Saturday, November 30, 2024

The rain in Spain

Cuerda de los Infiernillos Shrouded in Sunset Clouds, Extramadura, Spain

One of the things I love most about nature photography is that every moment is a fleeting moment. The scenery is in a state of constant change. I was reminded of that recently while hiking in La Vera, a valley-filled region in the mountains of western Spain.

I was there during heavy rainstorms, though I escaped the worst. In the eastern part of the country, 229 people died in the worst flooding to hit the country in years. You can donate to relief efforts here.

Garganta de Cuartos at Puente de Cuartos, Extremadura, Spain

In La Vera, rivers rapidly swelled. Rocks that had been just above the surface of the water one day were a couple of feet under it following the storm. You can see the difference in these two pictures, taken just two days apart. The pattern in the second image is visible out of the water just to the right of the center point in the first image.

Garganta de Jaranda and Textured Rocks, Extremadura, Spain
Garganta de Jaranda and Textured Rocks, Extremadura, Spain

I found the shifting patterns in the rivers endlessly fascinating and spent days looking for different vantage points to capture the force and the beauty.

Garganta de Jaranda from Above, Extremadura, Spain

No longer constrained by their usual banks, the water reached the base of trees, carrying autumn leaves away.

Autumn Leaves Swept By Water, Piornal, Spain

Eventually the water level began to drop again.

Los Pilones, Garganta de los Infiernos, Spain

More of the colorful rock walls were once again exposed.

Rock Wall at Charco la Junta, Extremadura, Spain

The skies cleared.

Stacked Mountains, Castile Ranges, Extremadura, Spain

And even a little sun shone through.

Garganta la Hoz and Rock Wall, Extremadura, Spain

Kevin’s new book, Five Minutes in Nature, collects images and stories about his experiences in the wilderness, curated to help you have deeper encounters of your own. Preview and order it here. Prints of his images are available through LivingWilderness.com. Learn about new work by joining his mailing list.)

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