as it was the last day of the celebrations for Extremadura and so there was a stage, dancing and singing which made for a memorable last night in this lovely town.
The very last news of the day is that the Queen has died. This is massive and it is strange that we are not at home at this time. However, considering the now constant news coverage that will continue for a couple of weeks, perhaps it’s just as well.
My Irish holiday was bookended by the news of the Queen's death and her funeral. Odd to be out of the country for it, but maybe as you say for the best.
@boxplayer It has been very strange but as we have free data (only until next July thanks Brexit!) we have been watching quite a bit of the last 1.5 weeks events. It feels strange not to be part of it but we did see some of the funeral procession live on two TVs in a truckers cafe whilst having calamari and steak whilst travelling... it was very surreal. Hope you had a good time in Ireland?
