Up in the Picos

We set off early and caught the Fuente De cable car up to the station at 1850m, a 753m vertical climb lasting 4 minutes, the longest single-span aerial lift in Europe.  It was drizzly and un-inspiring as we set out, but the mist soon lifted to show the mountain peaks in their glory.  We saw Griffon Vultures, Alpine Choughs, a Rufus-tailed Rock Thrush, lots of Alpine Accentors, and amazing views of a Wallcreeper - it may sound boring, but as our very excitable guide showed us it's movements skipping in and out of rocks, flashing glimpses of its ruby-coloured wings, it was quite something!  Flower of the day was the Mountain Crocus shown in the extra.