Delta scene #5

I find these neat little huts irresistible subjects. On a field edge, always with one or two trees, they are used for tool storage and shelter for workers in the rice paddies. Go large for the best view.

We went out and about this afternoon, first visiting an area of small fresh water pools that turned out to be a bit boring (although I did see a purple heron in the distance). Also, there was a storm approaching so we quickly got in the car and drove in the direction that looked clearest. We came out of the other side of the storm and drove up to a hermitage in the hills outside Ulldecona which is now a museum of cave art. By a happy chance we arrived just as a guided tour was setting off so we seamlessly tagged along with them. The guide was speaking Catalan but since they were a mixed group there was some English and french going on too. In any case, the Catalan was surprisingly easy to understand.

The paintings here are on very exposed cliff faces, under overhangs -- the only reason a few of them have survived for thousands of years. No particular precautions are taken -- you can look as closely as you like. Of course they are faded and indistinct, but you can still see the small figures with bows and arrows and feathers in their hair, and the various animals (deer, horses, wild goats). Amazing! They are quite evocative too, with a real feeling of life to them, and the guide did a good job of explaining them.

Today I also chose a few of my Valencia photos and uploaded them to Flickr. You can click on the right arrow from here to see them. They include a cute duck -- identification welcome! And also a small heron (I think). And don't miss the market! Exterior view here.