We camped in the upper Lanjaron valley by streams and under a spectacular night sky. This was to be his first overnight trip. My lightweight summer backpack felt strangely heavy, weighed down by the additional items such as dog food, extra water and a various assortment of chains, leads, slings and karabiners, in a vain attempt to control a huskies instincts for freedom.
Khumbu by the Laguna de Caballo
The Verada Cortada
After leaving the Ventura trailhead above Lanjaron in the Alpujarras we headed uphill and gained the southern crest above the old Ventura hut. We were en route to the Cerro de Caballo and the upper Lanjaron valley. The ridge is broad and gentle and there are many large herds of Cabra Monteses (mountain goats) around here. Khumbu was strangely well behaved among all these fascinating creatures. I had no doubt a slip on my part and he would have been heading north across Spain chasing them, never to return. Such is the way of the husky!
After the Cerro de Caballo we dropped down to the Laguna de Caballo and along the incredible Verea Corta path that winds it's way in and out of rock faces across the western flank of the Lanjaron valley.
Swimming in Laguna Cuadrada
We stop at Laguna Cuadrada for a welcome swim and then come to the crux, well for a husky, certainly. A short gully has to be crossed assisted by chains. Simple enough for the 2 legged variety but not for Khumbu. He is a strong willed dog and if he doesn't want to do something then no amount of pulling, persuasion or tempting will work.
In the end two of us scaled the walls above the chains and organised an elaborate system whereby we could mavouver (pull), Khumbu across safely. As huskies are also not the bravest dogs in the world, this was accompanied by load squeals and cries. It was all over in a few seconds and we continued on our way non the worse for wear.
The way passed many glorious small mountain lakes nestling in deep craggy corries. A perfect way to laze the afternoon. We continued onto the head of the Rio Lanjaron and found a nice bivvy spot by some babbling brooks.
Khumbu on guard duty!
As the sun set and the stars came out, Khumbu delighted in watching the returning mountain ibex descending from the hills. He stayed on guard all throughout the night and kept the foxes at bay. Moon, Saturn, Shooting Stars, the Milky Way and the odd airliner filled the night sky. I tucked myself deeper into my sleeping bag as the temperature dropped to 3 or 4 deg C.
Fantastic mountain scenery, sun, running water and of course, a faithful friend. What more could one ask? Short video below.