Ruins of the Sierra Nevada

 

The mountains of the Sierra Nevada are much more populated than many in Europe due to their moderate climate and thus decent farm and grazing land.  The current inhabitants are however very different to the previous land dwellers, who would have largely been traditional Spanish farming families.  These days the winding tracks, pine forests and snowy peaking views attract expat families from England, Germany, Holland and alike.  This means that although many people own land with previous foundations already there, they are unlikely to use this in favour of newer built structures.  Some of these ruins are are still used by the occasional shepherd when travelling across the mountain tops however most lie lost in the rubble..

Empty house in the mountains, Sierra Nevada, Spain.

This little house, pretty much ready to move in (compared to most derelict buildings anyway!), was found on a long trek high up in the ‘Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada’.  It looked as though someone had, for a short period of time, had a dream hide-away in the forest; however for whatever reason it is now left, hatches and doors wide open  for passing hikers to rest, or maybe even inhabit.  For now a few objects remain propped in positions as if left with intentions… that have become, like many, lost in the rubble.

OAP’s Retreat, Hotel, Cuesta Vinas, Valor, Spain.

Cuesta Vinas is a valley close to Valor, a small village with a population close to 700 high in the Alpujarras.  This particular valley used to be popular particularly amongst Spanish old age pensioners, who, thanks to the government would get 1 weeks paid holiday per year.   Unfortunately, the reach of such pension plans is now much rarer; and thus, I found this hostel/motel-like building situated as you enter the windy path into the valley.  The grape vines, palm trees and empty pool hinted at the former glory of this retreat, that is now lost in the rubble.