snow Archives - Ronda Today

Nigel and Ginny Cobb, a local couple who pioneered Alpaca breeding in Andalucía sent us this photo of their Alpacas sitting under a tree when the first snow arrived in Ronda a few days ago.

Their fibre keeps them warm and so long as they can get food (Nigel and Ginny go round with avena every day) they are quite happy.

Alpacas are originally found in South America but seem to thrive in Spanish conditions and their hair makes an excellent wool. Apart from Nigel and Ginny Cobb between Arriate and Setenil, there are also other breeders near Arriate and two breeders near Gaucín.

Nigel and Ginny are quite happy to meet people who might be interested in seeing their Alpacas, meetings can be arranged on their property near Ronda, and they often exhibit their Alpacas at local agricultural shows.

Too learn more, visit the Andalucían Alpaca website.

Clive Muir

I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!

www.rondatoday.com/

After the unexpected holiday season rain that caused chaos in the lower reaches of the Guardiaro and Guadalcobacin rivers, Ronda today awakes to a light dusting of snow on the mountains surrounding the city of the Tajo.

Rain yesterday threatened to cause more flooding as more than 40 litres per square metre fell, particularly in LLano de la Cruz and La Indiana where river cleanup hasn’t been completed by Egmasa, and where the Guadalcobacin has already broken its banks on four of the last ten days, the 24th and 25th of December, and the 4th and 5th of January.

Several million Euros of damage has been caused, including as much as 3 million Euros damage to public infrastructure. The fire service in Ronda has handled over 130 flood related callouts, with a similar number handled by the police and Civil Defence volunteers.

If your property or crops were damaged by the floods, report your losses to the Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano on Calle Molino by the 23rd January 2010 to be considered for compensation. You should still contact your insurance provider to make a claim as well.

Last night’s snow is only a light dusting, not much more than a couple of centimetres but is already causing concern. The extreme weather experienced in the Serranía means the roads were already wet and there is a real danger of ice on mountain roads. The Guardia Civil have announced extra patrols on the main roads to Ronda.

Work crews were last night active on all main roads depositing salt crystals along the highways, and will today assess the need for further action on secondary roads. Snow chains are not yet needed however representatives of MAPFRE, one of Spain’s largest automotive insurance company’s is today advising travellers to keep chains in the car.

Weather in Ronda over the coming weekend is expected to be fine with light rain returning on Sunday, so it’s possible snow and ice on most roads will melt, but take extra care in sections of roads that don’t receive the winter sun.